STRUGGLE FOR LIFE IN CLIFF HOLLINGSWORTH’S AND AKIVA
GOLDSMAN’S CINDERELLA MAN DIRECTED BY RON HOWARD:
A HUMANISTIC APPROACH
RESEARCH PAPER
Submitted as a Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements
for Getting Bachelor Degree of Education
in English Department
by
IRFANA MAFTUKHAH
A. 320.020.014
SCHOOL OF TEACHER TRAINING AND EDUCATION
MUHAMMADIYAH UNIVERSITY OF SURAKARTA
2006
APPROVAL
STRUGGLE FOR LIFE CLIFF HOLLINGSWORTH’S AND AKIVA
GOLDSMAN’S CINDERELLA MAN DIRECTED BY RON HOWARD:
A HUMANISTIC APPROACH
Research Paper
Written by
Irfana Maftukhah
A.320.020.014
Approved by
First Consultant Second Consultant
Drs. M. Thoyibi, M. S. Drs. Agus Wijayanto, M. A.
ii
ACCEPTANCE
Accepted by the Board of Examiners
School of Teacher Training and Education
Muhammadiyah University of Surakarta
Team of Examiners
1. Drs. M. Thoyibi, M. S. (……………………..)
(Chair Person)
2. Drs. Agus Wijayanto, M. A. (.…………………….)
(Member I)
3. Dra. Dwi Hariyanti, M.Hum. (……………………..)
(Member II)
The Dean of Teacher Training and Education Faculty
Drs. H. Sofyan Anif, M. Si
NIK: 547
iii
MOTTO
Sesungguhnya sesudah kesulitan itu ada kemudahan, maka apabila kamu telah
selesai dari urusan kerjakanlah dengan sungguh-sungguh urusan yang lain
(QS. Alam Nasyrah: 6-7)
Dengan ilmu hidup menjadi mudah, dengan seni hidup menjadi indah, dan dengan
agama kehidupan menjadi terarah dan bermakna
(H.A. Mukti Ali)
Hope for the best and prepare for the worst
(The Writer)
iv
DEDICATION
This research paper is wholeheartedly dedicated to:
The Greatest Ones in the world Alloh SWT and his Prophet Muhammad SAW
My everything pa’e-bu’e, for everything
My beloved brothers, M’Zacky and D’Luthfi
All of my relatives and friends
My husband to be
v
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Assalamu’alaikum Wr. Wb.
Alhamdulillahirobbil’alamiin. Praise and gratitude to Alloh SWT, The Lord
of Universe, The Merciful and Compassionate, thanks for continuing to guide her
life, His blessing and guidance supports her finishing this paper. Praise and
invocation are presented to Prophet Muhammad SAW, who has led people to the
right way.
The writer would like to express her sincere gratitude for all of people who
give contribution to make this research paper more completely. Without their
contribution the writer is likely impossible to finish it. The writer is indebted all of
them. Therefore, in this opportunity she would like to express her special and deepest
gratitude and appreciation to:
1. Drs. H. Sofyan Anif, M. Si. as the Dean of the School of Teacher Training and
Education.
2. Mrs. Koesoemo Ratih, S. Pd., M. Hum. as the Chief of English Departement in
Muhammadiyah University of Surakarta.
3. Dra. Siti Khuzaimah as the writer Academic Consultant of Teacher Training and
Education.
4. Drs. M. Thoyibi, M. S. as the First Consultant, for his great helpful guidance and
attention from the very beginning up to the completion of the research paper.
5. Drs. Agus Wijayanto, M. Hum. as the Second Consultant, for his great helpful
guidance of this thesis.
vi
6. All of Lectures in Muhammadiyah University of Surakarta.
7. Librarian in Muhammadiyah University of Surakarta.
8. Her beloved greatest Parents in the world for their prayer, and all they have
done to her, for everything and she loves them so much, ever after.
9. Her beloved elder brother Mas Zacky and young brother De’Luthfi, for having
fun with her and for being such an outstanding brothers.
10. Her Grandfather and her Grandmothers for giving wise words.
11. Mb. Ida for being her sister that always giving attention and advice to the writer.
12. Her aunts, uncles, cousins, and nieces in Tayu and Solo.
13. Her lovely friends: Ana, Ticka_Chu, and Riza, for everything that makes the
writer proud to be their friend.
14. Her close friends: Arik, Ci2k, Ayu, Dian, Mey_Mey, and also KJ boarding
house occupant: Sri, Yani, Wahyok, Lina, Puji, Deni, Ayu, Ika, Tia, Uti, for
being meaningful.
15. All of the member of English Departement 2002 especially her best friends in
class A: Ind@h Pruntil, Ern@ Cemplux, Weet@, Rozzie, Sofri, @rik,
@yu, Uti, Loris, Sefti, Eni, @sih, M@reth@, Eko, H@n@fi, etc.
16. MLP especially Latimojong Team, for the great and unforgetable experiences.
17. All of her close friends in Al-Ma’ruf Kudus 2002: Yanthie, Thee-thiex,
Thie2x, Ariek, Fajrul (Rip), Bayu, Tangkas, Patkay, Mbah Ulin, Arina,
for the nice friendship, togetherness, and happiness.
vii
18. All of songs: “stranger by the day”, “the wind of change”, “under the
same sun”, I’tirofe Uje, Opick “bila waktu tlah berakhir”, Simple Plan
“Untitled”, “Shut Up” etc for accompanying the writer in the night.
19. All of people that cannot be mentioned one by one, for being part of the writer
life.
Wassalamu’alaikum Wr. Wb.
Surakarta, September 2006
The Writer
I.M
viii
TABLE OF CONTENT
Page
PAGE OF TITLE ................................................................................................ i
APPROVAL ....................................................................................................... ii
ACCEPTANCE ................................................................................................. iii
MOTTO ............................................................................................................. iv
DEDICATION ................................................................................................... v
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ................................................................................. vi
TABLE OF CONTENT ..................................................................................... ix
SUMMARY ....................................................................................................... xi
CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION .................................................................. 1
A. Background of Study ....................................................... 4
B. Literary Review ............................................................... 4
C. Limitation of the Study .................................................... 4
D. Problem Statement ........................................................... 4
E. Objective of the Study ..................................................... 4
F. Benefit of the Study ......................................................... 5
G. Research Method ............................................................. 5
H. Paper Organization .......................................................... 6
CHAPTER II UNDERLYING THEORY ..................................................... 7
A. Notion of Humanistic Psychology ................................... 7
B. Theory of Humanistic Psychology; The Hierarchy of
Needs ............................................................................... 8
1. Physiological Needs ................................................. 9
2. Safety and Security Needs ........................................ 9
3. Belongingness and Love Needs ................................ 10
ix
4. Self-esteem Needs .................................................... 11
5. Self-actualization Needs ........................................... 11
C. Structural Elements of the Movie .................................... 16
1. Narrative Elements ................................................... 17
2. Technical Elements ................................................... 21
D. Theoretical Application .................................................... 24
CHAPTER III STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS OF THE MOVIE..................... 25
A. Structural Elements of the Movie .................................... 25
1. Narrative Elements ................................................... 26
2. Technical Elements ................................................... 39
B. Discussion......................................................................... 47
CHAPTER IV HUMANISTIC PSYCHOLOGICAL ANALYSIS ................ 51
A. The Needs of James J. Braddock ..................................... 51
1. Physiological Needs ................................................. 51
2. Security or Safety Needs .......................................... 53
3. Belongingness and Love Needs ................................ 55
4. Self-esteem Needs .................................................... 57
5. Self-actualization Needs .......................................... 58
B. James J. Braddock as A Self-actualized Person .............. 60
C. Discussion......................................................................... 64
CHAPTER V CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTION .................................. 68
A. Conlusion ......................................................................... 68
B. Suggestion ........................................................................ 69
BIBLIOGRAPHY
APPENDIX
x
SUMMARY
IRFANA MAFTUKHAH. A.320.020.014. STRUGGLE FOR LIFE IN CLIFF
HOLLINGSWORTH’S AND AKIVA GOLDSMAN’S CINDERELLA MAN
DIRECTED BY RON HOWARD: A HUMANISTIC APPROACH.
RESEARCH PAPER. MUHAMMADIYAH UNIVERSITY OF SURAKARTA.
This study describes the struggle of James J. Braddock viewed from
humanistic perspective, and analyzes the film Cinderella Man based on its structural
elements.
The research is conducted by using qualitative method. In this method, the
researcher uses two data sources, namely primary and secondary data source. The
primary data is film Cinderella Man directed by Ron Howard. The secondary data
source are the books about psychology and the other sources, which are related to the
analysis. The methode of collecting data is observation and library review.
Based on the analysis, the study reveals there are some motives underlying
the struggle of James J. Braddock. The motives are hungry, getting safety in the job,
family, respected by others, and the last motive is to actualize the potential as
professional boxer.
First Consultan Second Consultan
Drs. M. Thoyibi, M. S. Drs. Agus Wijayanto, M. A.
NIK. 410 NIK. 100 947
The Dean of Teacher Training
and Education Faculty
Drs. H. Sofyan Anif, M.Si.
NIK. 547
xi
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
A. Background of Study
In real life, a struggle can be seen in a society. Struggle means some
efforts to reach something. The struggle varies, such as struggle for justice,
struggle to get a job, struggle to get a higher position on their profession, struggle
for freedom, struggle for love, struggle to get achievement, and also struggle for
life. Many ways are used to make necessities come true. They can do everything
to struggle something they need. Although struggle to get or reach something is
hard, at least the better condition is able to reach.
Struggle for life may occur in the household, such as when a father as the
chief of the family can’t avoid his inability to provide for his wife and his kids.
He is ceaselessly motivated to work hard and struggle in order his family current
needs such as psychological, physical, and spiritual discomforts can be fulfilled.
That is for sure, that there are some motivations why he has to struggle. As a
chief of the family, he has responsibility to provide enough food for his family. It
is the first motivation. The other motivation is as a normal person; he wants to
love somebody else. For him, his family is the most important thing in the world.
So he will do everything for his family, although his struggle endangers himself.
Motivation is one of the important ideas in humanistic psychology.
Motivation means the encouragement to do something. In humanistic
psychology, people’s behavior determined by motives to fulfill their needs.
Basically, our actions are motivated by deficiency. That is lack of something.
1
2
May be lack food and look for it, lack safety and look for it, or lack company and
look for it.
One of the most well known humanistic psychologists is Abraham
Maslow. His theory is called Hierarchy of Needs. Maslow formulated a theory of
human motivation in which the human’s being many varying needs are seen as
arising in a hierarchical fashion. That is, certain basic needs, such as hunger and
thirst, must be satisfied before other needs.
Maslow (in Hjelle, 1992:448) proposed that all human needs are innate
and that they are systematically arranged in an ascending hierarchy of priority or
prepotency. The needs are, in order of their priority: (1) physiological needs; (2)
safety and security needs; (3) belongingness and love needs; (4) self-esteem
needs; and (5) self-actualization needs, or the needs for personal fulfillment.
To fulfill those needs human being must be motivated to work hard and
struggle in order they can get everything what they need. These realities often
occur and can be found around us. We can’t imagine how people struggle when
their nation entered the darkest years of the great depression or how people
struggle to stay alive at the time of World War. It is more difficult to reach the
hierarchy of needs than present time. It may be easy for us to know the struggle
at the time in a story or film.
Film has the same position, as the major genres in textual studies, like
poetry and novel. It is true that film becomes part of daily life, which always
attracts the attention million people in this world.
