Film Review: Stripes

With regards to the various discussions on the topic of the American dream,I shall reference the last comedy film i watched recently, Stripes. Stripes was filmed by director, Ivan Reitman, and cast Bill Murray and Harold Ramis as main character John and Russell.

The gist of the story begins with John and Russell being down in the rut, without proper jobs and any chance to a prospective future. The pair decide their best option was to enlist with the U.S. Army for a chance to better their current situation, be successful and travel the world (As promised by the army TV advertisements and recruiters). They eventually, managed to achieve "success" through a series of events and was awarded their ranks and medals..not forgetting the heroes always get the ladies..of course.

On the surface, the film unfold itself as a slapstick comedy. However, the essence of the story and the film set in heart of Manhattan, clearly depicts the all but familiar "American Dream". It reiterates the fundamental ideas that every individual, regardless of your race or class, are all given the same access to opportunities to gain utility and success if you "strap up your boots" and work hard at it.

The film clearly depict John (Bill Murray) to be a classic "wiseguy" character, slick with his words but unwilling to put in effort to better his current situation. The turn came when John became tired of his "failures" and was show to enlist into the army, where he was given the opportunity to work hard and change his life, and eventually became a war hero and placed on a front page of life style magazines.

In a particular scene of the film, John was seen giving a pep talk to the rest of his misfit platoon mates (all of whom are unmotivated to perform) rousing their motivation to complete their basic training by stirring up notions of their American identity as people that are driven out of all other countries and underdogs whom survived and succeed. John personified themselves to be akin to a mutt, unwanted yet loyal to their cause, and it is within their "american blood" to be eventual successor.

The above scene, encapsulated the entire story of the film and taunt viewers to root for the apparent "losing" underdog team. Their eventual success would further sell the widely known American dream .