The Perception of Vengeance and Justice in "The Revenant"

Trabajo de Seminario , 2017 , 13 Páginas , Calificación: 3.0

Filmología

"The Revenant", directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, indicates some essential features of the individualist movement. In this research paper, the focus will be selected upon the perception of justice and vengeance based on the perspectives of the characters and the environmental tribune of the film setting. By involving the above-mentioned aspects, the main objective is to provide a meaningful portrait of "The Revenant" which especially emphasizes its relatability. By adding some philosophically and psychologically relevant background information, the global structure will be strengthened. Furthermore, the involvement of those elements essentially support to prove whether the perception of vengeance and justice shift by the end of the movie.

The movie also features some philosophical declarations concerning the embodiment and expression of certain structures. It not only underlines the importance of family, but also shows some key characteristics of modern society. From the perspective of John Fitzgerald, the antagonist in the film, the attitude toward justice varies essentially from the perspective of Hugh Glass, who primarily plays the role of a sociable, patient and mentally strong character. As Fitzgerald, very well, represents the norms within our capitalist system, his perception of justice shows a key difference compared with the protagonist.

As the movie especially underlines philosophical statements concerning justice and revenge shown by a broad range of different actions, gestures, intonation varieties, visual signs and other forms of expression – "The Revenant" not only represents a fascinating piece of film, but also provides a unique way of expressing individualism through various means.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• The Perception of Vengeance and Justice in The Revenant
• Introduction
• The Moral Responsibility in the 1970s
• The Covenantal, Social Voluntarism
• The Revenant – A Unique Way of Expressing Individualism
• The Perception of Vengeance and Justice
• The Protagonist Hugh Glass
• The Shift of Perception
• The Strong Desire for Revenge
• The Native Son
• Glass’ Actual Aim
• The Difference between Vengeance and Justice
• The Nonverbal Aspects
• The Visual Film Setting
• The Philosophical Significance

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This research paper delves into the perception of vengeance and justice in the movie "The Revenant," exploring the characters' perspectives and the environmental context of the film setting. The main objective is to provide a meaningful portrait of "The Revenant" that emphasizes its relatability, incorporating philosophical and psychological insights to strengthen the overall structure. The paper aims to investigate whether the perception of vengeance and justice shifts by the end of the movie.

• The evolution of individualism and moral responsibility in American history.
• The contrasting perceptions of justice and revenge held by the protagonist and antagonist.
• The impact of emotional trauma and the pursuit of revenge on the protagonist's mental state.
• The role of the environment and visual imagery in conveying philosophical themes.
• The distinction between vengeance and justice, and their implications for personal and societal morality.

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• Introduction: This chapter sets the stage by introducing the topic of individual responsibility in American history and how it relates to the film "The Revenant." It introduces the contrasting perspectives on individualism and sets the context for the analysis of vengeance and justice.
• The Moral Responsibility in the 1970s: This chapter examines the perception of individualism in the 1970s as suggested by Robin M. Williams Jr., highlighting the idea of an inner representation of moral responsibility.
• The Covenantal, Social Voluntarism: This chapter introduces a more contemporary interpretation of individualism by Claude S. Fischer, contrasting it with the egoistic, asocial individualism of de Tocqueville.
• The Revenant – A Unique Way of Expressing Individualism: This chapter explores how the film "The Revenant" reflects the individualist movement and its themes. It introduces the main characters and their contrasting views on justice and revenge.
• The Perception of Vengeance and Justice: This chapter examines the differing attitudes towards vengeance and justice as represented by the protagonist and antagonist. It introduces their perspectives and how they are conveyed through actions, gestures, and visual elements.
• The Protagonist Hugh Glass: This chapter delves into the character of Hugh Glass, the protagonist, highlighting his initial portrayal as a sociable, strong, and thoughtful individual. It discusses his relationship with Native Americans and his cultural background.
• The Shift of Perception: This chapter examines the significant shift in Glass's perception after the murder of his son. It explores the emotional impact of the event and how his character transforms from rational to emotionally driven.
• The Strong Desire for Revenge: This chapter further explores Glass's desire for revenge and how it motivates his actions. It discusses the philosophical justification for revenge and how it relates to Glass's survival.
• The Native Son: This chapter discusses the portrayal of Glass's son as Native American and how it adds emotional weight to his desire for revenge. It also addresses the historical inaccuracies in the film.
• Glass’ Actual Aim: This chapter questions Glass's actual motivation for revenge. It examines whether his pursuit of revenge is truly a means to overcome grief or simply an irrational desire for retribution.
• The Difference between Vengeance and Justice: This chapter highlights the distinction between vengeance and justice through the example of Glass's wife. It examines her moral stance on revenge and the importance of closure.
• The Nonverbal Aspects: This chapter analyzes the nonverbal elements of the film, such as the environment and visual imagery, and their role in conveying philosophical themes. It discusses how the cold winter landscape and other visual elements enhance the emotional impact of the story.
• The Visual Film Setting: This chapter examines the visual film setting, particularly the use of water and sky as symbols. It discusses the symbolism of home sickness, vastness, and terror within the film's environment.
• The Philosophical Significance: This chapter explores the philosophical significance of various scenes in the film, highlighting how they convey meaning and deeper themes. It explores the relationship between environment, character development, and emotional impact.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

This research paper explores the themes of vengeance and justice, individual responsibility, the role of environment and visual imagery in storytelling, and the philosophical implications of revenge and forgiveness in the context of "The Revenant." It focuses on the contrasting perspectives of the protagonist and antagonist, the impact of emotional trauma, and the distinction between vengeance and justice.

• Universidad: Pädagogische Hochschule Vorarlberg
• Calificación: 3.0
• Autor: Florian Ramos (Autor)
• Año de publicación: 2017
• Páginas: 13
• No. de catálogo: V1256304
• ISBN (PDF): 9783346694164
• ISBN (Libro): 9783346694171
• Idioma: Inglés
• Etiqueta: The Revenant, Literature, Iñárritu, Leonardo DiCaprio