Following the popularity of film in recent years, some directors create their
own style in directing a film. They try to serve a good film with different style
3
from other. One of them is Ron Howard. He started his debut 40 years ago, and
he has done some films. Howard’s latest film is Cinderella Man. This film is
based on actual life experience of ex-prizefighter named James J. Braddock.
Cinderella Man was released in June 2005 as theatrical and as DVD/ Video in
December 2005. The genre of this film is drama with screenplay written by Cliff
Hollingsworth and Akiva Goldsman.
Howard’s film is fact-based story of ex-prizefighter named James J.
Braddock. At the time, Braddock’s career appeared to be finished, he was unable
to pay the bills, the only thing that really mattered to him that his family was in
danger, and he was even forced to go on public relief. But deep inside, Jim
Braddock never relinquished his determination. Driven by love, honor, and
incredible dose of grief, he tries to make an impossible dream come true.
(http://www.jamesjbraddock).
Based on the explanation above, the writer is interested to observe what
motives underlying the struggle of James J. Braddock when his nation entered the
darkest years of the Great Depression. The writer proposed humanistic
psychology to study about Braddock’s struggle to reach the hierarchy needs and
entitled this paper: STRUGGLE FOR LIFE IN CLIFF HOLLINGSWORTH’S
AND AKIVA GOLDSMAN’S CINDERELLA MAN DIRECTED BY RON
HOWARD: A HUMANISTIC APPROACH.
4
B. Literary Review
Cinderella Man is an interesting film, and as far as the writer knows that
there is no such kind of research analyzing this film whether in Muhammadiyah
University of Surakarta and Surakarta region. So it is the first research on this
film.
In this occasion, the researcher takes the humanistic psychological
approach to reveal the struggle for life of James J. Braddock as one of the main
characters in Cinderella Man film.
C. Limitation of the Study
The writer will focus on analyzing the motives underlying the struggle of
James J. Braddock as the major character in the film based on humanistic
psychological perspective.
D. Problem Statement
Based on the title and the background of the study, the writer formulates
the problem as follows; “What are the motives underlying the struggle of James
J. Braddock”.
E. Objective of the Study
Based on the problem stated above, the writer proposes the objectives of
the study as follows:
1. To analyze the structural elements of the film.
2. To identify the motives underlying the struggle based on humanistic
perspective.
5
F. Benefit of the Study
The study is expected to give benefit as follows:
1. To give some contribution on understanding of the film Cinderella Man
especially by a Humanistic Approach.
2. To improve the researcher’s understanding and competence in applying a
psychological approach to literature.
G. Research Method
1. Object of the study
The researcher takes Cinderella Man film as the object of the study. The
movie is directed by Ron Howard released in June 3rd, 2005.
2. Data source
The researcher here uses qualitative. This is a library research, which takes
the source of the data from words and other writing. The writer divides the
data source into two categories:
a. Primary Data Source
The primary data is taken from Cinderella Man film and the movie script
downloaded from http://www.script-o-rama.com/movie_scripts/c/
ciderella-mans-cript-transcript.html.
b. Secondary Sata Source
The secondary data source is taken from other sources, which are related
to the primary data such as biography of the director, some books of
psychology, website about the film and another data related to this
research.
6
3. Technique of Data Collection
a. Observation
The data are taken by watching the movie of Cinderella Man in order to
understand about the movie.
b. Library Research
The data are collected from the books that related to the topic.
4. Technique of Data Analysis
The researcher uses two techniques in analyzing the data:
a. Analyzing the structural elements of the film includes narrative and
technical elements.
b. Analyzing the struggle for life of the main character using descriptive
qualitative analysis.
H. Paper Organization
This research paper is divided into five chapters. The first chapter is
introduction, which consists of background of the study, problem statement,
objective of the study, benefit of study, research method, and paper organization.
The second chapter deals with the underlying theory, including the notion of
humanistic psychology and theory of humanistic psychology; the hierarchy of
needs, structural elements of the film, and theoretical application. The third
chapter is structural analysis of the film, including narrative and technical
elements. The fourth chapter is dealing with the analysis using humanistic
psychology. And the last chapter is conclusion and suggestion.
CHAPTER II
UNDERLYING THEORY
This chapter deals with underlying theory, which is used by the writer in
this research. This chapter is divided into four parts. The first part is the notion of
humanistic psychology. Second is the theory of humanistic psychology; the hierarchy
of needs. It is often depicted as a pyramid, consisting five levels. The third is
structural elements of the movie consist of two elements; narrative elements and
technical elements. The last part is theoretical application.
A. Notion of Humanistic Psychology
Humanistic psychology is one of psychological studies. Humanistic
psychology emphasizes the important of free will. It means that people have
ability to make choices (Coon, 1980: 18).
According to Burger (1986: 254) by this free will, people can determine
their own destiny and decide their actions. It means that people can do everything
that they want and also people can choose everything what they need and what
they want.
Humanistic psychology is a reaction to the psychoanalysis and the
behaviorism. As Coon (1980: 18) stated that “humanistic reject the Freudian idea
that the personality is ruled by unconscious forces and behavioristic idea that
people are controlled by the environment”.
7
8
Humanistic psychologists argue that psychological needs like the need for
love, self-esteem, belonging, and self-expression, and creativity are as important
as the biological needs food and water (Coon, 1980: 18).
The most well known humanistic psychologists are Carl Rogers and
Abraham Maslow. Carl Rogers emphasizes on person-centered or self-theory.
While Maslow emphasizes on self-actualization (www.gerandkeegan.co.uk/
resource/humanistic.htm)
B. Theory of Humanistic Psychology; The Hierarchy of Needs
The theory of psychology is used by the writer to observe the film
presented by Abraham Maslow. Maslow took this idea and created his now
famous hierarchy needs. His theory contends that as humans meet ‘basic needs’,
they seek to satisfy successively ‘higher needs’ that occupy a set hierarchy
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/maslow’s_hierarchy_of_needs). Beyond the details
of water, air, food sex, he laid out five broader layers: the psychological needs,
the needs for safety and security, the needs for love and belonging, the needs for
esteem, the need to actualize the self, in that order
(http://www.ship.edu/~cgboeree/maslow.html).
Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is often depicted as a pyramid consisting of
five levels: the four lower levels are grouped together as deficiency needs, and
the top level is termed growth needs. The basic concept is that the higher needs in
this hierarchy only come into focus once all the needs that are lower down in the
pyramid are mainly or entirely satisfied (http://en.wkipedia.org/
wiki/maslow’s_hierarchy_of_needs).
9
Diagram of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs
Actualization
Esteem
Love/Belonging
Safety
Physiological
1. Physiological Needs
The needs are taken as the first point of motivation theory called as
physiological needs. Physiological needs are the lowest or most the basics
aspect of human motivation. They are also called as primary motives. Briefly,
Hjelle stated that “including in this group is the needs for food, drink,
oxygen, activity and sleep, sex, protection from extreme temperatures, and
sensory stimulation” (1981: 360). Then we can conclude that physiological
needs directly concern with the biological maintenance such as clothes and
houses for sheltering from temperature, rain, and other condition.
2. Safety and Security Needs
Once the physiological needs are fairly well satisfied, the person
becomes concerned with a new set. The next set is the security and safety
needs. Included here are the needs for structure, stability, law, and order,
predictability, and freedom such threatening forces as illness, fear, and chaos.
Thus, these needs reflected concern about long term survival (Hjelle and
Ziegler, 1992: 450).
10
Feist (1985: 203) stated that “the human expression of these needs is
seen most clearly in the infant’s inhibited response-crying, screaming, and
jerking convulsively- to being handle roughly, startled by loud noise or bright
lights, or just inadequately supported by a parent”.
The safety needs in such simple things as desire for job with tenure
and benefits, a saving account, and insurance of various kinds. Maslow (in
Feist, 1985: 204) stated that science, philosophy, and religion are partially
motivated by the safety needs, but as we will see, these phenomena have
other motivation as well. Http://www.accel-team.com/maslow_/maslow-nds-
02.html further notice that these needs are essentially the need to be free of
the fear of physical danger and deprivation of the basic physiological needs.
In other words, this is a need for self-preservation. In addition to the here and
now, there is concern for the future.
3. Belongingness and Love Needs
When physiological needs and safety needs are, by and large, taken
care of, a third layer starts to show up. The third level in Maslow’s pyramid is
comprised of belongingness and love needs (Hjelle, 1992: 451). These needs
become prominent when the physiological and safety/ security needs have
been met. The person operating at this level longs for affectionate
relationship with others, for a place in his or her family and/ or reference
group. Group affiliation becomes a dominant goal the person. Accordingly, a
person will feel keenly the pangs of loneliness, social ostracism
friendlessness, and rejection especially when induced by the absence of
friends and love ones (Hjelle and Ziegler, 1992: 451).
11
4. Self-esteem Needs
When our needs for being loved and for loving others have been
reasonably gratified, their motivating force diminishes, paving the way for
self-esteem needs. Maslow noted two versions of esteem needs, a lower one
and a higher one (http://www.ship.edu/~cgboeree/maslow.html). The lower
one is the need for the respect of others, the need for status, fame, glory,
recognition, attention, reputation, appreciation, dignity, even dominance. The
higher form involves the need for self-respect, including such feeling as
confidence, competence, achievement, mastery, independence and freedom
(http://www.ship.edu/~cgboeree/maslow.html).
A person needs to know that he or she is worthwhile-capable of
mastering tasks and challenges in life. Respect from others entails such
concern as desire for prestige, recognition, status, appreciation, and
acceptance. In this case the person needs to know what he or she can do is
recognized and valued by significant others (Hjelle and Ziegler, 1992: 453).
5. Self-Actualization Needs
Finally, if all the foregoing is sufficiently satisfied, the need for
actualization comes to the fore (Hjelle, 1992: 453). Maslow (1987)
characterized self-actualization as the person’s desire to become everything
that he or she is capable of becoming. The person who has achieved this
highest level presses toward the full use and exploitation of his or her talents,
capacities, and potentialities. In short, to self-actualize is to become the kind
person we are capable of becoming-to reach the peak of our potential (Hjelle,
12
1992: 453). In practical way, Maslow (in Hjelle, 1981: 373) gives an example
for self-actualization that a musician must make music; an artist must paint; a
poet must write, if he is to be at peace with himself. What man can be, he
must be. He must be true to his nature. So self-actualization is a person’s
desire for self-improvement, his other motivation to make actual his
potentiality.
There are the characteristics of self-actualization. The characteristics
as follows:
a. More Efficient Perception of Reality
According to Maslow (in Feist, 1985: 387-388), self-actualized
people see life clearly, the life is it must be, not what wish it to be. They
are able to judge positive and negative natures in others, and they have a
clear understanding about right and wrong. Self-actualized people also
have ability to detect the others phonines.
b. Acceptance of Self, Others, and Nature
Maslow (in Feist, 1985: 388) stated that self-actualized people can
accept themselves the way they are. They have a good hearty animal
appetite for good, sleep and sex, they realize their own shortcoming and
not burdened by anxiety and shame, they accept others with all their
weaknesses as their nature and they accept nature as it is and accept
human nature in general also they realize that people will suffer, grow,
old, and die.
