THE GYPSY MOTHS
US, 1969, 110 minutes, Colour.
Bart Lancaster, Deborah Kerr, Gene Hackman, Scott Wilson.
Directed by John Frankenheimer.
The Gypsy Moths seems to be a part of a new phase of John Frankenheimer's film-making. Seconds (1965) was his last black and white film. Grand Prix (1967) was his first in colour and the first of his films that examined the challenge of physical danger and exertion in spectacular ways. He also probed ageing, suffering and endurance in such films as The Fixer (1968), I Walk the Line (1970), The Horseman (1971).
This exploration of ageing, exertion and endurance is in the world of the sky-divers, with their theatrical performance, especially in their free-falling. Three men are examined in their characters and in their work - Burt Lancaster, Gene Hackman and Scott Wilson. Middle America is also visually presented and examined in a convincing way. An interesting film with some magnificent photography of free-falling.
1. The significance (symbolism) of the title?
2. Why do some men like to work as free-falling stuntmen? What appeal does it have?
3. How did the aerial photography help the audience share in the experience of the sky-divers? Was it effective?
4. The film made much of the town of Ridgeville, its people, attitudes, conservative style, and is set around the fourth of July. How was this film particularly American, and did this provide a setting for understanding the characters?
5. The characters:
- Rettig - why a skydiver? How bored, reckless? Was he free? His protection of Malcolm, efficiency, manner, lecture to the ladies (did he despise them as suggested by Elizabeth)? Making love to Elizabeth? Did he exercise his freedom in choosing to die? Was he exhilarated by his fall and danger - mesmerised to death?
- Browdy - business manager, loudmouthed. Superficial, genuine, a promoter? Affair with the dancer and going to Sunday Mass? His standards, guilt?
- Malcolm - beginning a career, learning, admiring Rettig. At home, establishing a relationship with his aunt, unsure, seeing himself as Rettig or Browdy. The impact of Rettig's death on him? Decision to jump the Cape (the effect of his substitution for Rettig), exhilaration of the jump and the temptation not to open the parachute? What future had he?
6. The Brandons and the presentation of middle-aged, unloving marriage; fear of change. Their relationship before and after the love-making of Elizabeth and Rettig? Elizabeth's relationship to Malcolm and her fear of leaving?
7. The attitude of the crowds watching the performance - vicarious enjoyment, curiosity? Browdy abusing the people watching the memorial jump? Attitude of the crowd?
8. The image of strength, toughness, masculinity in this film - the three divers and Brandons?
9. Was the film optimistic or pessimistic about life, about death?
10. The director said the film was about choice and self-destruction? Do you agree? Was this a memorable film? Why?
