‘It’s special here’, says Marina (Jenny Seagrove), the mermaid-like marine biologist of Local Hero about the landscape of her home country Scotland. However, this statement is at the same time valid for Scotland as a whole, a country with a colourful history and a unique status, often ‘described as a stateless nation, an imagined community’ (McCrone 2001: 6; Anderson 2006: 6). After almost 300 years of dependence, sealed with the Act of Union in 1707, Scotland is now taking more and more steps towards independence from England – with the establishment of the ‘first separate Scottish Parliament’ as probably the ‘most fundamental’ step (Petrie 2000 (b): 153). Since, as Everett states, ‘identity is a dominant concern [of every nation]’ (2005 (a): 6) it is not surprising that a nation which has been dominated for such a long time is especially interested in finding and presenting its unique features.
In Petrie’s opinion, cultural products such as films are ‘means by which the myths and realities, experiences and dreams of [a nation] and its inhabitants [are] reflected and asserted’ (2004: 1-2). Thus, Bill Forsyth’s Local Hero (1983) can be seen as an important contribution to Scotland’s search and assertion of identity. This essay will primarily deal with Forsyth’s representation of highland landscape that, in Morgan James’ opinion, ‘is closely associated to [Scotland’s identity]’ (2003: 121) and ‘represents a powerful discourse of national identity’ (2006: 187). The focus of this study will lie on Forsyth’s reconstruction of this ‘ethnoscape’ (ibid: 187) and on the question of to what extent the highland landscape in Local Hero can be seen as a metaphor for Scotland. As the following analysis will show, Forsyth on the one hand employs traditional ‘iconography [such as] misty landscape’ (McCrone 2001: 127). However, he deconstructs and modifies these stereotypes and thus presents Scotland as a nation being shaped and enriched by its mythical past, but not stuck in it. In contrast, Scotland keeps up with the times and is ready to face future and its challenges.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- The Highland Landscape in Local Hero
- The Village Community and Kailyardism
- Nature's Hidden Strengths
- Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This essay analyzes Bill Forsyth's Local Hero (1983) and its representation of the Scottish highland landscape as a metaphor for Scotland's national identity. The essay examines how Forsyth utilizes traditional imagery while simultaneously deconstructing stereotypes to portray a Scotland shaped by its past but also embracing modernity.
- The representation of the Scottish highland landscape in Local Hero.
- The relationship between the landscape and Scotland's national identity.
- The deconstruction of traditional Scottish stereotypes in the film.
- The impact of modernity and globalization on Scotland.
- The film's portrayal of the balance between tradition and modernity in Scotland.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory section sets the stage for the analysis by establishing the context of Scotland's historical relationship with England, its pursuit of independence, and the significance of cultural products like films in shaping and asserting national identity. It introduces Bill Forsyth's Local Hero as a key work in this context, focusing on the film's representation of the highland landscape as a metaphor for Scotland's identity.
The Highland Landscape in Local Hero: This chapter delves into the portrayal of the highland landscape in the film, contrasting its initial depiction as a stereotypical, idyllic, and mystical setting with the reactions of the American oil company representatives. The chapter analyzes how the landscape's initial resistance to the intrusion of modernity is juxtaposed with the villagers' welcoming attitude towards economic development, symbolizing Scotland's complex relationship with globalization and its efforts to find its place in the modern world. The juxtaposition of the expansive landscape with the limited perspectives of the oil company representatives highlights the theme of alienation from nature, mirroring Scotland's historical vulnerability and dependence.
The Village Community and Kailyardism: This section analyzes the film's representation of the village community, examining the interplay of traditional Kailyard elements with modern influences. Forsyth's modification of Kailyardism, by introducing a black immigrant minister and highlighting the influence of a future-oriented hotel owner, showcases Scotland's evolving societal dynamics and its departure from traditional representations. The chapter argues that the film doesn't ignore social and political realities but engages with them in a nuanced way, presenting a balanced portrayal of a nation navigating tradition and modernity.
Nature's Hidden Strengths: This chapter explores the film's depiction of nature's resilience and power. The contrasting characterizations of the nature-loving highlander, Ben Knox, and the almost mythical Marina, who embodies the elemental forces of nature, showcase the enduring connection between the Scottish people and their landscape. The chapter analyzes how the landscape subtly influences Mac and Happer, prompting them to reconsider their priorities and appreciate the importance of preserving the environment over short-term economic gains. The eventual triumph of nature over the oil company's plans symbolizes Scotland's ability to navigate the pressures of globalization while maintaining its unique identity and values.
Keywords
Scottish national identity, highland landscape, Local Hero, Bill Forsyth, Kailyardism, modernity, globalization, tradition, nature, environmentalism, cultural representation, deconstruction of stereotypes.
Local Hero: A Film Analysis - FAQ
What is the main focus of this analysis?
This analysis focuses on Bill Forsyth's film, Local Hero (1983), and its representation of the Scottish highland landscape as a metaphor for Scotland's national identity. It examines how the film utilizes traditional imagery while simultaneously deconstructing stereotypes to portray a Scotland shaped by its past but embracing modernity.
What are the key themes explored in the analysis?
Key themes include the representation of the Scottish highland landscape, the relationship between the landscape and Scotland's national identity, the deconstruction of traditional Scottish stereotypes, the impact of modernity and globalization on Scotland, and the film's portrayal of the balance between tradition and modernity.
What is the structure of the analysis?
The analysis is structured into chapters: an introduction, a chapter focusing on the highland landscape's portrayal, one on the village community and Kailyardism, a chapter on nature's resilience, and a conclusion. It also includes a table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords.
How does the analysis approach the film's representation of the Scottish highland landscape?
The analysis contrasts the initial depiction of the landscape as idyllic and mystical with the reactions of the American oil company representatives. It examines how the landscape's resistance to modernity is juxtaposed with the villagers' acceptance of economic development, symbolizing Scotland's complex relationship with globalization.
How does the analysis address the concept of Kailyardism in the film?
The analysis examines the interplay of traditional Kailyard elements with modern influences in the film's representation of the village community. It highlights Forsyth's modification of Kailyardism through the inclusion of a black immigrant minister and a forward-thinking hotel owner, showcasing Scotland's evolving societal dynamics.
What role does nature play in the film according to the analysis?
The analysis explores nature's resilience and power, contrasting characters like the nature-loving highlander, Ben Knox, and the elemental Marina. It analyzes how the landscape influences the main characters, prompting them to reconsider their priorities and the importance of environmental preservation. The eventual triumph of nature symbolizes Scotland's ability to maintain its identity amidst globalization.
What are the key takeaways from this analysis of Local Hero?
The analysis suggests that Local Hero offers a nuanced portrayal of Scotland navigating tradition and modernity, highlighting the complexities of national identity in the face of globalization and the enduring importance of the relationship between the Scottish people and their landscape.
What keywords are associated with this analysis?
Keywords include Scottish national identity, highland landscape, Local Hero, Bill Forsyth, Kailyardism, modernity, globalization, tradition, nature, environmentalism, cultural representation, and deconstruction of stereotypes.
- Quote paper
- Regina Männle (Author), 2007, The importance of highland landscape as a metaphor for Scotland in Forsyth’s "Local Hero", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/112824