13
c. Spontancity, Simplicity, and Naturalness
Maslow (in Feist, 1985: 388) mentions that the behavior of self-
actualized is marked by spontancity. They are unconventional, their
behavior is done naturally, they live an as way and act without artificial
help and they ordinarily live simple lives in the sense they have no need
to erect a fancy.
d. Problem-centered
Maslow (in Feist, 1985: 388) shows that self-actualized people see
life difficulties as the problem as needs to be solved, not as the troubles to
be avoided. They are task oriented, it means that they do not only concern
on their own problem, but also rather concern with others. This dedication
becomes their mission in life. Their occupation is not merely a job, a
means to earn a living but a vocation, a calling, and end in itself.
e. Detachment (The Needs for Privacy)
Maslow (in Feist, 1985: 388) states that self-actualized persons have
a quality of detachment. Although they feel enjoyable of others
friendship, but they need privacy, they are comfortable being alone
without feeling lonely. They have capability to make responsible choices,
they are self-movers, and resisting society is attempts to make them
adhere to convention.
f. Autonomy (Independence of Culture and Environment)
Maslow (in Feist, 1985: 389) informs that self-actualized people
have ability to be independent of culture and environment. They depend
14
on themselves for growth, self-actualizes have self-confidence, so they are
unperturbed and serenity not enjoyed by those who live for the approval
of others.
g. Continued Freshness of Appreciation
According to Maslow (in Feist, 1985: 389) self-actualized processes
the capacity to appreciate again and again, freshly and naively or even in
their life awe, pleasure, wonder, and even ecstasy, the seldom complain
about a boring and uninteresting experience, unlike the ordinary people.
h. Peak or Mystic Experience
This peak or mystic experience, according to Maslow (in Feist,
1985: 389) is the moment of intense excitement. It takes self-actualizes
out of themselves. It is such feeling out of understanding and experience
loss of fear, anxiety and conflict; this peak experience changes them for
the better.
i. Social Interest (Gemeinschaftsgefubl)
Maslow (in Feist, 1985: 392) states that self-actualized people share
feeling sympathy and affection for all humanity. They treat others as their
own family, they also have desire to help people sincerely.
j. Interpersonal Relations
According to Maslow (in Feist, 1985: 392), self-actualizes are able
to make relationship with people in general whether less talented or
neurotic one (less healthy people) (Feist, 1985: 392). They, however, tent
to have deeper and closer relationship with only few people they loved,
15
that is those who are independent, the same character as well as mentally
healthy (Feist, 1985: 392).
k. The Democratic Character Structure
Maslow (in Feist, 1985: 392) shows that the way of thinking and
behaving self-actualized persons are democratic. They are open to
everyone belongs to different class, color, age or sex, occupation, or other
group membership characteristic without being burdened and even to
treasure or value them highly. Moreover, they had ability to learn from
anybody in any social background without adopting authorization attitude.
In fact they seemed to be less aware of superficial differences among
people than were other people.
l. Descrimination Between Means and Ends
Maslow (in Feist, 1985: 392) draws that self-actualized people are
not confused between means and ends. They have clear understanding of
right and wrong as well as good and bad conducts, they prefer set their
sight on ends rather than means. They, however, enjoy taking a means to
reach the ends.
m. Philosophical Sense of Humor
Maslow (in Feist, 1985: 393) mentions that self-actualized people
have a sense of humor that is different from the ordinary people. Their
humor is philosophical rather than hostile; it means that they will never
make a fun of others frailty both physically and psychologically as a joke.
They do not laugh at others and mock them because of their weaknesses.
16
Healthy persons see little humor put down jokes, their jokes usually do
not hurt other people, but it rather has a certain purpose.
n. Creativeness
Maslow (in Feist, 1985: 393) says that self-actualized people are
creative sense in the word. He shows that they should be creative in their
own way. They should not be writer or painter to be creative, but their
creativity is in their own fresh job wether they are teacher, doctor, lawyer,
and so on. Maslow says that they must show their originality and
creativity, which has a truth, beauty, and reality-in gradients that form the
foundation of true creativity.
o. Resistance and Enculturation
The last characteristic of self-actualized people is their resistance to
enculturation. Maslow (in Feist, 1985: 393) sees that they resist the social
effort to acculturate them, they prefer to maintain their own
characteristics rather than affected by social pressure.
C. Structural Elements of the Movie
There are two elements of film, there are narrative and technical elements
(Douglass and Harnder, 1996: 3-95). Narrative elements are the elements, which
build the story of the film, consisting of characters and characterization, setting,
plot, point of view, and theme (Douglass and Harnder, 1996: 3-95). While the
technical elements deal with the elements that have close relationship with the
technique of producing movie. These elements consist of mise en scene,
cinematography, sound, and editing (Bordwell and Thompson, 1990: 126).
17
1. Narrative Elements
a. Characters and Characterization
Characters usually appear as actors in films. It is the most
interesting part in film production. The filmmaker teams show a person as
an actor doing something, they have to make decision how much they will
show what the person is doing and how much we show the personality of
characters related with other manifestations such as body posture, facial,
expression, and also their clothing (Douglass and Harnder, 1996: 95).
Characters have close relationship with the traits. Traits are the
significant things in the character (Douglass and Harnder, 1996: 97-102).
There are three type of traits, namely social, physical, psychological traits.
Social traits relate to the position of the character in a society, the social
class, martial status, and etc (Douglass and Harnder, 1996: 97-102).
Physical traits have something to do with the physical performance of
characters, whether they are fat or thin, tall or short, young or old, and
others (Douglass and Harnder, 1996: 97-102). Psychological traits concern
with the characters inner traits. The traits can be observed by identifying
observable attitudes, such as the rhythm of speech, qualities of gestures
and so on (Douglass and Harnder, 1996: 97-102).
b. Setting
The filmmaker may control setting in many ways based on the film
production requirement. One of the ways is selecting an already existing
locale in which to stage the action. Beside that the filmmaker can also
18
choose the construct the setting of the film which is produced (Bordwell
and Thompson, 1990: 130).
The setting can be just appearing by the filmmaker without
characters in the place of action. In conclusion dynamically can enter into
the narrative action not only as the place or container of the action
(Bordwell and Thompson, 1990:130). Beside that the setting can be used
to reinforce something about characters. At least the environment will tell
and give description about character’s basic nature (Bordwell and
Thompson, 1990: 130).
c. Plot
The term of plot is used to describe everything visibly and audibly
which present in the film. The plot includes, first all of the story events
that are directly describing in film performance, secondly, the film’s plot
may contain material that is no relationship to the story world (Bordwell
and Thompson, 1990: 57).
The film’s plot in the totality of film cannot bring in the total world
of the story action material. It may not be limited to the list of sequence.
The plot has added material to the story for the story teller effect. As a
result, story and plot overlap in one respect and diverge in others. The plot
explicitly presents in certain story events. So these events are common to
the both of story and plot (Bordwell and Thompson, 1990: 57).
The basic elements of dramatic structure found in most productions
are the exposition of beginning, the middle, and the end (Douglass and
Harnder, 1996: 48).
19
(1) The Exposition of Beginning
A beginning or exposition is about one quarter of length in film
production. The filmmaker wants to explore the story by presenting
the hero or heroine and other major participants, the setting, the
problem, and also the theme (Douglass and Harnder, 1996: 48).
(2) The Middle
The middle of dramatic structure contains the struggle of the
hero or heroine to achieve the solution of the problem has been
defined, discovered or created in the beginning (Douglass and
Harnder, 1996:50).
(3) The End
The end or resolution is the last stage of dramatic structure. The
hero and heroine resolve their problem in a way to satisfactory to the
audiences (Douglass and Harnder, 1996: 40-50).
d. Point of View
Point of view is the most interesting in the narrative elements. It is
the basic narrative devices available to the storyteller. For some storyteller
decide from whose point of view to tell the story is a fundamental
consideration in making a story (Douglass and Harnder, 1996: 31).
The word point of view according to Douglass and Harnder (1996:
31-37) has several meaning. First, in the film and video production, the
term point of view has special meanings, this point of view relates to
taking camera in each shot, as if the characters see the viewers, but is also
20
used in drama movies. Second point of view refers to the perspective of
the storyteller, actually in the literature it refers “person”. It includes first
person, it is usually represented by the first character according to the story
teller perspective. Second person however is inherent in many productions,
but the ‘you’ being addressed are the audience. And the third person, most
productions are created in the third person but it is impossible in file.
Video or television production is created with pure third person if it is
without first person voice over variation. The last definition about point of
view is the characters as group’s particular perspective that can be seen in
their interest, attitudes, and also their beliefs.
e. Theme
Discovering theme is where the filmmaker certainly begins
(Douglas and Harnder, 1996: 3). The main point of film production is
whether the movie can be accepted and enjoyable for the viewers or not,
thus the filmmaker should find what the most appropriate theme is. In
discovering the theme, the filmmaker will examine their attitude toward
the subject, study the material and analyze their knowledge of the audience
(Douglass and Harnder, 1996: 3).
2. Technical Elements
The technical elements of the film deal with the elements that have
close relationship with the technique of producing movie. This consists of
Mise en Scene, Cinematography, Sound, and editing (Bordwell and
Thompson, 1990: 126).
21
a. Mise en Scene
Douglass and Harnder (1996: 119) state that “mise en scene is all the
visual elements of set, set dressing, props, costume, make, lighting and
even physical body posture that are arranged and placed before the camera
lens”.
Klarer (1999: 61) states other definition. He assumed that mise en
scene means ‘to place on stage’, and refers to the arrangement of all visual
elements in a theater production. Mise en Scene in film production is used
as an umbrella term for the various elements that constitute the frame,
including camera distance, camera angles, lenses, lighting, as well as the
positioning of person and objects in relation each other (Klarer, 1999: 62)
The term of mise en scene has some aspects such as: costume and
make up, lighting, and figurative expression and movement (acting).
1) Costume and Make Up
Costumes in film production have important function because
costumes for film usually must be believable in close up, beside that
costume itself should show the authenticity of film production
Douglass and Harnder, 1996: 134).
2) Lighting
Lighting in the film production is also an important element. It
helps the viewers to see the action as the function of lighting shaping
the object by creating high light and shadows and shaping audience
understanding of the shot’s composition. This aspect can be isolated
22
into four features: quality, direction, source, and color (Bordwell and
Thompson, 1990: 134)
3) Figurative Expression and Movement (acting)
An acting of the film is divided into two: visual and sound
elements. Visual elements of the movie involve appearance, gesture,
and facial expression of the character. Sound is in line with acting, it is
related with voice effect (Bordwell and Thompson, 1990: 137).
b. Cinematography
The filmmaker also controls what we call cinematographic qualities
shot, not only what is filmed but also how it is filmed. This consists of
control over three features: photograpical qualities shot, the framing of
shot and the duration of shot (Bordwell and Thompson, 1990:157).
1) Photographical Qualities of Shot
Cinematography depends on large extent on photography.
Sometimes a filmmaker will eliminate the camera and simply work on
the film itself, but even when drawing, painting or scratching directly
on film, involved holes on it, or growing to be made on it. The
filmmaker is drawing patents of light in order it will be easy to transfer
for the eye of the viewers. In any event, the filmmaker can select the
range of the tone, manipulate the speed of motion, and change point of
view (Bordwell and Thompson, 1990: 156).
2) The framing of Shot
Film frame produces a certain vantage point to get the material
within the image. In cinema the frame is important because it actively
23
defines the image for the audiences (Bordwell and Thompson, 1990:
167).
3) The Duration of Shot
How we can understand the duration of shot is considering
question that usually appears. We must give a note on the relationship
of shot duration to the time consumed by the filmed events (Bordwell
and Thompson, 1990: 195). A complex pattern of events moving
toward a goal makes a shot duration as important to the image’s effect
as photographic qualities and farming (Bordwell and Thompson, 1990:
199).
c. Sound
There are two advantages of sound in film production. First, it
engages another sense mode; our visual attention can be accompanied by
an aural attention. Second, sound can actively shape how we interpret the
image (Bordwell and Thompson, 1990: 244).
