LEAN ON ME (1989) REVIEW

 NAME : DHANESH C N E

REG NO : 2021504510

REVIEW:

The film "Lean on Me" by John G Avildsen narrates the tale of Joe Clark (Morgan Freeman), a former teacher returned to his former inner-city high school, which is now troubled by drug abuse, violence, and mediocre academic performance. Clark puts in place strict regulations including mandatory Saturday detention and longer school hours, with just a year to get things back on track or face state takeover. Clark used his stubborn will and unusual techniques to cultivate discipline and a sense of purpose in every student despite opposition from parents, teachers, and students.

The compelling performance of Joe Clark by Morgan Freeman is the film's main asset. He exhibits the complexity of the character by expressing his solid will, random authoritarianism, and everlasting love for the children. Freeman's passion and seriousness make Clark an interesting, if controversial, figure.

Even though Morgan Freeman gives an incredibly riveting performance as Joe Clark, I wished the supporting cast had been given more screen time. Though we get to see glimpses of their challenges and motivations (Ms. Daniels's early resistance and later support, Mr. Drummond's unhappiness with the system), they eventually come across as relatively one-dimensional in contrast with Clark's fully developed persona.

A more unbiased approach that explored the hurdles and driving forces of parents, teachers, and youngsters might have offered an alternate viewpoint on Clark's leadership and its wider significance. Improved character development for the supporting cast would make the story more compelling and encourage empathy for the range of difficulties faced by the school community.

The screenplay has been well-written, striking a balance between tense moments, serious times, and reflective silences. The sets, which show the congested halls and shabby classrooms of the school, brilliantly convey the grim realism of the movie. The historical setting of the movie, which takes place in the late 1980s, also helps to visualize the struggles the school community faces and contributes an additional degree of authenticity.

The movie praises Clark's leadership and how it affects the students' academic achievement, but it also doesn't hold back when highlighting the difficulties and moral dilemmas raised by his techniques. His use of physical intimidation and public humiliation of students raise important concerns about the limits of authority and the possibility of unexpected consequences. These strategies appeared harsh, especially the scene in which Clark calls out a student's poor performance in front of the entire school.

Even after many years, "Lean on Me" is still an effective and appropriate film. It goes beyond just being a story because of Freeman's outstanding performance and his technical proficiency. Although there is a clear emphasis on Clark and the conventional plot, the film is yet worth seeing because of its well-done performances, timely setting, and powerful message.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:

A. Introduction

Directed by: John G. Avildsen

Starring: Morgan Freeman as Joe Clark

Story: Set in an inner-city high school plagued by violence, drugs, and poor academic performance, "Lean on Me" follows Joe Clark, a former teacher. He returns as principal with a year to turn things around or face a state takeover. Utilizing unorthodox methods and his unwavering will, Clark attempts to instill discipline and purpose in the students, facing challenges from parents, teachers, and students alike.

B. Mise-En-Scene: The Assembly Hall

This scene showcases the shift in the school community and the impact of Clark's leadership.

Set: The assembly hall, usually a space for large gatherings and announcements, becomes a stage for the students' performance.

Lighting: The room is brightly lit, creating a sense of hope and optimism. This contrasts with the often darker and more serious lighting throughout the film.

Props: Musical instruments, costumes, and set pieces transform the stage into a vibrant and artistic space, showcasing the students' talents and newfound sense of purpose.

Costumes: Students and teachers wear colorful and diverse attire, symbolizing a sense of community and collective effort. This is a stark difference from the earlier, more individualized student styles.

Composition: The camera initially frames the stage in a wide shot, encompassing the entire performance and the engaged audience. As the scene progresses, the camera pans across the faces of students, teachers, and parents, revealing their individual expressions of enjoyment and pride.

This scene utilizes several mise-en-scene elements to convey a sense of transformation and unity within the school. The shift from darkness to light, the utilization of creative props, and the diverse but unified costumes all contribute to a visually impactful representation of the positive changes instilled by Clark, while still leaving room for interpretation regarding the long-term effects and ethical considerations of his methods.

C. Visual Grammar: The Student Humiliation Example

Another impactful scene uses visual grammar to convey the ethical complexities of Clark's methods.

Shot: A close-up on a student's face showcases their shame and embarrassment as Clark publicly criticizes their poor performance.

Focus: The focus shift between the student and Clark emphasizes the power dynamics at play and the emotional impact of Clark's actions.

Angle: The low angle on Clark positions him as an imposing figure, reinforcing his authority while potentially raising questions about the appropriateness of his methods.

D. Editing Style & Sound Design: The Montage of Change

A montage sequence effectively showcases the school's transformation:

Editing Style: Quick cuts and contrasting scenes depict the shift from chaos to order, highlighting the efficiency and rapid pace of Clark's reforms.

Sound Design: The use of upbeat music during the montage creates a sense of progress and achievement, while incorporating the sound of drills and construction reinforces the physical improvements being made to the school.

E. Performance by Lead Roles:

Morgan Freeman: Freeman delivers a powerful performance, capturing the complexities of Joe Clark – his resolute spirit, unwavering dedication, and moments of questionable conduct. His portrayal makes Clark a compelling, if controversial, figure.

Impact:

"Lean on Me" is a film that raises important questions about leadership, educational reform, and the ethical boundaries of authority. While Freeman's brilliant performance and the well-crafted story make it an engaging watch, the film provokes reflection on the complexities of the education system and the potential consequences of unconventional approaches to improvement.