W6.2 The Pleasantville movie- GUO YING

 Summary

Pleasantville effectively showcases Goffman’s dramaturgical theory, demonstrating how the characters perform roles, manage impressions, and navigate between their public and private selves. The film highlights the tension between conformity and individuality, showing that social roles are fluid and can change when people are encouraged to break free from societal expectations.

Front Stage and Back Stage

Pleasantville represents a front stage—a public facade where everyone plays their part in a perfect, emotionless society. When characters like Betty begin to experience private emotions and desires, they move into the back stage, where they break free from societal expectations. This shift is symbolized by the gradual introduction of color into the town, representing the transition from rigid public performance to personal, private experiences.

Impression Management

In Goffman’s theory, individuals engage in impression management to control how others perceive them. In Pleasantville, everyone works hard to maintain a perfect image. When David and Jennifer introduce new ideas and experiences, the townspeople must adjust their behavior and manage new impressions. For example, Jennifer challenges traditional gender roles, and the residents begin to express their true selves, moving away from their controlled public personas.


Team Performance

Goffman discusses team performance, where a group coordinates actions to present a unified front. While David and Jennifer are not part of a typical team, their influence acts as a catalyst for the town’s transformation. As the residents begin to explore their individuality, they collectively break away from the repressive social norms, showing how social change can be initiated by a few key individuals.


Face and Social Identity

Finally, Goffman’s concept of face—the social identity we project—is central. In Pleasantville, the townspeople are concerned with maintaining their public image. As they experience personal growth and change, they risk losing their “face” in the eyes of others. The transition from black-and-white to color visually symbolizes their struggle to balance personal expression with maintaining social acceptance.

Role Performance

In the beginning, the residents of Pleasantville follow rigid, socially expected roles—men work, women stay at home. According to Goffman, these are role performances, where individuals act out societal scripts. When David and Jennifer arrive, they disrupt these roles, causing the characters to evolve and break free from their prescribed roles.



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