Volume, sound, rhythm and pace of the music change according to
the situation and underscore levels of meaning with acoustic effects, film
music can also contrast with the plot and create ironic effects (Klarer,
1999: 65).
d. Editing
Klarer (1999: 63) stated that “editing is one of the major cinematic
techniques which have contributed to the flexibility of medium”. Editing
may be thought of as the coordination of one shot with the next. To
distinguish how editing is done in production from how editing appears on
the screen to viewers (Bordwell and Thompson, 1990: 207).
24
Editing is easy to notice. It is not only because of the prevalent
technique but also because the disjunction of space, time, and graphics
made by editing step to the eye attention (Bordwell and Thompson, 1990:
209).
D. Theoretical Application
The writer develops this research paper by applying the humanistic
theory proposed by Abraham Maslow. The writer focuses on analyzing the
motives underlying struggle of James J. Braddock in Cinderella Man film.
There are some steps in analyzing the film, which is going to be
researched. First, the research is started from the structural elements of the film,
which consist of narrative elements and technical elements. Second, conducting
research about the relationship between the humanistic theory and the play in the
film. It can be done toward the action, the dialogue of the character. From the
steps above, it will answer the problem statements of the research.
CHAPTER III
STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS OF THE FILM
The third chapter of this study presents the structural analysis of the Cinderella
Man film, which is directed by Ron Howard and screenplay written by Cliff
Hollingsworth and Akiva Goldsman, released in March 2005. In this chapter the
writer will try to give a brief explanation of the structure elements of the movie
which is divided into two elements: narrative elements and technical elements. The
narrative elements consist of character and characterization, setting, plot, point of
view, and theme. While the technical elements consist of mise en scene,
cinematography, sound, and editing.
In elaborating this chapter, the writer will analyze both elements for the first
step then discusses it. For that reason this chapter is divided into two: the structure
elements of the movie and the discussion of the structure elements of the movie.
A. Structural Elements of the Movie
There are two elements of the film: narrative elements and technical
elements (Douglass and Harnder, 1996: 3-95; Bordwell and Thompson, 1990:
126). Narrative elements are the elements which build the story of the film,
consist of characters and characterization, setting, plot, point of view, and theme
(Douglass and Harnder, 1996: 3-95). While the technical elements deal with the
elements that have close relationship with the technique of producing movie.
These elements consist of mise en scene, cinematography, sound, and editing
(Bordwell and Thompson, 1990: 126).
25
26
1. Narrative Elements
a. Character and Characterization
The most interesting elements of film are the characters and
characterization, because it refers to the act of the actor who is
participant in the film production. The filmmakers have to make a
decision how much they will show what the person is doing and how
much we show the personality of the characters relate to other
manifestations such as body posture, facial, expression and also their
clothing (Douglass and Harnder, 1996: 95).
After analyzing the Cinderella Man movie, the writer will try to
elaborate the characters which are divided into two:
1) Major Characters
(a) James J. Braddock (acted by Russell Crowe)
Braddock is a prizefighter. Christian is his religion. He is
an Irishman who lives in New Jersey with his wife and his
three kids (CM, 06:50). Jimmy loses his licenses to fight and
has to work on the docks.
Physically, he is handsome with pointed nose. His hair is
black and wave. He is strong and powerful. He also has big
hands. Mae said it when Braddock just goes home from
fighting (CM, 06:13).
Mae : “Mr. Braddock! You’re strong! And you’re hands;
they’re so big. You’re so powerful! Jimmy, I’m so
proud of you. I’m so proud of” (CM, 06:13).
27
Mentally, he is a wise man. He is always grateful for
God’s blessings. It is said when He gets a second change to
back to the ring (CM, 85:54). He is never crying about his fate
(CM, 24:07). He also has to fight against Griffin without
training.
Morally, he is a kind person. He has deep love for his wife
and his kids. Braddock is a father who would starve himself
rather sees his children miss a meal. He also teaches his kids
honesty unselfishness. He is so worried when he knew that he
couldn’t pay the bill and couldn’t provide comfortable for his
family. He is doing whatever it took to take care of his family.
Socially, he is a suave person. He always tries to make a
good relationship with other. His comeback is giving hope to
every American. He is being inspiration for many people.
Mr. Johnston : “…they say the paper’s getting all sort of
letters from people saying you’re their
inspiration like you saved their lives or
something. If you ask me, it’s a lot of crap.
But if I’m gonna promote this fight…”.
Joe Gould : “You’re all heart” (CM, 88:31).
(b) Mae Braddock (acted by Renee Zellweger)
She is Braddock’s wife. Christian is her religion. She is
sewing to get more money (CM, 25:40). She is proud of her
husband.
Physically, she is beautiful and tall. She has short dark
brown and curly hair. She is a delicate mother and wife.
28
Mentally, she is ingenuous. Socially, she always
encourages the others. It can be seen when Mike is missing,
she comforts Sara.
Morally, she is puritanical. She is faithful and kindhearted.
She is a good wife who always cares to her family. She is
worried when Howard’s fever is getting worse and then Rosy
starts to sneeze because Mae can’t keep them warm (CM,
37:47). She is also worried about Braddock when he decides to
back to the ring and finally fights against Max Baer, the
heavyweight champion of the world, renowned for having
killed two men in the ring.
Mae : “You are not gonna make my husband your
punching bag all over again. We are just
getting by, and you’re taking him from his
work…like some blood-sucking little
leech! And I will not let you get him hurt
again like that… do you hear me? I will
not let you!”
Joe Gould : “Guess you better come in” (CM, 67:23).
2) Minor Characters
(a) Joe Gould (acted by Paul Giamatti)
He is Braddock’s friend. He is also Braddock’s manager
(CM, 17:55). Physically, he is not too tall and little fat.
Mentally, he is astute. It is shown when he pleaded Mr.
Johnston to allow Braddock in order he can boxing again.
Socially, he is a cooperative person, especially with
Braddock and his partner in gym. Morally, he is a kind and
29
helpful person especially toward Braddock’s family. He gave
some money to Braddock in order he could pay the bill and got
the kids back.
Braddock : “ I’m sorry, Joe. I didn’t… I’m sorry”.
Joe Gould : “ What in the hell do you have to be sorry
about? Jesus Christ, Jimmy. How short are
you?”.
Braddock : “ About $1,50”.
Joe Gould : “ Okay” (CM, 40:43).
He also sold his furniture in order Braddock could train
again.
Joe Gould : “ Sold the last of it two days ago. So Jimmy
could train”.
Mae : “ Why?”.
Joe Gould : “ Sometimes you have an instinct, Mae” (CM,
66:33).
(b) Max Baer (acted by Craig Bierko)
He is heavyweight champion of the world, renowned for
having killed two men in the ring (CM, 87:48). Physically, he
is tall and has wavy hair. Morally, he is arrogant. Socially, he
always underestimates and never treats other well especially
toward Braddock.
Guard : “ Jimmy Braddock just beat Lasky. They
made him the number one contender. Max
when we are gonna go to…”
Max Baer : “ Shut up!”
Baer’s hottie : “ Maxie you…”
Max Baer : “ Shut up! I’m not gonna fight Jimmy
Braddock. He is a chump. You tell Johnston
to bring me somebody who can fight back”
(CM, 70:21).
30
(c) Mike Wilson (acted by Paddy Considine)
He is Braddock’s friend. They met when they worked as a
dockworker. Physically, he is not fashionable. Mentally, he is
narrow-minded. Socially, he cares about the others. It is proved
by getting involved in protest at ramshackle Hooverville. He
has been sleeping nights down in the Hooverville (CM, 81:69).
Finally, he died steamrolled by a runaway horse and buggy.
Morally, he loves his wife. It is said when he meets Braddock
in dock.
Mike : “ Hey, Jim”.
Braddock : “ Hey, Mike”.
Mike : “ Good fight”.
Braddock : “ Thanks”.
Mike : “ I wouldn’t hit Sara”.
Braddock : “ I know Mike”.
Mike : “ I couldn’t live with myself if I’d have hit her.
I just get so angry with all this shit” (CM,
62:10).
(d) Jimmy Johnston (acted by Bruce McGill)
He is usually called Mr. Johnston. He is a boxing promoter
Physically, he is a little fat, has grey hair and uses glasses. He
always brings a cigar.
Morally, he is stubborn. Socially, he treats somebody well
if they could give profit for him. He also revoked Braddock’s
license and didn’t pay up when Braddock played draw against
Feldman. But then, Mr. Johnston gave second chance to
Braddock to back to the ring, because Braddock’s back in the
ring gave him more money.
31
Joe Gould : “ …with full publicity before Lasky, and
what happens? You make more money.
Now say on the other hand, by some
minute, infinitesimal chance...God forbid,
Braddock beats Lewis. Now you got
sentimentil favorite go up…and lose
against Lasky, and what happens? You’ll
make more money. James, either
way…you’re richer man with Braddock
back in the ring than if he’s not. Come on,
don’t be foolish. We both know the name
of this game. And it sure as hell ain’t
pugilism”.
Mr. Johnston : “ They ought to put your mouth in a circus
(CM, 69:15).
(e) Sporty Lewis (acted by Nicholas Campbell)
He is a reporter from New York Herald. In newspaper, he
wrote that Braddock’s comeback is giving hope to every
American (CM, 93: 38). He also wrote as Damon Runyon said
that Braddock is truly the Cinderella Man, Damon Runyon
gave the nickname.
Physically, he is a middle-aged man. Socially, the
relationship between Lewis and Braddock is not good.
Sporty Lewis : “ Is that ghost I’m seeing? An apparition? Or
is that James J. Braddock, the Bulldog of
Bergen? How you feeling Jimmy? How’s
that right hand?”
Joe Gould : “ Braddock, you’re up!”
Braddock : “ Sporty Lewis, how you doing?”
Sporty Lewis : “ How you doing?”
Braddock : “July…New York Herald. Proving he was
too young and too green…and rushed to
the top… Loughran wiped the ring with
the Bulldog’s career. A sad and somber
funeral…with the body still breathing”.
Sporty Lewis : “ I don’t fight the fights, Jimmy. I just write
about them, see?”.
Braddock : “ Sporty, save the crap for the customers
(CM, 50:17).
32
(f) Lucille Gould (acted by Linda Kash)
She is Joe Gould’s wife. Physically, she is pretty. She has
short bloondy and curly hair. Mentally, she is sensible.
Morally, she is kindhearted even toward Braddock’s family.
Socially, she is encouraging. She always advises and gives
understanding to Mae when Braddock decides to comeback to
the ring anymore.
(g) Sara (acted by Rosemarie DeWitt)
She is Mike’s wife. She lives with Braddock’s family for a
while when Mike’s missing for three days. She has a baby.
Morally, she loves her husband. She worries about Mike
because he wouldn’t leave her and the baby for this long. At
last her worry come true, there something happens to Mike.
Socially, she has a good relationship with Braddock’s family.
(h) Jay Braddock (acted by Connor Price)
He is Braddock’s older son. He steals from butcher
because he doesn’t get enough to be eaten in house. He also
asked his father, Braddock to promise never send him away
(CM, 15:33).
(i) Howard Braddock (acted by Patrick Louis)
He is the younger son of James Braddock. In this story he
is getting fever because his parents can’t keep him warm and
then Mae send him in Brooklyn.
33
(j) Rosemarie Braddock (acted by Ariel Waller)
She is the only daughter of James J. Braddock. Braddock
always calls her Rosy. She often practices boxing with his
father, Braddock.
