Gran Torino Comparative Essay

Most films can be categorized into various subgenres that can appeal to anybody. But these subgenres fall under the three core genres of cinema which are Classical, Modern, and Postmodern. While there are no set-in stone rules into how movies must be categorized, there is a consensus or interpretation into where they lay. Two films that we watched over the course of the semester that I will be talking about are Casablanca and Gran Torino. These two movies fall under the classical genre of cinema. But what makes a film fall into the Classical genre? Classical films shadow a traditional or formulaic plot line that veers to be very predictable to the spectators. Characters in classical movies tend to be stereotypical; often rough around the edges

Clint Eastwood’s film, Gran Torino received generally positive reviews as it touched upon sensitive topics such a racism and gang violence. The characters within Gran Torino shadow along the guidelines or formula that creates what a classical film is. The main character within the film, Walt, deals with ethical or moral issues that are presented clearly from the start. Walt currently lives in a neighborhood that has regressed and become a hub for gang activity. As an old war veteran from the Vietnam War, he is irritated with how the neighborhood is turning and that Hmong people moved next door to him. Walt’s racist tendencies are displayed from the very beginning of the film that audiences can pick up on. But like most classical films, the lead character starts to realize his bad intentions and sees the good within the Hmong people. Morally, Walt was not in the best state of mind, but talking with the priest and his next-door neighbors, he altered his outlook on life. The ending of Gran Torino, just like most classical films also cleans up nice and tidy to have a simply resolution that all spectators can