The influence of Guess Who's Coming for Dinner on mid-nineteenth-century American drama films
Guess Who's Coming for Dinner is a 1967 American drama film directed by Stanley Kramer and starring Spencer Tracy, Catherine Hepburn and Sidney Porter. The film explored the complex issues of race relations and marriage and generated extensive discussion at the time.
The story is set in American society in the 60s of the 20th century, where a young white woman named Joey falls in love with John and decides to get married. John is a black doctor, which means their marriage will face tremendous pressure from family and society. Joey's parents, Matt and Christina, were shocked when they learned the news, as they had long considered themselves enlightened liberals, but they also began to doubt their position.
The whole film mainly takes place at Joey's parents' house, and they invite John's parents, John Preston and Martel da Preston, to the house for dinner and discuss Joey and John's marriage. The dinner becomes a conversation about race, love, and social notions, revealing different perspectives and conflicts between the characters.
Through various dialogues and arguments, the film explores people's inner prejudices, fears, and shifts in perceptions. Joey's parents were initially concerned that their daughter had made the wrong choice on a racial issue, while John's parents were concerned that Joey's family would not accept their son. However, as dinner progressed, people began to show understanding and respect for each other. Joey's parents eventually decided to accept their daughter's choice, and John's parents accepted Joey's family.
Race Relations: The film bravely explores marriage and family relationships between black and white races in the context of American society in the 60s of the 20th century. At that time, American society was experiencing a period of segregation and the civil rights movement, and the issue of race caused widespread controversy and discussion. "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" brought food and reflection to the audience at the time by showing how a white family accepted a black son-in-law, raising the importance of racial equality and understanding.
Changing Social Perceptions: The film depicts the transformation of a white family from initial doubts and prejudices to eventual acceptance and understanding. This plot setting challenged the racial prejudices and stereotypes that existed in society at the time. By showing conversations and arguments between family members, the film provokes viewers to reflect on their own perceptions and prejudices, and prompts some people to re-evaluate their attitudes.
Transformation of the film industry: Guess Who's Coming for Dinner was a huge commercial success, becoming one of the highest-grossing films of the year. This proves that there is an audience group interested in such topics in society, and also encourages the film industry to explore and express more social issues.
Dialogue and influence: The film sparked widespread discussion and dialogue and became one of the important topics of social issues. After watching the film, audiences began to discuss racial equality, freedom to marry, and changes in social attitudes. The film had a profound impact on the cultural atmosphere of the time, contributing to the progress of race relations and equal rights.
Cultural influence: The film became one of the cultural phenomena of the time with its in-depth exploration of the themes of race relations and marriage equality. It became a focal point for social and family discussions, provoking a wide range of dialogue and reflection. Many people's controversies and shifts between families depicted in the film can resonate with their own experiences and perceptions, further deepening the audience's knowledge and understanding of racial issues.
Actor's breakthrough: The film starred the well-known actors of the time, Spencer Tracy, Catherine Hepburn and Sidney Porter. Tracy plays a father in the film who is skeptical of his daughter's marital choices, and his outstanding performance in the film provides a powerful expression of race relations and family disputes. In addition, Sidney Porter, as the first African-American actor to win an Oscar, further promoted the discussion and recognition of racial equity in the film industry through his outstanding performance in the film.
conclusion
Guess Who's Coming to Dinner had an important impact at the time by boldly addressing issues of race relations and marriage equality. It challenges social perceptions and provokes audiences to think about racial equity and social progress, while also having a profound impact on the film industry and cultural dialogue.
bibliography
"Guess who's going to come to dinner"
"Dinner Together"