(k) Alice (acted by Alice Johnston)
She is Mae elder sister. When the day of the fight between
Braddock and Max Baer, Mae and her kids go to Alice’s
house.
(l) Jake (acted by Gene Pyrz)
He is a man who gives a job to Braddock as a dockworker.
(m) Joe Jeanette (acted by Ron Canada)
He is Braddock’s instructor in gym. Physically, he is a
man with dark skin.
b. Setting
The setting can appear without characters in the place of action.
In conclusion setting dynamically can enter into the narrative action not
only as the place or container of the action (Bordwell and Thompson,
1990: 130). Beside that the setting can be used to reinforce something
about characters. At least the environment will tell and give description
about character’s basic nature (Bordwell and Thompson, 1990: 130).
Setting itself will be divided into two:
1) Setting of time
There are some clues that indicate the time of Cinderella
Man:
34
“…..November 30, 1928”
“September 25, 1933 4 years into great depression”
“December 1933…..”
“Day of the fight June 13, 1935”
The filmmaker Cinderella Man takes the setting in the time
of great depression. From the quotation above the writer considers
that setting of time in this film starts on November 1928 and ends
in June 1935. When the winter comes on December, all activities
are in indoors. It can be seen in this film when Mae and her kids
usually spend their time in the apartment. They just go out when
looking for firewood.
Everything is not easy at great depression. Unemployed hits
record 15.000.000.
2) Setting of place
(a) New Jersey
New Jersey is the city where James J. Braddock comes from.
(b) Mount Vernon, New York
The place where Braddock is against Abraham Feldman.
(c) Emergency Relief Administration
The office where Braddock borrows some money.
(d) Madison Square Garden Bowl
The place where Braddock fights against Griffin, Lewis, and
Max Baer.
(e) Basement Apartment
Bradock lived in this place during great depression with his
family.
35
(f) Hooverville Central Park
An area in Central Park where the homeless set up temporary
housing. It’s also the place where Mike died steamrolled by
runaway horse and buggy.
(g) Restaurant
The place where Braddock, Mae, Joe Gould, and his wife have
dinner.
(h) Dock
The place where Braddock works as rough laborer and has to
works with his left hand, because his right hand is broken.
(i) Church
It’s place where Mae come to pray for Braddock. There are
many people in there to do the same thing with Mae.
(j) Gym
The place where Braddock train with his instructor.
c. Plot
The writer describes that the director of Cinderella Man uses
traditional plot. The elements of traditional plot refer to the basic
elements of dramatic structure found in many productions such as the
exposition of beginning, the middle and the end (Douglass and Harnder,
1996:48).
1) The Exposition of Beginning
A beginning or exposition is about one quarter of length in
film production. The filmmaker wants to explore the story by
36
presenting the hero or heroine and other major participants, the
setting, the problem and also the theme (Douglass and Harnder,
1996: 48).
The film opens with Braddock winning a fight in 1928 and
becoming a contender for a championship bout (CM, 00:50). This
is continued with his arrival to his house and meets his wife (CM,
06:09). The film then quickly jumps four years into the future. The
depression is on and Braddock has had a series of defeats. Fighting
injured, including with a broken hand, made him less of a fighter.
Like many others in that era, Braddock lost everything in the stock
market and scrimping by on the small fights he can get. Moreover,
he often gives his meal to his kids (CM, 09:29).
2) The Middle
The middle of dramatic structure contains the struggle of the
hero or heroine to achieve the solution of the problem has been
defined, discovered or created in the beginning (Douglass and
Harnder, 1996:50).
It is divided into two sections. This is the early conflict,
which leads to the other conflicts in the story. The first part of
complication began when he was forced by a damage right hand
into retirement and a string of losses in the ring. When Braddock
fought hurt against Abe Feldman, they played to draw. It caused
Braddock was not paid, even his promoter revoking his license
(CM, 23:30).
37
The second part of the middle is when Braddock worked as a
dockworker and meets Mike Wilson. These dock jobs few and far
between though and every day Jim went to line up where men were
selected for one day’s work. It also caused he couldn’t pay the
electric or the heat. Oneday, Mae had to send his kids in her
relative’s house because she couldn’t keep them warm. It made
Braddock worked harder to get money. Jim had a broken hand but
he worked anyway. It was the only way to fed his family. Then he
went to Emergency Relief Administration to borrow some money
(CM, 37:53). He also begged for money from his former boxing
association at a Madison Square Garden hangout to get his
electricity back on and get the kids back.
The third part appearing when his former manager, Joe Gould
gave Braddock second chance and offered him a one-time fought
against an opponent. Because of Braddock won fight against
Griffin, Gould offered him the other fight. Slowly but sure,
Braddock continued to fought and won.
Finally, climax appears when Braddock faced his toughest
challenge, a fight against Max Baer, and the heavyweight
champion of the world, renowned for had killed two men in the
ring.
3) The End
The end or resolution is the last stage of dramatic structure.
In this stage, the hero or heroine resolves their problems in a way
38
satisfactory to audiences; it usually involves some growth either in
the characters, audiences, or maybe both of them (Douglass and
Harnder, 1996:50). The resolution in Cinderella Man has begun
when Braddock won fight against Max Baer. He could prove to
everyone that he was true boxer. Beside that his household life
back to normal again.
d. Point of View
The word point of view has several meanings (Douglass and
Harnder, 1996: 31-32). First, in the film video production, the term
point of view has special meanings. This point of view relates to taking
camera in each shot, as if the characters see the viewers, but is also used
in drama movies (Douglass and Harnder, 1996:31-32). Seconds point of
view refers of the perspective of the storyteller, actually in literature it
refers “person” (Douglass and Harnder, 1996:32). The last definition
about point of view is the characters as a group’s particular perspective
it can be seen in their beliefs (Douglass and Harnder, 1996:37).
Cliff Hollingsworth and Akiva Goldsman as the screenwriter of
Cinderella Man use point of view in the film production as follows:
1) Point of view related to the taking camera of each shot as if the
characters saw the viewers. It is shown in the events: the point of
view of Braddock can be seen when he fell because of Baer’s hit
in his head. Then he saw Baer and realized that Baer walked to
head for him (CM, 58:15).
39
2) Point of view refers to the storyteller. This film uses third person
as the narrator.
3) The last thing of point of view is the group’s particular
perspective. The point of view of group in this story is mostly
people guess that family is the important thing in the world.
e. Theme
A filmmaker should determine first the theme in a story before
stepping a head into the next part. Discovering theme is where the
filmmaker certainly begins (Douglass and Harnder, 1996:3).
The theme in Cinderella Man is “someone can do anything and
get what he wants by the power of love and remarkable endurance".
2. Technical Elements
a. Mise en Scene
Douglass and Harnder (1996: 119) state that “mise en scene is all
the visual elements of set, set dressing, props, costume, make up, lightin
and even physical body posture arranged and placed before the camera
lens”.
1) Set dressing
The set dressing which shown in Cinderella Man are as
follows:
(a) Watch, jewelry box, table, picture, lamp in Braddock’s
bedroom.
(b) Table, some chairs, fireplace, lamp in Joe’s apartment.
40
(c) Glasses, table, candles in Braddock’s house yard.
(d) Fireplace, bed, lamp in kid’s room.
(e) Sofa, chairs, table, cupboard in Braddock’s living room.
(f) Projector, lamps, some paintings, desk, chairs in Mr. Johnston
office.
2) Props
(a) A cigar is usually brought by Mr. Johnston.
(b) Needle and threat usually used by Mae to sewing.
(c) Boxing gloves used by Braddock to boxing.
(d) Shoe polishes used by Braddock to covers his broken hand.
(e) A hook used by Braddock and the dockworkers to work in
dock.
3) Costume and Make up
Cinderella Man uses a certain costume to identify the era
when the scene takes place. Cinderella Man takes place in America
on 19th century exactly in 1935. So it is the duty for Daniel Orlandi
as the costume designer to create costumes as the American wear
of that time. The styles of costume at the time are hat, open jacket,
a heavy overcoat or cardigan and scarf.
Daniel Orlandi divides the style into two categories, low-
class and high-class. The low-class wears the dirty clothes and
more simple. It can be seen at Braddock and the other
dockworkers. They usually wear hat, open jacket with lapels and
41
suspender when they work. Meanwhile, the high-class wears
elegant clothes completely with shoes, hat, and cardigan. It can be
seen when Max Baer comes to dinner party, he wears elegant
cardigan, and jacket.
Besides the costume, make up is also important in the film.
All these point about costumes apply equally to a closely related
area of mise en scene, the actors make up. Make up is originally
necessary because actor’s face would not register well on early film
stocks. And, up to the present, it has been used in various ways to
enhance the appearance of actors on the screen (Bordwell and
Thompson, 1990: 133). David LeRoy Anderson and Lance
Anderson as the make up director in Cinderella Man have big role
in making the actor’s face looks different. Make up for all of the
characters are so natural. The most interesting here for creating
same atmosphere on 1930s when the curly hair is so famous, so in
this film all woman characters have curly hair.
4) Lighting
Lighting in cinema production is also important, it helps the
viewers to see the action as the function of lighting shaping the
objects by creating high light and shadows and shaping audience
understanding the shot’s composition. This aspect can be isolated
into four features: quality, direction, source and color (Bordwell
and Thompson, 1990: 134).
42
a) Quality
Lighting quality here means the relative interesting of the
illuminations. It is divided into two, hard and soft lighting
(Bordwell and Thompson, 1990: 134). After watching the film
the writer concludes that this film uses hard and soft lighting
qualities. By using both qualities the dramatic situation can be
seen in the frame. This happened because hard lighting creates
clearly defined shadows. This lighting quality causes the
viewers catch the object clearly. While the soft lighting creates
the diffused illumination. Soft lighting makes the audience see
the object not so clear.
b) Direction
It deals to the light from its source to the object literature.
It can be distinguished among frontal lighting, side lighting,
back lighting, under lighting, and top lighting (Bordwell and
Thompson, 1990: 134). It is impossible of a film just uses one
lighting. So the movie of Cinderella Man combines all of the
lighting direction to enhance the expressive potential of this
film or just make the image perfectly.
c) Source
Cinderella Man film production combines two sources of
the light; the key and the fill light. The key light is the primary
lighting source of the image, providing the dominant
43
illumination and casting the dominant shadows. Fill light in
this film has function to fill or soften and also eliminate the
shadows from casting by the key light. By combining these
two sources, the exact degree of lighting in this film can be
controlled easily.
d) Color
Color in lighting can be manipulated by shinning motion
lamps through a transparent colored filter (Bordwell and
Thompson, 1990: 136). The film lighting team in Cinderella
Man uses realistic sources than non realistic sources to
motivate the coloration of the light. The white in this film
comes from sunlight, whereas the soft yellow comes from light
of the candle and lamp. The film lighting team decided to use
realistic source because the genre of this film is dramatic
situation and the setting of the film is about the middle of
twentieth centuries so it is better to use realistic sources.
5) Figure expression and movement (acting)
In this film the actors and actress can act naturally. It can be
seen in many characters such as James J. Bradock (Russell Crowe).
In this film Crowe has to act as a boxer. How is fell, the way he
gives uppercut, the way he gives punch must looked like a real
boxer. Crowe did a wonderful job of imitating Braddock’s ring
style. It is also caused of his boxing trainer’s help, Angelo Dundee.
