Change In Pleasantville

The film ‘Pleasantville’ produced in 1998 by Gary Ross showcases the uprising of change in Pleasantville, a utopian sitcom based in the 50’s. The characters in the film represent many different lifestyles and aspirations. Several characters like Betty and Mary-Sue are inspired by the promise of change and act upon it. Other characters are reluctant to change their regular routines, but are eventually pressured into changing. Certain people feel threatened by this sudden upsurge of change, and refuse to let it affect them. Everyone in Pleasantville is divided over this promise of change and only the bravest act upon it.
The promise of change motivates certain people to make immediate changes in their life for the better. When given the opportunity

of freedom many characters were curious and enthusiastic. Betty had previously never experienced true freedom in her life. She was always cooking, cleaning and following George’s orders. Betty became inquisitive about some of the new fascinations around Pleasantville like Lover’s Lane. Betty had never heard of such things that were occurring there but was still curious to know more. When Betty realised George would never do these things, Mary-Sue assured her that “there are other ways to enjoy yourself… without dad.” This sudden promise of change had made Betty do extraordinary things. Betty taking this step shows that she was ready for change and excited to be able to express herself properly. More and more people such as the town kids started to realise that change is acceptable and they started to dress differently and couples became more intimate. For the first time the town kids were interested in books as the pages started to fill in. This sudden change provoked many questions about life outside Pleasantville for David. Someone asked what is outside of Pleasantville? David responded by saying “there are some places that the road doesn’t go in a circle, there are some places where the road keeps going.” The town kids were thrilled and curious. This shows that some people in Pleasantville were excited by the promise of change and that influenced them to do extraordinary things.
The promise of change does not make some people change, but the experience forces them to. In the beginning of the film David does not want to influence Pleasantville in any way. He feels as though
“they are happy like this” and that they are not ready for change. David tries to not let Jennifer change their regular routine, although she argues that ‘no one is happy in a poodle skirt.” David is cautious and fearful that by imprinting on their actions it could impact and affect their daily lives. Mr Johnson, the owner of the Soda Shop, has always followed a strict routine. He believes in sameness and stability. Mr Johnson relied on Bud to do certain jobs before another could be done. Eventually David and Mr Johnson realise that change is worthy and following the same routine isn’t realistic. Mr Johnson then started to enjoy his life more as he started to fulfil his dreams. He noticed how much better his life was when he was not stuck in routine. This shows that the promise of change doesn’t affect some people, but the experience makes them to change.
The promise of change makes some people feel threatened and powerless in Pleasantville.

Many council members such as Bob and George feel vulnerable against the sudden rise of change in Pleasantville. They denied what other citizens accepted. George became powerless against his wife, Betty. Betty stopped making dinners for him and doing the cleaning. George expressed his aggression with other council members who were also experiencing new behaviour from their wives. George stated that when he came home there was “No lights. No wife. No dinner”. The men still could not comprehend why they could not control the change in Pleasantville. Towards the end of the film, when Bob and David were arguing in the courtroom, Bob could still not understand how people were in colour. Whenever David suggested what the future of Pleasantville will be like, Bob would yell “That is not going to happen”. Bob was outraged at David’s success towards turning the town members coloured. Bob became so frustrated he screamed “I am not going to let you turn this courtroom into a circus.” Even once Bob had changed colour he could not accept the change and ran away in anger. This shows that some people in Pleasantville could never truly accept the promise of

change.
The promise of change did make some people do extraordinary things. Those who were brave enough to look for change inside of them were the ones who succeeded. They realised that change is not something to be ashamed of. Change is inside of everyone and you cannot stop something that is inside of you.