Introduction
This essay exhaustively describes the movie ‘Boomerang’ in an analyzed way so that it can help the reader comprehend the concept that was laid in the film. It also elaborates on the acts that were being emphasized in the different scenes by discussing the moral dilemma that was presented to the District Attorney Harvey. Also, the essay portrays the dilemma from a Humean perspective and a Kantian perspective. As a result, this will elaborate on the idea that was being depicted in the film in a more elucidated approach.
Humean perspective
The movie shows the moral dilemma that is presented by Marcus (a successful advertising executive), he woos and pursues women. After a company merger, he finds out that his new boss treats him the same way he treats other people (Brand 67). From the Humean theory, it shows that he was getting what he deserved and it made him want to rectify his wicked behaviors and realize that what he was doing wasn’t morally right. He sends flowers to seven different girlfriends revealing that he admires them. Moreover, the film’s ideas about business and prosperity remain weirdly dated even as its sexual attitudes strive for something new.
Basing the theory of Humean in the film, Harvey is depicted as someone who assumes that all behaviors are right even when they are perceived by other people to be wrong (Miller 42). This is seen when Harvey vividly illustrates one of the consequences of being immoral and when one’s immoral behaviors are known by others; he is portrayed as a man without respect for women.
This is clearly shown when he woos Angela, his friend Gerard is not happy about it because he knows his past conducts towards women and he is scared that Marcus will do the same thing to her. This leads Gerard to deal with the situation unkindly hence emphasizing the theory of Humean; he does not trust him. But he should try to understand Attorney Harvey so that he can help him become a better person in society because no one is perfect.
The film shows that Marcus does not take women seriously neither does he consider t their feelings. The theory of Humean explains that the characters in the film had the disposition to behave morally. The theory can be applied to elucidate how the characters behave in the film. It is also clear that if we treat other people badly and they realize it, it will be impossible to have the benefit of their trust and confidence. This is illustrated where Gerard refuses to trust Marcus with Angela because of his past mistakes and his immoral behavior towards women.
The essay goes to the extent of explaining that Marcus should take a naturalistic consideration of ethics because they can help him understand the principles of morality grounded in human nature. This shows that has does not comprehend the confines of his behavior and what he should do to create a favorable environment for his maids and himself. Jacqueline teaches Marcus a lesson by treating him the way he treats other people; this makes him realize that his behaviors are immoral and that he should always consider other people’s feelings.
The movie shows that even though Marcus is disposed to act morally, he ignores this fact and he ends engaging in immoral behaviors. He does not have a reason to behave so; he is educated, well-informed but he chooses to act immorally without realizing that his actions will have serious consequences in the future (McCann 81). This has been depicted when Jacqueline takes his feelings for granted and treats him in the same manner he treats other women.
In the film, the viewer learns that when Marcus is invited to his high-gloss headquarters by some single women, he sees this as an opportunity to lure them so that he can spend the night with them. This portrays the extent of morality in the film; Marcus ill-conducts portray the degree of morality in our society today and how many people assume this fact. Some characters think that his behavior is funny; he uses lies to get himself out of trouble.
Marcus is portrayed as an arrogant man doing everything for simple pleasures. When Marcus met Jacqueline, he instantaneously perceived her as a “female version” of himself. He treats him, in the same manner, he treats other people; she is portrayed as his boss and this gives her great freedom to do whatever she pleases. Basing this film on the Humean theory, the essay explains that eventually Marcus realized his mistakes and understood that in life there should be commitments and consideration of other people’s feelings. In general, people should strive to build firm relationships in all aspects of life.
The moral dilemma in a Kantian perspective
The essay analyzes the movie using Kantian theory; it shows that Marcus concentrates on what ought to be done despite the consequences. But one should always do what is considered right even when sometimes it can cause dissatisfaction among members of society. This is reflected through Jacqueline’s actions towards Marcus; she is her boss and so she uses the same measures Marcus uses on women to punish him. Jacqueline’s actions are depicted as examples of Kantian theory because she means well when she punishes Marcus even though he does not realize it.
