Resonance of Rambow

            In his essay, “Cultivation Analysis: An Overview,” George Gerbner discusses cultivation theory or the long-term effect of television on its viewers. Generally he concludes that the more time people spend watching television, the more likely they are to believe what they see. Throughout his study he points out several interesting occurrences that help explain his conclusions. Mainstreaming explains how groups of people from very different circumstances in life can be streamlined into a similar if not identical way of thinking about the world based on watching the same television shows. He also discusses the mean world syndrome, explaining that those who watch more television are more likely to think the world is a much darker place than it really is. His third point, however, is something I find far more interesting and beneficial to discuss.

            Gerbner describes resonance as a “phenomenon… in which everyday reality and television provide a ‘double dose’ of messages that ‘resonate’ and amplify cultivation (pg 182).” He, of course, is talking mainly about violence and those who live in high-rime areas of the world. This idea, though, can easily be applied to all kinds of situations and not just with negative consequences. In the 2007 gem, “Son of Rambow” the influence of media can be seen clearly and its effect is far more poignant to those who identify with what they’re watching.

            The protagonist provides the simplest example. Young Will is living a life ruled by his mother and her devotion to a very strict and oppressive religion (or cult, if you’d rather), his father died suddenly of a brain aneurism and he’s forbidden from watching any media. When he accidentally becomes friends with a rough kid, he is exposed to the character of Rambo. Now, don’t misunderstand me. Will’s life is nothing like that of Rambo’s. But resonance is so much more than just superficial living situations. When Rambo is trapped, Will recognizes that in his own life. More importantly, however, is what Rambo does that Will isn’t. Rambo fights. He stands up for what he believes in, he’s aggressive, and he wears a scarf tied around his head. Will relates to the captivity and struggles that Rambo goes through (albeit very symbolically) and takes strength from the fictitious victories. Because his life is already akin to what he sees on screen, he is far more affected by it then his friend, Lee Carter, is. He uses the story to create his own and decides to stop being oppressed by the brethren and that way of life. Because he can feel analogous to Rambo’s situation (trapped, alone, oppressed), he can then shape his actions to more closely match those of Rambo.

            Less directly but nevertheless critical is the influence of the French exchange student, Didier Revol. From the moment he steps off of the bus, his host student and those within his circle of influence begin to change. As is later revealed, Didier isn’t actually a trendsetter amongst his French piers. His life is thrown into a movie-like situation and he takes advantage of it by reinventing himself. When this super chic kid who seems to ooze confidence becomes part of their lives, they do everything they can to keep him happy, including hijacking Will and Lee’s movie. In this way they are forcing their lives to reflect what is seen on screen in hopes that movie-esque experiences will occur. From watching films, they may be under the impression that they will gain popularity and power, thus getting them access to more drugs/girls/video games/whatever. The idea of resonance doesn’t have to just apply to situations that already are, but could apply to situations that people put themselves in, hoping that their lives will become more like the movies.

            Even Lee Carter’s brother can’t escape the resonant effect. Lawrence is a class-A jerk the entire film. It’s not until he happens upon the candid footage of his brother defending him that he is able to see his life. In an incredibly literal sense, he sees his reality reflected on screen and decides to behave accordingly. He kicks his friends out and even helps Will finish the film. Lawrence is able to say on camera what he’s unable to express in real life: love. The world of the medium has become so real that it borders, and often crosses the line, into hyper reality: realer than real. In this way, Lawrence is able to rely on the safe distance of a pre-recorded scene to express his feelings for his brother but knowing that the message will get across to Lee because of the familiarity of what is seen on screen.

            The events of this film may help to prove the merits of a more protectionist view in regards to film and media. Certainly films and shows are crafted in a way to attract the largest audiences, and creating a similar environment or situation can help create that resonance with viewers that keep them coming back. This could be a dangerous tool. Gerber’s extensive research on violence is, naturally, a worry for parents and responsible citizens. But as made obvious by Lawrence’s experience, that resonance can be and is used for good.