Crowe also embodies a man torn by changing of life and frustrated
44
by his inability to provide comfortable for his wife and his three
kids. Beside that, Paul Giamatti, which acts as Braddock’s
manager, can act his character well. It can be proved by becoming
favorite for a Best Supporting Actor Oscar nomination. In the end,
all characters can do their job appropriately. It means that they can
do two type of acting: facial expression and pantomimic gesture.
b. Cinematography
The filmmaker also controls what we call cinematographic
qualities shot, not only what is filmed but also how it is filmed. This
consists of control over three features: photographical qualities of shot,
the framing of shot and the duration of shot (Bordwell and Thompson,
1990: 157).
1) Photographical qualities of shot
There is the variation on speed motion that gives effect on
film; it can be slow, ordinary, and fast motion or maybe freeze on
frame (Bordwell and Thompson, 1990: 160). Slow motion can be
seen when Braddock beats the head of Abe Feldman (CM, 20:29).
The other slow motion is when Lasky beats Braddock’s rib (CM,
76:29), and when Braddock gives uppercut to Baer (CM, 115:27).
Ron Howard, as a director shot a lot of slow motion at 48 or 60
frames per second because Russell Crowe and the other boxers
couldn’t go full speed all the time and land punches without hurting
each other. One of the appearing the speed motion of this film
shows when Braddock fights against Max Baer. They beat each
other.
45
2) The framing of shot
Here, the way of framing can be powerfully to the image of
the size and shape of the frame: it controls the distance angle and
the way framing can be mobile in relationship with mise en scene
(Bordwell and Thompson, 1990: 168).
Framing in this film appears when the camera makes a zoom
of the eye of James J. Braddock. It happened when he fights against
Lasky and almost loses, then he imagined his kids (CM, 77:21).
3) The duration of shot
The movie of Ron Howard’s Cinderella Man duration is in
144 minutes or 2 hours 24 minutes.
c. Sound
There are two advantages of sound in film production. First, it
engages another sense mode: our visual attention can be accompanied
by an aural attention. Second, sound can actively shape how we
interpret the image (Bordwell and Thompson, 1990: 244).
The character of this movie uses dialog and monologue to make
conversation with others. Cinderella Man has genre as drama, it can be
shown when Mike’s funeral. In the other side, when Braddock leaves
his apartment to fight against Max Baer and Howard says good bye to
him.
This film not only involves language and music, but also sound
effects. It produces a real sound of door closed, human step, the noise in
harbor and in the bowl, horse step, car, etc. Beside that supervising
46
sound editor, Chic Cocollini recreated sound themes unique to each
location. For example, a riot in Hooverville, an area in Central Park
where the homeless set up temporary, required echo effects added to
animal sounds, human shouts, and old sirens to yield the desired
haunting environment.
The quality of sound in Cinderella Man is Dolby Digital makes
the sound can be heard from many sides surrounding the audiences.
d. Editing
The movie of Cinderella Man uses the continuity principles in
editing such as: the view direction, movement, and position
continuities. the briefly explanation as follows:
1) The view direction can be found in this movie, it relates to the
picture, which creates impression as if the actors faced each other.
For instance, when Jim Braddock and Mae discuss about something
in their room is the appropriate section to be editing (CM, 30:43).
2) Movement continuity also can be found when the carriage walks
along the road. Usually movement continuity concerns with the
unity of subject or actor’s movement. It can be seen in this film such
as when Braddock walks along the road from Emergency Relief
Administration for Madison Square Garden to begging money (CM,
39:00).
3) Position continuities are related to the position of actor in shot.
Position continuity of this film can be found when Joe Gould and
her wife accept Mae in their apartment.
47
All of the explanation above is the situation that should be edited. This
is job for Daniel P. Hanley and Mike Hill as the editor of Cinderella
Man. Their editing is to give the appropriated movie for the audience.
Their job is almost perfect; it can be proved with the rating of this film
in USA.PG-13 from MPAA (The Motion Picture Association of
America) classification for intense boxing violence and some language.
The MPAA provides the Internet Movie Database with their ratings
reasons. This rating is made from the guest voting of MPAA Web Side
in writing their comment about the movie
(http://www.imdbpro.com/mpaa).
B. Discussion
After analyzing the structural elements of the film, the writer will discuss
the relation between the elements and putting them back into unity.
A film is usually inspired by life experience, which is manipulated
dramatically to gain the special psychological effect on its spectators. Cinderella
Man is based on James J. Braddock’s experienced during great depression. This
film is directed by Ron Howard. The screenplay is written by Cliff
Hollingsworth and Akiva Goldsman. The theme of this movie is “someone can
do anything and get what he wants by the power of love and remarkable
endurance”. It is not easy and simple way to do anything for someone he loves
and to get what he wants. Therefore, he has to struggle and make a great effort
for it.
48
In Cinderella Man, Howard creates the central character of this film,
James J. Braddock. He is created as a boxer and dockworker, because Howard
wants this character to support and build the theme of the film and make it more
interesting. Through James Braddock, the director explores bravely the real
people condition in great depression. James J. Braddock in Cinderella Man is
described as a man who struggles for his family and his career as a boxer. When
his career appeared to be finished, he was unable to pay the bills, the only thing
that really mattered to him that his family was in danger. But deep inside, Jim
Braddock never relinquished his determination. Driven by love, honor, and
incredible dose of grief, he tried to make an impossible dream come true.
To support the major character more alive, Howard creates the other
character called minor character. He describes the struggle in each character and
has same purposes with the major character. Braddock as one of the major
characters is the effective figure as part of the director’s message in Howard’s
film.
Howard puts the character in appropriate time and place. The setting of
place are New York and New Jersey, and setting of time in great depression in
1928 to 1935. New York was chosen as one of the setting of place, because at
that time all of activities concentrate on New York. Likewise with boxing
competition. Mostly, boxing competition was held in New York such as in
Madison Square Garden and Mount Vernon. The other setting of place is New
Jersey. Braddock lived there with his family. It’s also the place where Braddock
worked as a dockworker and had to struggle in order his family necessities could
be fulfilled.
49
To organize the story of Cinderella Man, the film director Ron Howard
uses traditional plot. The beginning begins the story or exposition, followed the
next stages the middle that is derived into two parts. The first part or
complication and the second part or climax. The last stages is the end or
resolution. It will make the audience easy to understand about the story of film.
Film production has three meanings of point of view. First, it relates the
taking of the camera in each shot as if the characters see the viewers. It can be
seen in the events such as the point of view of Braddock can be seen when he
saw Max Baer after Braddock fell because of Baer’s punch. Second, it means the
perspective of the storyteller. In Cinderella Man, the point of view used by the
narrator is the third person narrator. The last point of view is group’s
perspective. The point of view of group in this story is mostly people think that
family is the important thing in the world.
The successful of film depends on narrative elements and is also supported
by the technical of film. The mise en scene, cinematography, sound, and editing
are the parts of technical elements of film. Mise en scene in this film consists of
set dressing, props, costume and make up, lighting, and figure expression and
movement. The costume and make up in Cinderella Man use a certain costume
to identify the era when the scene takes place. Lighting in this film is indirectly
connected to the film stock for certain light conditions have to be fulfilled
according to the sensitivity of the film. The figure expression or acting of each
actors and actress has big role in creating and giving image in a story. They have
responsibility to carry out the story more lifelike. The other elements of film
production are cinematography, divided into three; photographical qualities shot,
50
the framing of shot, and the duration of shot. While sound of Cinderella Man is
used to make the film more enjoyable to audiences. This is divided into two;
music and sound effect. The last, editing is the important part of the technical
elements of the film. The view direction, movement, and position continuities
are appeared and have editing well by Daniel P. Hanley and Mike Hill.
From the explanation above, the writer summaries that the structural
elements of film are tied each other. It makes a unity from that can separate each
other. For work hard of the teamwork and all the people who get involved in this
film, Cinderella Man getting USA.PG-13 from MPAA (The Motion Picture
Association of America) classification for intense boxing violence and some
language. Beside that, Cinderella Man succeeds in bringing some awards.
CHAPTER IV
HUMANISTIC PSYCHOLOGICAL ANALYSIS
The theme of Cinderella Man film is “someone can do anything and get what
he wants by the power of love and remarkable endurance”. It is reflected in the major
character. The aim of chapter IV is to analyze the motives underlying the struggle of
James J. Braddock based on humanistic psychological perspective.
A. The Needs of James J. Braddock
In Cinderella Man film can be seen many kinds of Braddock’s needs.
They are the need to breathe, the need for water, the need to eat, the need for
sleep, the need to regulate body temperature, the need for sex, the need for
clothes, friendship, having a family, security of employment, security of
revenues and resources, familial security, security of health, religious groups,
respected by others, recognition, fame, glory, reputation, appreciation, dignity,
actualize his potential as a boxer. Based on Maslow’s theory, all of the
Braddock’s needs can be categorized as the hierarchy of needs.
In Hierarchy of needs, there are five elements, which are (1)
physiological needs, (2) security or safety needs, (3) belongingness and love
needs, (4) self-esteem needs, and (5) self-actualization needs.
1. Physiological Needs
The needs of Braddock included as physiological needs are the need to
breathe, the need for water, the need to eat, the need for clothes, the need for
sleep, the need to regulate body temperature, the need for sex.
51
52
The need to breathe, the need for clothes, and the need for sex can be
fulfilled easily by the major character, Braddock. It is proved by Braddock
can breathe without any disruption such as disruption of air pollution. When
Braddock attends dinner party with his wife, he uses clean and good clothes.
Braddock also doesn’t face any difficulties with his sex. Braddock and Mae
have love relations as a husband and wife. He is able to fulfill his sex with
Mae.
The need for water, the need for sleep, and the need to regulate body
temperature also can be fulfilled by Braddock although he faces some
difficulties. It can be shown when Braddock has to drink leftovers from milk
that mixed with water in order that milk enough for all of his family. Beside
that Braddock has to sleep and live without any heat in his basement
apartment. But at the last he can get his electricity back.
The need to eat is the most difficult needs to be fulfilled. When the
nation enters the darkest years of the great depression, Braddock has a series
of defeats. Fighting injured, including with a broken hand, makes him less of
a fighter. Braddock, like many others in that era, loses everything in the
stock market. So that he and his family can eat, Braddock has to take a job
which is offered for him. That is a fight against one guy named Abe Feldman
although recovery his broken hand still a few weeks.
Joe Gould : “Now, you see, that break’s still a few weeks”.
Braddock : “I know”.
Joe Gould : “Yeah. And you were gonna tell me about this when?”.
Braddock : “It’s gonna be fine”.
Joe Gould : “It’s not fine. No it’s not. What the hell? You don’t tell me?
What the hell kind a crap is that?
53
Braddock : “I owe everybody money, Joe. I can’t get any shifts. We ain’t
got any cash”.
Joe Gould : “I got it. Screw them. I’ll tape it double”.
Braddock : “Thanks” (CM, 17:39).
In the situation of great depression, every people will do everything to
get food. The problem also faced by Braddock’s family. One day, Braddock
has to give his breakfast to his daughter because she is still hungry.
The other struggle of James J. Braddock also can be seen when he
loses his license to fight and has to work on the docks. These dock jobs are
few and far between though and everyday Braddock goes to line up where
men are selected for one day’s work.
Jake : “I need nine men and only nine. One. Two. Three. Four. Five.
Six. Seven. Eight. Nine. That’s it! All right, let’s get a move
on! Go on, get going! Got a lot of work today” (CM, 12:49).
From all the explanation above it can be concluded that hungry is the
primary motive why Braddock has to struggle. A hungry person is motivated
to eat, not to make friends or gain self-esteem. He will do everything in order
be able to eat. He doesn’t see beyond food, and so long as this need remains
unsatisfied, his primary motivation is to obtain something to eat.
