Gran Torino Symbolism

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The film Gran Torino distributed by Warner Bros Pictures in 2008 is a well-rounded story that brings current social and cultural issues into focus. It was directed by Clint Eastwood, who also plays the character, Walt. This film introduces symbolism by focusing on objects that have deeper meaning, it discusses the rising issues of racism, class structure, gang violence and the returning veterans struggle with values and outlook on life after their service. This film is truly thought provoking and viewers can take away many lessons from this story. In the opening scene, the camera zooms in at a high angle with low key lighting to show the weak, powerless feeling that is felt on this particular day at the church. It starts with Walt and his children attending his wife’s funeral. During the funeral, the grand-children begin to laugh and make fun of certain traditions for the funeral that they obviously are not taking seriously. As Walt sits isolated from his family, his two sons talk about their father and what they are going to do with him now that he is by himself. You can quickly see that they are not close with their dad and …show more content…

You see this class distinction between him and his son. Walt is part of the blue collar working class and had no college education whereas his son is more of a white collar worker who is more educated. These two sometimes clash, especially when you are not close with someone to begin with. You also see this when Walt attends his doctor. Walt’s old doctor was a male who was most likely around his age and same race. When Walt gets sick and has to go back to the doctor's office, he finds out there is a new doctor he has to see. It is a woman, she is wealthy, educated, and not American which are all things Walt does not prefer. Throughout the film viewers are able to distinguish the different structures of class and the issues that arise with

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