Field of Dreams Summary
The film, Field of Dreams reflects twenty-first-century American culturein the on many levels. While the predominant theme of the movie isfollowing dreams, the underlying notion of baseball reflects anotherelement of an American pastime. The film also depicts moods and imagesfrom the 60s, which influence the characters. The possibility ofredemption and forgiveness are the film's greatest achievements, which aremade possible by listening to a faceless voice. The character of Ray embodies American culture is his thoughts andactions. In the beginning of the film, he tells us, " I'm 36 years old, Ilove my family, I love baseball, and I'm about to become a farmer. Butuntil I heard the voice, I'd never done a crazy thing in my whole life"(Field of Dreams). This statement introduces to the motivation and meaningbehind the film. Ray finds the courage to do something crazy in the UnitedStates, the country that is known for the American Dream. Another aspect about the movie that depicts American culture is therelationship Ray has with his wife, Annie. They have the typical Americanfamily and they depict traditional American values raising a small child inIowa. When Ray hears the voice, Annie
Scott Winkler notes that while the community views Ray as a "damn fool"(Field of Dreams), they fail to realize that they are "watching an artistat work. In spite of the fact that the idea of building abaseball field is crazy, she tell him, "If you really feel you should dothis, you should do it" (Field of Dreams). Terrence Mann also gives the compelling speech to Ray at the end of themovie, which incorporates the dream with baseball. This sentiment reflects the Americanculture that influenced Ray and Annie when they were impressionableteenagers. This is never clearer than when Ray, Annie, and Karenwatch the players practice. Only those who believe can see theplayers. It hold extra value when Ray and his family realize that not everyone cansee the "baseball men" (Field of Dreams) playing. The scene at the school whenthe board is discussing banning books, also introduces us to a taste ofAmerican culture. The field isa dream that becomes a revelation. In addition, when Annie asks him if he is suffering from aflashback from hearing the voice, we encounter another reminder of Americanculture of the 60s. Ray isalso able to identify with his father and release the guilt he harbored formany years. thinks he is crazy but she nevermakes him feel like a fool. Baseball was a pastime that fathers and sons enjoyed together--Ray and his father being no exception.
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