A Father and Son Reunion on the Way to the Abyss - Assignment Example

A Father and Son Reunion on the Way to the Abyss A Father and Son Reunion on the Way to the Abyss is a movie that was authored by Anthony Oliver Scott (b. July 10, 1966) and released in English on March 2, 2012 by Motion Pictures. The publisher of the script of the movie was the New York Times. The movie is about There are several stylistic devices which characterize Scott's exemplary creative skills in his literary works. One of these literary devices that Scott uses is irony. This is seen in the person of Jonathan Flynn. His motto postulates that man has been placed on earth to assist his fellow. However, a critical look at him shows otherwise. His practice reveals his leaning towards the belief that every individual should either strive to take care of his needs or not bother him (Jonathan). It is also an interesting irony that although Jonathan is a writer, he runs on vodka, bile, orange juice and delusions of grandeur. In contrast to the situation above, normally, it is expected that a writer should be sober, so that he can make analytical and accurate judgment on socio-economic developments that take place within the auspices of the society. This is especially the case when one considers the fact that in his own mind; Jonathan deems himself one of the American writers worth bothering with, beside J. D. Salinger and Mark Twain (Scott, 1). Again, another interesting twist of irony is seen in Jonathan's physical visage. His circumstances are seen and described by Scott as rambling in manner, shaggy and shabby in circumstances. This is not consistent with the mien that is expected of a writer. In another wavelength, it is important to note that Jonathan writes letters to Nick Flynn. The letters Jonathan wrote to Nick, fed Nick's literary ambitions, but even after his release from prison, he never made effort to see Nick. This speaks of Jonathan's lack of strong character and his inability to keep his word. A more critical and keener analysis reveals that in the plot, Jonathan's father is largely an absentee parent. This aspect of Jonathan's life may have influenced Jonathan's behavior and character; and thereby compounding a situation that gives rise to Jonathan's two-faced lifestyle. This may be underscored by Jonathan serving a prison term for issuing bad checks. This betrays a lack of character on the side of Jonathan. The lack of character in turn is one of the drawbacks of a fatherless life and guidance. The moral plight of Jonathan Flynn is also exhibited by his moral struggle. In the movie, Jonathan consistently continues to spiral downwards, so that the audience is left debating within itself whether it is needful to continue following up on Jonathan's character. Another aspect which underscores the relevance of father-son relationship as a sacrosanct part of human development is the similarity between Jonathan and Nick. This aspect of similarity is applicable in this analysis, since both Nick and Jonathan are individuals who existed and grew up in the absence of the father. Although there are differences between the two, both Jonathan and Nick struggle with moral uprightness and character. For instance, Nick, though more watchful and diffident and suffering from the ravages of his father's neglect, has very destructive behavioral patterns; albeit these patterns are presented as much milder than his father's. Particularly, Olivia Thirlby is Nick's one-time lover, closest friend and co-worker who also witnesses Nick's agony and struggle with moral addictions. Similarly, it is Thirlby who witnesses Nick make a rather too schematic and quick recovery. This underscores the importance of fatherhood, in the lives of both Nick and Jonathan, since their character flaws seem to have their foundations in their childhood. In turn, this troubled childhood seems to be exacerbated by absentee fatherhood (Scott, 1). Nevertheless, a critical look at the movie's plotline and personal reflection reveals that the writer through the use of diversion as a stylistic device underscores the theme of choice and determination. It is given that both Jonathan and Nick suffer setbacks in character development because of absentee fatherhood. Both struggle with moral addictions and incompleteness to this effect. However, it is noteworthy that while Jonathan continues to plunge himself in the slimy pit of moral abyss, Nick successfully attempts a recovery out of his moral morass. This strengthens the notion that man is a sum total of his background (social heritage) and the choices he later makes, as a free moral agent. The theme of a missing father is complexly woven in the story that it is shown to govern individuals' interpersonal relations and even their mental predisposition. This is underscored by the behavioral and attitudinal mien that Nick Flynn adopts. Particularly, when writing his memoir, Nick Flynn does so with a lot of pungency and profane unmentionables. This may have been as a result of bitterness that accrues from a difficult past. At the same time, the painful, ambiguous and difficult relationship between Jonathan and Nick Flynn further also emphasizes the importance of father-son relationship, which in this case is a troubled one. Conclusion One readily agrees with the postulation that the movie underscores greatly, the truth about the frailty of humanity. It is almost obvious that the father to Jonathan and Nick did not really intend for their children to lead a fatherless life. Life's circumstances must have frustrated his innermost plans, on the contrary. The frailty seen in the lives of Jonathan and Nick also helps underscore human nature, as they struggle to eke out a living and contend with moral decisions and uprightness in character. The complex interplay between the struggle to eke out a living and moral uprightness is underlined by Jonathan issuing bad checks- a feat that lands him in jail. This is the case since self-preservation is underscored therein. Above all, Nick's ascent from his moral morass by far surpasses all the depiction of humanity: in it, humanity is shown not to be only susceptible to error, but also as having the power of will to reform. Works Cited Scott, O. "Anthony. A Father and Son Reunion on the Way to the Abyss." The New York Times, 2013. Retrieved From: http://movies.nytimes.com/2012/03/02/movies/paul-weitzs-being-flynn-starring-robert-de-niro.html?_r=0 Electronic Read More