On the Waterfront

While watching the movie On the Waterfront directed by Elia Kazan, I was bombarded by many timeless topics about the human condition. The most striking of which was the struggle for power. Throughout the movie, the desire to be in control was the underlying motivation for the violence witnessed. It was the foundation to the falling out between family members and the basis for which lives were taken. Kazan brings the classic gangster story to …

…was the one with the knowledge about all Johnny's deceptions and thus, now he held the power. The lighting was a subtle way of showing that Terry was virtuous and ethical, and suggested that his being in power would benefit others. Johnny, who was not as highlighted, wanted power for only personal benefits. These two scenes obviously show that Kazan incorporate lighting to display the struggle for power and the trouble it brings if abused.