Change of perspective: Tuesdays with Morrie and Looking for Alibrandi
A change of perspective is an experience. It is encouraged by a compilation of both positive and adverse events, leading to both re-evaluation and a greater appreciation of ones sense of self-identity and a better understanding of those around them. This experience is unveiled in the texts Looking for Alibrandi directed by Kate Woods and Tuesday’s with Morrie by Mitch Ablom.
Kate Woods bildungsroman film “Looking for Alibrandi”, follows the transformation of an Italian/Australian girl Josie Alibrandi, whose cultural and filial ambivalence positions her as being combatant and antagonistic. The title itself is symbolic of Josie looking for her own identity. This feeling of not knowing ones true self is shown through the use of a voiceover by Josie stating, “This my be where I come from but do I really belong here?” The use of the voice over, which is laced with disdain and sarcasm, gives Josie’s subjective view on her family and cultural heritage, highlighting the near resentment of them. The opening scene of the film is a festive cultural day shared by Josie and her family, known as “Tomato Day”. This scene is shot in a sepia tone which accompanied by a variety of shot reverse shot and close up camera angles, emphasise Josie’s intentional isolation from her family. And illuminate her prominent reluctance to be there through the highly negative emotions displayed on her face. Josie is represented as feeling trapped by her culture; she desires the white Australian society but cannot fit in there either.
In Mitch Ablom’s non-fictional novel “Tuesdays with Morrie”, his favourite Uncle passed away from stomach cancer. Mitch vows to become important, and by remarks such as “I buried myself in accomplishments”, he commits to lead a life of materialism. The metaphor of burying himself signifies the purely materialistic persona he has adapted, by highlighting his newfound ambition orientated agenda. He further objectifies happiness by giving it a physical quality
Kate Woods bildungsroman film “Looking for Alibrandi”, follows the transformation of an Italian/Australian girl Josie Alibrandi, whose cultural and filial ambivalence positions her as being combatant and antagonistic. The title itself is symbolic of Josie looking for her own identity. This feeling of not knowing ones true self is shown through the use of a voiceover by Josie stating, “This my be where I come from but do I really belong here?” The use of the voice over, which is laced with disdain and sarcasm, gives Josie’s subjective view on her family and cultural heritage, highlighting the near resentment of them. The opening scene of the film is a festive cultural day shared by Josie and her family, known as “Tomato Day”. This scene is shot in a sepia tone which accompanied by a variety of shot reverse shot and close up camera angles, emphasise Josie’s intentional isolation from her family. And illuminate her prominent reluctance to be there through the highly negative emotions displayed on her face. Josie is represented as feeling trapped by her culture; she desires the white Australian society but cannot fit in there either.
In Mitch Ablom’s non-fictional novel “Tuesdays with Morrie”, his favourite Uncle passed away from stomach cancer. Mitch vows to become important, and by remarks such as “I buried myself in accomplishments”, he commits to lead a life of materialism. The metaphor of burying himself signifies the purely materialistic persona he has adapted, by highlighting his newfound ambition orientated agenda. He further objectifies happiness by giving it a physical quality