2. Security or Safety Needs
Security of employment, security of revenues and resources, familial
security, security of health is the needs that concern with security and safety
need.
For the familial security needs, Braddock feels easy to satisfy this need
because people around him care for him. When his right hand is broken, Mae
cares him until his hand is recovered.
54
In the great depression situation the interest for safety and security
needs is translated into concern for safety on the job. To get safety on the
job, Braddock has to hide his broken right hand in order he can work on the
docks. For that reason he covers his broken right hand with shoe polish.
Mae Braddock : “Jimmy, you can’t work. Your hand is broken”.
Braddock : “They see me lugging this around, you’re right, they won’t
pick me. Not down the docks, not anywhere. So we’re
gonna cover it up…with shoe polish. Okay? I’m sorry”.
Mae Braddock : “No. No. No” (CM, 26:19).
Braddock has to work with his left hand in dock. Although he has
covers his broken hand with shoe polish, his supervisor in dock, Jake find
out about it. Then he asks Braddock what has happened to his hand. His
friend, Mike helps him to give reason. So Jake doesn’t fire him from his job.
Mike : “That hand ain’t gonna work. You can’t slow me down. I
need this job”.
Braddock : “I need this job too”.
Jake : “What’s wrong with goddamn hand?”
Mike : “You see us falling behind, Jake?”
Braddock : “He’s all right. Appreciate it” (CM, 29:50).
The other struggle of Braddock to get safety on his job as a boxer is by
hard training in gym although his rib is hurt. In gym, Braddock is helped by
his partners such as Joe Jeanette. He also leaves his job on the docks as a
laborer in order he can focus with his training.
Joe Gould : “Is he all right? So how’s he doing?”
Jeanette : “He’s old. He’s arthritic. And his rib haven’t been right
since the lasky fight”.
Joe Gould : “What’s the bad news, sunshine?”
Cornerman : “Joe!”
Joe Gould : “What?”
Cornerman : “The reporters are here”.
Joe Gould : “Jesus. Right. Get rid of that goddamn rib protector.
Jimmy! Press is here, boy-o! get bounching around in
that ring! Showtime! Big smiles! You’re the belle of the
ball! Baer don’t need to know about no goddamn ribs”
(CM, 100:41).
55
All of the things that have been stated above are Braddock’s efforts to
get safety on his job. He wants to work in calm and quite. There is no
anxiety, fear, and pressure. He wants to do his job, as a boxer or as
dockworker with safe.
3. Belongingness and Love Needs
The needs of James J. Braddock that can be categorized in this need
are friendship, having a family, and religious group. Braddock is surrounded
by his friends that always help him whenever he needs. Beside that Braddock
becomes the member of the church.
Having a family means that someone has responsibility for his family.
In Cinderella Man film it can be seen that Braddock marries with Mae and
they get three kids; Jay, Howard, and Rosy. For Braddock, his family is the
important thing in the world, so he will do anything for his family.
Braddock’s struggle for love and belongingness need in this film can
be seen such as when Braddock has to work on docks although his right hand
is broken.
Mae Braddock : “Jimmy, if you can’t work…we’re not gonna be able to
pay the electric, or the heat. And we’re out of credit at the
grocery. So I think we need to pack the kids. They could
stay at my sister’s for a little while…and I’ll take in more
sewing”.
Braddock : “That way we could make two, three breadlines a day. I’ll
get doubles, triples, whatever I can find”.
Mae Braddock : “Jimmy, you can’t work”.
Braddock : “Mae, I can still work”.
Mae Braddock : “Jimmy, you can’t work. Your hand is broken” (CM,
26:15).
Since Braddock loses his licenses to fight and has to work on docks, he
just gets few money and it made he can’t pay the electricity, or the heat.
Oneday, Mae has to send her kids in her relative’s house because Mae can’t
56
keep them warm. It makes Braddock very sad. To get the kids back,
Braddock goes to Emergency Relief Administration to borrow some money,
because the money gotten by Braddock is not enough to pay the electricity or
the heat, then he goes to Madison Square Garden hangout and begging
money from his former boxing associates.
Promoter 1 : “There’s Jimmy Braddock”.
Braddock : “The thing is, I can’t afford to…I can’t afford to pay the
heat. I’ve had to farm out my kids. You know, they keep
cutting shifts down at the docks…and you just don’t get
picked everyday. I sold everything I’ve got that anybody
would buy. I went on public assistance. I signed on at the
relief office. They gave me $ 19. I need another $ 18,38
so I can pay the bill and get the kids back. You know me
well enough to know if I had anywhere else to go…I
wouldn’t be here. If you could help me through this time,
I sure would be grateful”.
Promoter 2 : “Sure, Jim. Sure. Good luck”.
Promoter 3 : “Jim”.
Promoter 4 : “Hey, Jimmy. Here you go, Jim. Good luck, Jim” (CM,
65:18).
Braddock loves his family so much. When he has a broken hand, he is
not too sad because he is surrounded by people that love and always support
him, such as his family and his friends. In the other hand, when his family is
in danger such as lack of food and his kids is sick, he is so sad and worried,
even almost desperated. His sadness can be seen clearly in his face
expression when he walks head to Madison Square Garden. Family becomes
one of the motives underlying his struggle. Braddock has a broken hand but
he works anyway. It is the only way to feed his family and provides comfort
for his family. He will do everything for his family, although his struggle
endangers himself.
57
4. Self-esteem Needs
The self-esteem appears in Braddock’s life. There are Braddock’s
needs included in this category. They are respected by others, recognition,
fame, glory, reputation, appreciation, and dignity. To realize all of those
needs, Braddock has to make great effort for it.
He wants to be respected by others, at least he has ability and uses his
ability to work as boxer and get money. It can help his family in order they
eat everyday. In contrast, his opponent Max Baer doesn’t respect with his
work. He even mocks Braddock for what he has done to his family and his
career. It makes Mae, Braddock’s wife angry and then pour water on Baer’s
face.
Max Baer : “Yeah. I think the smart thing would be for you to take a
fall. Circus act’s over, old man”.
Reporter : “Right here, Max. there you go”.
Braddock : “I think I’ll go a few rounds with the dancing Baer”.
Joe Gould : “Yeah, there you go. Come on, Jim. Very good. Okay.
Come on. Okay. Hey, we’ll see you in the ring”.
Braddock : “Max, my wife, Mae”.
Max Baer : “You ought to talk him, Mae. You are far too pretty to be a
widow”.
Joe Gould : “That’s not nice, Max. Not nice. Come on”.
Max Baer : “On second thought, maybe I can comfort you after he’s
gone”.
Joe gould : “Hey, I said shut your goddamn mouth, you punk!”
Braddock : “Sorry. Send me the cleaning bill”.
Max Baer : “Get that, boys? Now he’s got his wife doing his fighting
for him”.
Braddock : “Yeah. Ain’t she something?” (CM, 95:73).
Braddock also needs recognition and appreciation from others.
Braddock feels inferiority, disappointed, weak when his promoter, Mr.
Johnston regards Braddock’s fight as “no contest”. Mr. Johnston thinks that
fight like keeps people away. He even revokes Braddock’s license to fight.
58
Braddock’s expression can be seen clearly, he is annoyed because people
don’t respect his work.
Braddock : “Mr. Johnston!”
Mr. Johnston : “Jim. What’s going on? You didn’t tell him?”
Jou Gould : “Yeah, of course I told him. He wanted to hear it from
you”.
Braddock : “Come on, Mr. Johnston, no contest? I broke my hand.
Okay? It’s legit. You don’t see me crying about it. I don’t
see what you got to complain about. I still went out there.
I still put on a show. I did what I could do. You know, we
did that boondocks circuit for you…me and Joe.
Remember? I didn’t quite on you. And I didn’t quite
tonight. I didn’t always lose. I won’t always lose again. I
can still fight ”.
Mr. Johnston : “Go home”.
Braddock : “I can still fight”
Mr. Johnston : “Go home to Mae and the kids, Jim”.
Braddock : “Go home? Go home with what? Go home with what? A
broken hand from Mount Vernon? Mr. Johnston!” (CM,
25:30).
Need to be respected for his ability and for what he has done is the
motive why Braddock has to struggle. If someone is respected for what he
has done, he will have value and be important in the world. It makes
Braddock happier. It can be seen when Braddock goes home from fight and
win. He expresses his happiness by bringing a red rose bouquet for his wife.
In the end of this story this need can be fulfilled by Braddock. He gets
s fame, glory, reputation, and dignity because of his hard struggles.
5. Self-actualization Needs
Braddock wants to actualize his potential by boxing under the good
condition. But it is very hard for him to make his passion comes true. The
situation and his environment don’t support him. Even his potentiality and
his bravery is doubted by people especially his promoter
59
Mr. Johnston : “You want to think about it?”
Braddock : “You think you’re telling me something? What, like,
boxing is dangerous, something like that? You don’t
think triple shifts or working nights on the scaffolds…is
just as likely to get a guy killed? How many guys died
the other night living in cardboard shacks…trying to get
save on rent money? Guys who were trying to feed their
family. ‘Cause men like you…have not yet quite figured
out a way to make money…out of watching that guy die.
In my profession, and it’s my profession…I’m little more
fortune” (CM, 91:75).
Braddock’s actualization happens when he is under good condition. It
can be seen when his manager, Joe Gould offers him one fight. That is a
though fight but Jim win. Then Joe Gould gets another fight to Braddock. He
keeps wining. Eventually, he has to fight the heavyweight champion of the
world, Max Baer.
When Braddock gets a fight against Max Baer, his wife doesn’t
support his decision to take the fight. Her reason is she worries with
Braddock’s safety.
Mae Braddock : “He’s killed two men, Jimmy! What’s worth it?”
Braddock : “I have to believe I got some kind of say over our lives.
Okay? You know, that if things are bad, that we can
change them…we can make things better for our family”.
Mae Braddock : “But I need you to be safe…”.
Braddock : “Nothing safe anymore, Mae…so much. And without
that…”.
Mae Braddock : “I need you to be safe!…nothing’s safe at all. All right. I
have stood by for all of it. Until now. Not for this Jimmy.
I just can’t. so you train all you want. Make a show of it
for your self, for the papers. But you find a way out of
that fight. Break your hand again if you have to” (CM,
95:70).
Then Braddock gives understanding to Mae about his decision. That is
not simple thing for Mae to agree with Braddock’s decision, but finally Mae
takes it and gives her support to her husband in order that he can win the
fight.
60
Mae Braddock : “You can’t win without me behind you. That’s what I’ve
been trying to tell you. Maybe I understand some. About
having to fight. So you just remember who you are.
You’re the Bulldog from Bergen…and the pride of New
Jersey. You’re everybody’s hope. And you’re your kids
hero. And you are the champion of my heart…James J.
Braddock”.
Braddock : “You know, you better get home. You know, boxers hang
around places like this…and you don’t want to get
tangled up with that kind of crowd. Nice girl like you.
Mae Braddock : “Yeah, okay. I’ll see you at home. Please Jimmy” (CM,
106:73).
That is the last Braddock’s struggle. Although his career almost
finishes and he has to work as a dockworker on docks, his interest in boxing
never ends. He always tries to get the second chance in order he can do
boxing again. Finally, his dream to fight comes true. His struggles make him
becomes the New World heavyweight champion. Beside that he can
actualize his ability as a boxer.
Futhermore, knowing one has reached this level or not it can be
recognized by the presence of the characteristics of self-actualization person
by Maslow as conveyed in the major character’s personality.