Also, this is emphasized in the film where Angela strives to help Marcus but he does not realize it: after Marcus established a relationship with Angela, he goes back to Jacqueline hence breaking Angela’s heart. Marcus does not consider other people’s feelings and does what he thinks is right for him. In the events of this situation, Marcus, in the end, realizes that certainly Angela is the right person for him and he should consider developing the relationship they have.
Such scenes in the film assist viewers to realize the importance of understanding other people’s feelings and their intentions. Marcus is compelled to rectify his own mistakes and become a good member of society. The Kantian theory reveals that immorality is rising above ethical principles and many people have disregarded moral values. This is depicted where Marcus understands his feelings towards Angela and his boss Jacqueline.
He reflects on his past behaviors and goes to apologize to his friend Gerard and finally begins a firm relationship with Angela. The Kantian theory emphasizes that whenever people do good things to us, we should learn to appreciate them so that we cannot lose the important things in life such as gratitude. Morality is depicted in the movie through Marcus; in the end, he is devoted to his life and his relationship with Angela. This shows that whenever people realize their mistakes and decides to do good they acquire inner people and clear perception of life.
The essay indicates that the issue of Marcus wooing every one he sees and sleeps with them is morally wrong; this shows that he is morally immoral though he does not want to be advised by his friends. Besides, he also gives every lady he works with flowers to show that he admires them; this is immoral according to the theory of Kantian (Guevara 54). It is considered immoral because a man should admire every woman he meets; Marcus is lustful.
The movie depicts that using Kantian theory; Marcus ought to consider his friends’ advice and should consider changing his behaviors so that he can lead a better life; his behaviors do not only affect him but also the people around him. Thus, the movie shows that Marcus does bad things to others without thinking of the consequences that would be brought about by his actions. The Kantian theory is also seen where Marcus is invited over by Lady Eloise who is the head of the company and she informs him of his promotion as the head of the marketing department. In the event of this, she invites Marcus over at her place, and because he is aware of her motives; he sleeps with her because she planned that promotion.
Suggestions
The impacts that have been portrayed by the movie using the two theories of the Humean perspective and Kantian theory need to be emphasized properly to make the movie interesting (Ann, 35). Moreover, Harvey ought to concentrate on how to lure the ladies more maturely to bring the audience to the climax of watching the movie with zeal. The scenes of the movie should be analyzed much more clearly to assist the audience to perceive what is being employed by the actors, especially the scene acted by Harvey (Boyd 36). Therefore, considering the recommendations would lead the movie to be perceived positively by mature persons since it intends to emulate what the adults do and depicts consequences that arise from their acts.
Conclusion
The movie illustrates that there are acts that are being portrayed in a real-life situation and thus showing that there are consequences for all things done. It shows that men like Marcus ought to consider the rights of women since they have the same feelings and they would like other people to treat them with respect. Harvey acts well by using his strategic ways of wooing women; he makes the entire movie interesting. He also helps the viewers to capture the film director’s intentions towards the movie.
The movie is very interesting because it emphasizes on morality and how people perceive moral values (Mitchell 68). Society today is paying no attention to moral values that’s why many people are engaging in immoral behaviors without even realizing it. Marcus portrays these people in society and the director of the movie has done a good job in portraying their behavior. The film symbolizes moral decay. Kantian and Humean theories of morality are well depicted in the film thus making it fascinating and intriguing to watch.
Works Cited
Boyd, Todd. African Americans and Popular Culture: Theater, film, and television, USA: ABC-CLIO, 2008. Print.
Brand, Walter.Hume’s Theory of Moral Judgment. Chicago: Springer, 2002. Print.
Guevara, Daniel. Kant’s theory of moral motivation. USA: Westview Press, 2000. Print.
Mitchell, Ann. The boomerang age: transitions to adulthood in families, USA: Transaction Publishers, 2006. Print.
McCann, Bob. Encyclopedia of African American actresses in film and television, New York: McFarland, 2010. Print.
Miller, Frederic. Boomerang film, California: VDM Verlag Dr. Mueller e.K., 2010. Print.