For our final dramatic criticism, I chose the film, Monster's Ball. This film illustrates the joining of two races and cultures in a small segregated town. The plot revolves around a white racist police officer, Hank (Billy Bob Thorton), and a black, soon-to-be widow of a death row inmate, Laticia (Halle Berry). It is a truly moving story that is a must see for all generations.
Hank shows his racism by running the black neighbors off with a shot gun. However, Hank's son believes that they are people just like him, and breaks down when he has to execute a black inmate, Laticia's husband. After the execution, Hank's son not only realizes his father's hatred for blacks, but also is father hatred for him. He kills himself infront of his father. Hank resigns from the department the next day, but on his way home he comes across the scene of a hit-and-run. Laticia's son had just been hit by a car, and Hank drives them to the hospital. Her son dies, but a relationship between Laticia and Hank is born. Only at the end of the film do they realize the irony of their relationship.
The theme of Monster's Ball was the seemingly awkward juxtaposition of a racist white man and a poor black woman. Two things that would never be placed together, form a bond that no racial or cultural boundaries could break. This bond also helps each of them deal with their own losses, their sons, and a husband. Without each other neither of them could survive, and that is why I chose their relationship as the theme.
One element that was present throughout the movie was irony. Not only the relationship between two opposites, but also the way that they met. They became close long before any idea of the link between them was made apparent. Also the irony of them both losing a son within days of each other, this made them even closer. .
I thoroughly enjoyed the film and would recommend it to anyone. It is an eye opening experience on the changes and sacrifices people make for each other.