B. Braddock as A Self-actualized Person
Braddock can be said as a self-actualized person because he has mostly
the characteristics of self-actualization. The characteristics can be drawn as
follows:
1. More Efficient Perception of Reality
This film reflects the characteristic of more efficient perception of
reality. This characteristics demands Braddock to appreciate what is talking
from what is real of being alive and Braddock has a clear understanding
61
about right and wrong. He knows that what is done by his son, Jay is wrong.
When his son steals a salami from the butcher, Braddock makes the children
return it. Braddock always teaches his kids honesty.
Furthermore, it can be said that Braddock has an ability to have a clear
understanding about right and wrong.
2. Acceptance of Self, Others, and Nature
Cinderella Man reflects the characteristic of the quality of acceptance
of self, others, and nature. Self-acceptance means that Braddock accepts his
condition of life patiently. His condition is weak and sickly. He realizes that
life has its ups and downs. He lives in basement apartment and there is a
simple life.
Braddock can accept others without being burdened by shortcoming.
He can make friendship with others with all their weaknesses. He is also able
to accept nature as it is. He doesn’t complain when he is sick and getting old.
He accepts it as nature cycles.
3. Spontancity, Simplicity, and Naturalness
This film reflects the characteristic of spontancity, simplicity, and
naturalness. Braddock’s attitude shows spontaneous action, even he gets
sympathy from his partners because of his spontaneously. He decides to beg
money from his former boxing associates to pay the electricity and gets his
kids back. In his jobs he always receives challenge in order to better his life.
In this case, he becomes more expressive and creative in facing life.
62
4. Problem-centered
This film reflects the characteristic of problem-centered. When
Braddock’s wife has to send their kids in the relative’s house, Braddock
wants to get his kids back because he has promise that he never sends them
away. So Braddock decides to borrow some money from Emergency Relief
Administration. Then he has to be ashamed of himself of begging money
from his former boxing associates in order he can pay the electricity and get
his kids back.
Furthermore, it can be said that Braddock is able to solve his problem
to get his kids back.
5. Autonomy (Independence of Culture and Environment)
Braddock depends on himself for growth, self-actualizes have self-
confidence. It has an understanding that Braddock also has capability to
develop himself and to reach the goal in his life without depending on his
environment and culture. For Braddock, providing comfort for his family
and getting his career back as a boxer is his obsession. He has a big
motivation to realize his dream. In reaching his goal life, he has to work hard
in different environments.
6. Social Interest (Gemeinschoftsgefubl)
This film, major character reflects the characteristic of social interest.
In his life, Braddock shares feeling of sympathy and affection for all
humanity. He treats others as his own family, he also has desire to help
people sincerely. When there is an accident happen in Hoovervilles, Central
63
Park, he tries to help his friend, Mike who is steamrolled by a runaway horse
and buggy.
7. Interpersonal Relation
In Cinderella Man film it can be seen that Braddock enjoys making
relationship with everyone even he has a lot of friends. But he tends to be
intimate with his friend named Joe Gould, because he feels comfort with
him. Beside that Joe Gould always helps him when Braddock faces
problems.
8. The Democratic Character Structure
The main character of Braddock shows a person who is able to make
relationship with people in general whether less talented one without
burdened by individual variety and ethnic. He is open to people from
different class, race, religion, sex, occupation etc.
Braddock meets different people in his life although he comes from
Irish. He makes a good relationship with them.
9. Philosophical Sense of Humor
This film, the major character reflects the characteristic of
philosophical sense of humor. Braddock’s jokes usually do not hurt other
people, but it rather has a certain purpose because joke can make the body
healthy, fresh, and makes feeling enjoy. It can be seen when press
conference, Braddock makes a joke about his kids. Beside that his train is
full of joke.
However, Braddock makes a joke without mocking and hurting other.
Then, it is said that Braddock possesses the philosophical sense of humor.
64
10. Creativeness
People in the world must be creative to survive. In Cinderella Man,
the major character reflects the characteristic of creativeness. Braddock
shows his creativity in his job. People should be creative in their own way.
This kind of creativity will bring freshness to their need or job.
From the explanation above can be conclude that there are 15
characteristics of self-actualization and only 10 characteristics that can be
satisfied by the major character.
C. Discussion
Howard’s latest film is Cinderella Man. This film tells about the
phenomenon that happened in the great depression. Ron Howard gives attention
in the needs and the motives especially in James J. Braddock as one of the major
characters in this movie. Braddock is a boxer who has a series of defeats when
the nation enters the great depression. He has to struggle to fulfill his necessaries.
When the nation enters the great depression, Braddock has a series of
defeats. Fighting injured, including with a broken hand, makes him less of a
fighter. Braddock, like many others in that era, loses of physiological needs,
security or safety needs, love and belongingness needs, self-esteem needs, and
self-actualization needs. He has to make great effort in order his necessaries can
be fulfilled. There are some levels of Braddock’s needs. Braddock must struggle
hard in step by step to fulfill his needs from the lowest to the highest needs.
Braddock demands to fulfill the basic needs first. His struggle to get basic needs
65
is not easy especially his struggle to fulfill his need to eat. It is the most difficult
needs to be fulfilled. In great depression era, Braddock loses everything in the
stock market. So he has to struggle in order he and his family can eat. His
struggle can be seen when he must work on docks although he has a broken right
hand. Hungry becomes his motive to struggle. Hungry person is motivated to eat.
As long as this need remains unsatisfied, his primary motivation is to obtain
something to eat.
After the basic need is fulfilled, he tries to get safety in the job. We know
that Braddock is a boxer, and boxer is risky job. Beside that he has a broken right
hand when he must work on docks. So to get safety on his job, he has to find the
way in order it can minimize the risk, such as by hard training before he fight and
covers his broken right hand with shoe polish. Thus he can work calm and quite.
The next level is belongingness and love needs. Braddock’s needs that
can be categorized in this need is friendship, having a family, and religious
group. Braddock is surrounded by his friends that always help him whenever he
needs. Beside that, Braddock becomes the member of the church. Family
becomes the next motive, why Braddock has to struggle. Family is the important
thing in his life. He has to struggle to provides comfortable for his family. He can
so sad, worried, and even desperated when his family is in danger. He has a
broken right hand, but he will do everything for his family, although his struggle
endangers himself.
After his family necessaries can be fulfilled, the self-esteem needs appear
in Braddock’s life. This need will make someone feel more useful, viewed, and
66
respected by other. At the time of great depression this needs narrowly
disappears. They just think of themselves and do not respect with other. Need to
be respected by others also becomes Braddock’s motive. Although Braddock
plays draw against Abe Feldman, his promoter, Mr. Johnston doesn’t respect him
and regards Braddock’s fight as no contest. Even he revokes Braddock’s license
to fight. It makes him feel inferiority, disappointed, and weak. In the end of this
story, Braddock gets fame, glory, reputation, and dignity because of his hard
struggles.
The next level is self-actualization needs. It is the highest level needs. The
motive why Braddock has to struggle is he wants to actualize his potential as a
boxer. Actually, Braddock wants to actualize his potential by boxing under the
good condition. But it is very difficult for him to make his passion come true.
Although his career almost finish and he must work on docks, his interest in
boxing never end. He always makes some efforts in order he can do boxing
again. It makes him becoming the New World Heavyweight champion. Family
and boxing becomes part in his life.
Ron Howard gives the resolution of this film is that Braddock’s life is
changing from lack and desperate life into a man with all of his superiority.
Beside that Braddock can be said as a self-actualized person, because the
characteristics of self-actualization have been portrayed in Braddock’s
personality. It can be seen that there are 10 characteristics can be satisfied by the
major character from 15 characteristics of self-actualization. The characteristics
are (1) more efficient perception of reality, (2) acceptance of self, others, and
67
nature, (3) spontancity, simplicity, and naturalness, (4) problem-centered, (5)
autonomy (independence of culture and environment), (6) social interest, (7)
interpersonal relation, (8) democratic character structure, (9) philosophical sense
of humor, and the last (10) creativeness.
Based on the analysis above, it is obvious for the writer to state the
structural elements on Cinderella Man are matched with the main idea of
Howard viewed by humanistic perspective.
CHAPTER V
CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTION
After analyzing Ron Howard’s Cinderella Man, conclusion and suggestion
are drawn. This chapter is divided into two parts. The first part states about the
conclusion that can be drawn in order to answer the problem of the study, and the
second one offers some suggestions, which are considered to be useful for all.
A. Conclusion
Reffering to the problem statement and the analysis in the previous
chapter, the writer finally take some conclusions.
First, Ron Howard as the director reveals that all of human beings have
different needs and some motives why they have to do something. Like
Braddock, he also has some needs. He has to struggle in order his needs canbe
fulfilled.
Second, there are some motives underlying Braddock’s struggle. First,
the motive concerns with physiological needs, that is hungry. Braddock has to
hard work to get money in order he and his family can eat. Second motive is he
wants to get safety in his job. It relates with safety and security needs. The next
motive relates to belongingness and love needs, that is family. He loves his
family so much. So he will do everything for his family. Fourth, the motive is he
wants to be respected for what he has done. This motive included in self-esteem
needs. The last motive underlying Braddock’s struggle is he wants to actualize
his potential as a boxer.
68
69
Third, Braddock can be said as a self-actualized person because the
characteristics of self-actualization have been portrayed in Braddock’s
personality. The characteristics are more efficient perception of reality,
acceptance of self, others, and nature, spontancity, simplicity, and naturalness,
problem-centered, autonomy (independence of culture and environment), social
interest, interpersonal relation, democratic character structure, philosophical
sense of humor, and the last creativeness.
B. Suggestion
The writer has chosen humanistic psychological approach; hierarchy of
needs to deal with this film. This study can still be improved. It is widely
possible for other writers to apply different approach such as sociological
approach. This approach toward the same film will bring new perspective in
gaining more understanding about the film and ideas beyond it.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Bordwell, David and Kristin Thompson. 1990. Film Art and Introduction. New
York: McGraw-Hill.
Burger, Jerry M. 1986. Personality: Theory and Research. California: Wardsworth
Publishing Company.
Coon, Dennis. 1980. Introduction of Psychology Exploration and Application. (2nd
Ed). New York: West Publishing. Co.
Douglass, John S. and Glenn P. Harnder. 1996. The Art of Technique an Aesthethic
Approach to Film and Video Production. Boston: Allyn and Bocan.
Feist, Jest. 1985. Theories of Personality. Canada: CBS College Publishing.
Hjelle, L. and Ziegler, D. 1981. Personalities Theories: Basic Assumption, Research
and Application. New York: McGraw-Hill.
Hjelle, L. and Ziegler, D. 1992. Personalities Theories: Basic Assumption, Research
and Application. Third Edition. New York: McGraw-Hill.
Hornby, As. 1985. Oxford Advance Learner’s Dictionary of Current English.
Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Klarer, Mario. 1999. An Introduction to Literature Studies. London: Routledge.
http://www.script-o-rama.com/movie_scripts/c/cinderella-mans-script-
transcript.html. Accessed on March 7th, 2006.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/maslow’s_hierarchy_of_needs. Accessed on March 7th,
2006.
http://www.accel-team.com/maslow_/maslow-nds-02.html. Accessed on March 7th,
2006.
http://www.jamesjbraddock.com/movie. Accessed on March 3rd, 2006.
http://www.ship.edu/~cgboeree/maslow.html. Accessed on March 7th, 2006.
http://www.imdbpro.com/mpaa. Accessed on June 9th, 2006.
http://www.gerandkeegan.co.uk/source/humanistic.htm. Accessed on June 9th, 2006.