Themes of Pleasantville

Themes of Pleasantville

Stating the theme of this is quite difficult. The oblivious themes would be growing up, and sister-brother relationship. All though these themes are supported throughout the film, aren't they the thematic essence of this film. David (Bud) and his sister Jennifer (Mary Sue) both experience a kind of different maturing process than the average teen (being sucked into a television show must be considered different).

Since this film is takes places in a fictional suburban neighborhood, of the 1950s USA, it clearly poses some views about communism, but it also shows the desistence of communism in America. Therefore the author creates to opposing themes: Progress and change Vs. Stability and values. These are two relevant topics which still creates a lot of conflicts throughout the global political scene. Although the author doesn't seems to display chance as being only good, since it generates a lot of problems. This, is most notably, shown through Bud's father and his difficulties at adapting change. Jennifer is also used to show the advantages in stability and values, since that what see seeks in the end of the movie.

This makes even more sense when you consider which eras Pleasantville is supposed to take place in. Both of the worlds, the Utopia of Pleasantville, and the ordinary 1990's life, are both historically post-war, and pro-war periods.

The 1950s Pleasantville have just experienced Second World War, and were entering the cold war. The 1990s America, had on the other hand just finished the cold war victoriously, and was entering a, still on going, fight against worldwide insurgents. This leads to generation conflicts in both of the authors worlds. Both worlds have an elder generation, which prefers stability and values, and a younger generation which demands