America's Dominant Myths

America's dominant myths, as revealed in political speeches, books, television and film are grounded in optimism. As the land of opportunity, the American myth was based on the simple, idealistic belief that even if the streets were not paved with gold, through hard work and integrity even poor boys could find success and the good life. It's the Horatio Alger myth. This optimistic myth was perpetuated by Frank Capra in films that centered on the incorruptible Everyman whose idealism and gumption are enough to topple the forces of evil. Sentimental films such as "It's A Wonderful Life" and "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" are driven by the American myth. Mr. Smith is a young idealist who is shocked by the corruption he finds in the U.S. Senate. Instead of joining the forces of corruption to better himself financially, he manages to overcome them, and righteousness and goodness rule. This optimistic view of society was portrayed in Hollywood film genres such as musicals, romantic comedies, and sunny family dramas in which Lassie, or her equivalent, always comes home. World War II films depicted heroism and patriotism but not blood and horror. In violent gangster films and Westerns viewers could always tell the good guys from the bad guys. The ideology of the film noir style, however, ran counter to the American myths. Life was not simple, optimistic and clear, but ambiguous, corrupt and murky. And the protagonist of film noir was more an anti-hero than a hero.

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with the other small bankers in Joe and Tucker's scheme. Leo put Joe through college and Joe wants to pay him back, in addition to a measure of filial loyalty. By attempting to bring Leo into the scheme, Joe jeopardizes himself, as well as his brother. But this human "weakness" is what sets Joe apart from the other characters who also contain forces of evil. Joe's streak of decency is what separates noir anti-heroes from the villains as can be seen in other film noir classics such as "This Gun for Hire" and "The Maltese Falcon." The anti-hero is never quite as greedy and self-serving as the villains. Joe may be as corrupt and cynical as Tucker, but he is also morally ambiguous, disillusioned and somewhat frightened. One of the things that frighten Joe is Leo's outrage upon learning of Joe's scheme. Leo is not grateful for Joe's inside information and dismisses him as a gangster. His brother's harsh rejection forces Joe to display his moral ambiguity. In the middle of a conversation with his girlfriend Doris (Beatrice Pearson), he suddenly begins to trail his thoughts and words, and his brother's ideas invade his own. To reach out and take is human, he tells Doris, but to get your pleasure from not taking is a black t

Category: Film - A