J. D. Salinger's 'Igby Goes Down'
Analyse how composers of the set text reflect the concerns of their time
The Bildungsroman 1950’s novel, The Catcher in the Rye, by J.D Salinger and its late-twentieth century film appropriation, Igby goes down, directed by Bur steers can be seen as two texts that not only reflect the concerns of their time within their contextual societies, but furthermore challenge them. Good morning/afternoon Ms’ Parkinson and fellow students, today I will be discussing how the Composers Salinger and Steer question the existence of values such as Materialism and Relationships, with emphasise on Societies desire to pursue socio-cultural ‘norms’- which is essentially the accepted behaviour in a society or group. Through the use of Salinger’s literary techniques …show more content…
The writer and director of the film Igby Goes Down, Burr Steers, exemplifies this belief through the use of cinematic techniques. The audience are immediately introduced to a wealthy private school in the opening scenes of the film, with use of a camera angle technique; the panning shot, to help symbolise materialism, just like Holden’s various prep schools in The Catcher in the Rye. The scene cuts straight into Jason “Igby” Solcumb Jr., the protagonist, being expelled. Through a direct contrast of Igby and his successful, conforming brother, Oliver, Burr Steers stresses the extent to which Igby resists social expectations. Dialogue is used as a technique by the school’s headmaster to support this; “I hear he (Oliver) has already established himself as the cream of the Columbia Freshman crop. But of course we’re here to discuss Igby”. The brothers also differ in their speech; whilst Oliver speaks formally using politically correct language, Igby swears and uses sarcasm conversing in colloquial language. The use of props and costume play a vital part in suggesting that materialism was a strong value of the late-twentieth century. We see Rachel with her elegant apparel before the restaurant scene purposely trying to impress D.H., Igby’s affluent uncle who instantly leaves the restaurant when she arrives. The use of close up shot of D.H. facial expression further illustrates his dissatisfaction. A long shot showing Rachel alone whilst D.H. walks away is used metaphorically by Steers, as he implies that material possessions are ultimately insignificant. Costuming is also used to differentiate Igby from others; he can be seen in haggard clothes as he walks the streets of Manhattan. Igby also wears chucks – symbols of youth rebellion in a time of
The Bildungsroman 1950’s novel, The Catcher in the Rye, by J.D Salinger and its late-twentieth century film appropriation, Igby goes down, directed by Bur steers can be seen as two texts that not only reflect the concerns of their time within their contextual societies, but furthermore challenge them. Good morning/afternoon Ms’ Parkinson and fellow students, today I will be discussing how the Composers Salinger and Steer question the existence of values such as Materialism and Relationships, with emphasise on Societies desire to pursue socio-cultural ‘norms’- which is essentially the accepted behaviour in a society or group. Through the use of Salinger’s literary techniques …show more content…
The writer and director of the film Igby Goes Down, Burr Steers, exemplifies this belief through the use of cinematic techniques. The audience are immediately introduced to a wealthy private school in the opening scenes of the film, with use of a camera angle technique; the panning shot, to help symbolise materialism, just like Holden’s various prep schools in The Catcher in the Rye. The scene cuts straight into Jason “Igby” Solcumb Jr., the protagonist, being expelled. Through a direct contrast of Igby and his successful, conforming brother, Oliver, Burr Steers stresses the extent to which Igby resists social expectations. Dialogue is used as a technique by the school’s headmaster to support this; “I hear he (Oliver) has already established himself as the cream of the Columbia Freshman crop. But of course we’re here to discuss Igby”. The brothers also differ in their speech; whilst Oliver speaks formally using politically correct language, Igby swears and uses sarcasm conversing in colloquial language. The use of props and costume play a vital part in suggesting that materialism was a strong value of the late-twentieth century. We see Rachel with her elegant apparel before the restaurant scene purposely trying to impress D.H., Igby’s affluent uncle who instantly leaves the restaurant when she arrives. The use of close up shot of D.H. facial expression further illustrates his dissatisfaction. A long shot showing Rachel alone whilst D.H. walks away is used metaphorically by Steers, as he implies that material possessions are ultimately insignificant. Costuming is also used to differentiate Igby from others; he can be seen in haggard clothes as he walks the streets of Manhattan. Igby also wears chucks – symbols of youth rebellion in a time of