Subcultures can be regarded as byproducts of development of certain trends in the society. At the same time, they also shape the development of the entire society. The films The Wild One (1954) and Quadrophenia (1979) reveal the impact certain subcultures have on the society and individuals.
It is necessary to note that the protagonists of the two films are very similar as they are lost and become members of gangs but they are also different in many respects. Notably, the two protagonists are shown from different perspectives and this helps to understand the major differences between the two young rebels.
Admittedly, it is impossible to claim that the two protagonists are totally different as they share a lot in common. First of all, they are young and they are trying to find their own paths. Young people tend to reject the conventions that rule in the world of their parents.
The 1950s and 1960s were the times of the development of new subcultures, the cultures of jazz and rock ‘n’ roll. These were the times when young men accumulated their angst and tried to rebel in many ways (Hebdige 51). Johnny and Jimmy are two rebellious teenagers who join gangs to find themselves.
It is necessary to note that both Johnny and Jimmy engage themselves in a variety of fights and really anti-social activities. More so, they also truly believe the way they behave is the right way to live. They also share their passion for their vehicles. The two protagonists play quite significant roles in their gangs (at least at some period of time). The two young men also learn how to develop relationships with girls as well as the outside world.
Nonetheless, there are more differences between the two protagonists than similarities. These differences can be accounted for the different angles the directors focus on. Notably, the issues of rebellious youth became common for cinematography only in the 1940-1950s (Doherty 73).
These films became very popular as they reflected the rebellious spirit of the youth of that era. It is also important to add that filmmakers tended to focus on different facets of the issue. Thus, Laszlo Benedek uses an emic approach. The relationships between different members of the gang are central to the film. Johnny has to handle issues within his gang. He is searching for his path. However, it is clear that this path is still within his gang.
Nonetheless, Franc Roddam takes an etic approach since he focuses on the interaction between the two worlds. The protagonist of the film interacts with the society (as he works in a company) and the gang. Jimmy stresses he does not want to be like the rest (Quadrophenia). Thus, Jimmy rejects the society and tries to become a part of a rebellious group. Though, it is not clear which side he will take. The ending is rather ambiguous and viewers have to develop their own options for Jimmy.
The different focuses of the films reveal the differences between the protagonists. One of the major differences is the character of the two young men. It seems that Johnny does not confront himself with the rest of the world as he only tries to live within his new reality. He is a well-natured man who means no harm to people.
He also tends to take care about those in need. His night ride with Kathy shows his respect and his values as he does not take advantage of the young girl (The Wild One). At the end of the film, Johnny reveals his best qualities and it is clear that he is a good person who simply has his own path.
Nonetheless, the focus on the confrontation between the two cultures (the society and the gang) reveals Jimmy’s restless and somewhat mean nature. He often gets into trouble and he has no respect for his parents. He abuses moral norms and tries to prove he is worthy in the gang (Savage 17).
When Jimmy understands that he is an outcast as he is not wanted in the gang, he happens to understand that gang is not for real. He manages to see that other member of the gang live within the society and adhere to major rules (Savage 17). However, he does not abandon the gang to become an effective member of the society. He only makes another mischievous thing and goes somewhere. Clearly, this confrontation resulted in Jimmy’s reluctance to live in the society, so he is still on his way looking for his path.
To sum up, it is possible to state that the two protagonists are very similar and different at the same time. They are both young and rebellious. However, they differ in terms of their personalities and the filmmakers stress the differences focusing on different angles. Hence, Johnny accepts his being a part of a subculture and remains a good person when interacting with the outer world. However, Jimmy’s confrontation with the society is only beginning and he is ready to be mean and violent while looking for his way in his life.
Works Cited
Doherty, Thomas. Teenagers and Teenpics: Juvenilization of American Movies. Philadelphia: Temple University Press, 2010. Print.
Hebdige, Dick. Subculture: The Meaning of Style. New York: Routledge, 1979. Print.
Quadrophenia. Dir. Franc Roddam. London: The Who Films. 1979. DVD.
Savage, Jon. “I Don’t Wanna Be like Everybody Else.” Sight and Sound 7.2 (1997): 16-17. Print.
The Wild One. Dir. Laszlo Benedek. Culver City, CA: Columbia Pictures. 1954. DVD.