Gran Torino (2008) Analysis - Part 2 | WACE Year 12 English:

Summary

This analysis of *Gran Torino* delves into the key themes of masculinity, personal transformation, and the symbolism of the Gran Torino car. It explores how the characters Tao and Father Janovich evolve through their relationships with Walt, adopting values such as strength, courage, and maturity. The analysis examines how Walt’s evolving view of masculinity shapes his respect for others, showing how Tao and Janovich grow by embracing these values. The Gran Torino itself serves as a symbol of timeless masculinity, reflecting Clint Eastwood's own perspectives on what it means to be a man.

Takeaways

• 😀 Tao's transformation in *Gran Torino* is central to the film, as he goes from a passive, submissive character to an independent man who earns Walt's respect through traditional masculine values.
• 😀 Walt values masculinity as defined by strength, confidence, maturity, and the ability to act with integrity, rather than by superficial markers like possessions or status.
• 😀 The Gran Torino car symbolizes old-fashioned masculine values, admired for its timelessness and care, much like the virtuous qualities Walt tries to instill in others.
• 😀 Tao's journey includes acquiring the 'Holy Trinity' of a job, car, and girlfriend, which are seen as markers of masculine success but are ultimately secondary to his internal growth and character development.
• 😀 Walt’s respect for Tao is earned not because he acquires possessions, but because Tao demonstrates maturity, responsibility, and the strength to stand up for himself and others.
• 😀 Father Janovich's transformation reflects a shift from innocence to maturity, marked by his increasing understanding of the complexity of life, death, and the moral gray areas he once ignored.
• 😀 The evolution of Father Janovich’s relationship with alcohol represents his growing maturity, with the beer symbolizing his transition from a naïve, innocent young man to a more worldly, grounded individual.
• 😀 Masculine values in the film are shown through the characters’ actions, including courage, integrity, and the ability to protect others who cannot protect themselves.
• 😀 The film uses visual techniques like lighting and color to symbolize the characters' emotional journeys, with washed-out colors representing Walt’s emotional emptiness and golden hues indicating his fulfillment and happiness.
• 😀 The film critiques traditional views of masculinity, suggesting that masculinity is not about external markers (like possessions or status) but about embodying core values such as strength, maturity, and responsibility.

Q & A

What key theme is discussed in part 1 of the analysis, and how does it relate to Walt's character?

In part 1, the key theme discussed is Walt's fulfillment, happiness, and purpose in life. The analysis highlights how Walt's journey is about finding contentment and meaning, with a focus on how he comes to terms with his past and the people around him, particularly through his interactions with Tao and Janovich.

How does the film portray masculinity, and what traits are associated with it?

The film portrays masculinity through a set of values that Walt holds dear, including strength, confidence, chivalry, courage, integrity, and maturity. These traits are exemplified through Tao's and Father Janovich's transformations, where they earn Walt's respect by displaying these masculine qualities.

What is the significance of the Holy Trinity (job, car, girlfriend) in Tao's transformation?

The Holy Trinity represents common markers of male success in Western culture, specifically a job, car, and girlfriend. In Tao's transformation, these are not the defining factors of his masculinity, but rather symbols of his growth and ability to take responsibility. Tao's transformation is more about his change in values and gaining Walt's respect.

Why does Walt respect Tao despite Tao's initial submissiveness?

Walt respects Tao because Tao gradually embodies the values that Walt holds in high regard, such as strength, responsibility, and maturity. Tao's journey involves him shedding his earlier submissiveness and adopting a more assertive and self-reliant character, which earns Walt's respect.

How does Father Janovich’s character evolve throughout the film?

Father Janovich undergoes a transformation from an innocent and naïve young man to a more mature and grounded individual. His journey involves him confronting the complexities of life, death, and morality, which is symbolized through his increased openness to alcohol and his evolving understanding of the world.

What is the symbolic significance of alcohol in Janovich’s transformation?

Alcohol serves as a symbol of masculinity and maturity in the film. At the start, Janovich refuses alcohol, but as he matures, he gradually becomes more receptive to it. His transition from ordering a gin and tonic to drinking beer symbolizes his growing masculinity and increased understanding of the complexities of life.

How does the film use visual techniques, like lighting and color, to reflect character transformations?

The film uses lighting and color to emphasize character growth and emotional states. For example, the contrast between the bright lighting associated with Father Janovich’s innocence and the darker lighting during his more mature moments symbolizes his evolving understanding of the world. Additionally, the washed-out colors in the film reflect Walt’s sense of emptiness before he finds fulfillment.

What role does the Gran Torino play in the narrative and Walt’s values?

The Gran Torino acts as a symbol of old-fashioned masculine values that Walt tries to instill in younger characters like Tao. The car is a beacon of respect and admiration in a decaying neighborhood, representing the timeless nature of the virtues Walt cherishes, such as hard work, pride, and self-reliance.

How do Tao's and Father Janovich’s respective journeys relate to Walt’s character and worldview?

Tao’s and Father Janovich’s journeys reflect Walt’s own values and beliefs. As they transform, they demonstrate the importance of responsibility, maturity, and strength, all of which Walt values. His relationship with them allows him to pass on his own understanding of masculinity, while also helping him confront his own past and emotions.

What are the broader implications of the movie's message on masculinity and fulfillment?

The movie suggests that true masculinity and fulfillment come not from superficial markers of success like wealth or status, but from embodying core values such as strength, integrity, courage, and maturity. It challenges simplistic notions of masculinity and instead emphasizes the importance of personal growth, responsibility, and respect.