Politicians may lead American policy, but celebrities lead Americans. Much of what we do, wear and say is based on those who walk the glittery red carpet. The question is, who are these people?
You don't have a clue, says the film "A Face in the Crowd." Elia Kazan's 1957 movie is the tale of a man, Larry "Lonesome" Rhodes (Andy Griffith), who goes from the bottom up in life's luxuries.
Rhodes is discovered in a jail by Marcia Jeffries (Patricia Neal), who is looking for somebody to put on her show, "A Face in the Crowd." She allows Rhodes the chance to sing and shine. Dazzled by his charming, gregarious guitar tunes of solitude, she dubs him "Lonesome" Rhodes and gives him a show on the radio once he's out of jail for drunkenness in the streets.
Lonesome's knack for knocking off rules follows him in his career. He defies his boss and pokes fun at public figures- and the public loves it. He realizes the power of his words when he dares his listeners to drop off their unwanted pets at the mayor's house. When everybody follows his orders, he learns that he can indeed control the public.
Lonesome thrives off this idea and loses respect for his listeners by having them do whatever his whims please. Businessmen realize his power and plan to take over. They convince Lonesome to endorse products and politicians with his wit and charm in exchange for extravagant gifts. Never having lived the high life, Lonesome gives them what they want.
Of course, not everyone applauds the new Mr. Razzle Dazzle. Marcia mourns the old Rhodes she fell in love with, who was honest and didn't manipulate others. Her co-worker, Mel (Walter Mattheau), plans to publish a book to expose Lonesome's true self out of hate for stealing audiences and the woman he fancies - Marcia.
Lonesome's dilemma is filled with irony. He was an honest man when he was in jail but his corruption comes when his freedom begins. High up in his fancy hotel, his character is obliviously low. An addict to public control, he refuses to regress to his old self, even if it means selling out.
It makes one think: while we may bow down to celebrities in power, when the doors are closed, who are the celebrities bowing down to in order to maintain that power? Furthermore, are radio and TV just entertainment media or entertaining manipulation? How many layers lay behind the screen in order to control our minds?
Why You Should Watch This Film:
This movie was made when TV fire was just starting to ignite. Idols were made, hours were wasted and rich living was glorified. Sounds awfully familiar, doesn't it?
If you get the slightest bit nauseated with television shows today, you need to know that this was no overnight tragedy. Concerns about the idiot box effect were evident from its birth, and this movie is an expression of that. Have we ignored the warning signs?
