Last week I felt I was able to actively engage in class and answer questions efficiently due to studying the materials given. As a CMP major, I specifically found the comparison of Northwestern Mutual’s commercial and Willie Jones’s music video for the song “American Dream” to be interesting. Film grants power to share stories and experiences, and I think these two clips showed different perspectives of the American Dream and what it looks like to them. Although there are many freedoms and opportunities, unfortunately not everyone receives the fairness and equality that they should.
From a cinematography perspective, the clips from the NW commercial did a good job of capturing a rushed business world. Men and women are shown with brief cases on their way to meetings or on the phone with business calls. The camera shots fixate their shift from them to a man who is displayed in a different light. The close up shots express his facial expressions that create a firm decision that has to be made. New goals must be set in place outside of the work world. Running is his passion. Clips showing going back to back of the busy business people to cutting to the man running are brought to life. The message of the video is inspiring and also acknowledges that it is okay to try new things and pursue goals in life. This was this the main character’s “American Dream.”
In comparison, the music video displays a different perspective. The musician Willie is shown in western wear singing the lyrics while flashes dive into a deeper meaning. Shots of a younger child, implied that it is him, is shown with conflicts with the police and additional troubles. Lyrics such as “I’ve seen people lie for the flag, I’ve seen people die for the flag” are tied to the story. It shows a different kind of “American Dream” for his man and the struggles he has faced as a black man in America. In conclusion, the power of storytelling is a strategic and unique art and although these two messages were different, it was one’s idea of the American Dream.
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Comments by Presley Davidson