Jaws & the American Dream: the shark proves to be an economic threat to the town, causing a split decision of whether or not to keep the beach open for the 4th of July celebration. This can be seen in the short clip: the mayor wants to keep the shark attacks under wraps so as to not affect the profit of the summer festivities, while Sherriff Brody wants to close the beach, having more care for the safety of the townspeople. A friend engages Sheriff Brody in a conversation while he's also trying to keep an eye out for the shark in the background. Also, the cutaways to the people's feet under the water and all the splashing really sell the suspense.
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Rebel without A Cause & the American Dream: The film tries to portray the reality of a traditional 1950s American family. A typical representation
consists of a bread-winning father, and the care-giving mother raising the children. In the following scene, the position of Jim, his mother, and father on the staircase shows their dysfunctional relationship with on another. Jim finds himself trying to prove himself by participating in the chickie runs with Judy's boyfriend. The quick change of shots between Jim and Judy's boyfriend create suspense. You see Judy's boyfriend stuck by the door handle (he can't jump out of the car)
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Halloween & the American Dream: Michael Myers represents a threat to the small-town suburban safety ideals of the American Dream. Even though the main characters live in a predominantly White neighborhood, danger still looms in the background – nowhere is safe.
Michael rises up behind Laurie & the last shots of the still frames implies Michael could be hiding anywhere in the darkness.
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