In what ways does Gary Ross, in his film Pleasantville, use intertextuality to express ideas of control?
Pleasantville is an enchanting approach to the time period of the 1950s. The film, written and directed by Gary Ross, broadcasts society’s complicated views. The 50s is believed to be a period where people assumed their place in society, however Ross ironically shows that this was a time where many were ignorant, sexist and discriminatory. Ross demolished the illusion of the “Great American” by demonstrating how the world gradually evolves due to the influence of others. Ross alludes to this by using intertextuality and film techniques from the Truman Show, To Kill a Mockingbird and to the Nazi party during World War Two (WWII) to reveal the key idea of control and how masculine characters try to prevent this development of evolution and change.
Throughout the duration of the film, key concepts and moments construct the angelic notion of a flawless town. A white picket fence at the front of the house, an impeccable garden and the sound of happiness within, gives the sense of perfection, due to intertextual reference to the Truman Show. The feeling of control begins to emerge when David and Jen start to realise that this “perfect town” is actua...
