Stand By Me
Stand By Me is the story of four twelve year olds living in a small town in the year
1959, whose lives were changed by a chance adventure that they embarked on at the
end of an indolent summer.
The four boys were Gordie Lachance (Wil Wheaton), Chris Chambers (River Phoenix),
Teddy Duchamp (Corey Feldman) , and Vern Tessio (Jerry O'Connell).
The boys had their own treehouse with its special club rules, including a secret
knock, and spent their time in meaningless arguments, playing games, or just hanging
out. Although on the surface they are typical pre-adolescent boys, you soon find out
that underneath their normal bravado and enthusiasm, each of them have problems at
home to deal with.
Gordie's older brother Denny (John Cusack in one of his first film appearances) was
recently killed in an auto accident, and his parents have not handled it well. They
mope around their house and continually ask Gordie (who is an aspiring writer) why he
isn't more like his brother, who was a popular athlete in town.
Gordie's best friend, Chris, who is intelligent, brave, and the natural leader of the
group, has an alcoholic father, who constantly beats him, and an older brother who is
a delinquent. Everyone in town figures that Chris will follow in their footsteps, so he
is very much afraid of what his future will be.
Teddy is the son of an emotionally disturbed war veteran who has abused him all his
life. In his mind Teddy cannot accept his situation, so he has created a fantasy world
in which his father is an All American war hero instead of an inmate in a mental
hospital.
Vern is on the chubby side, somewhat uncoordinated, and is constantly the butt of
jokes. Vern's older brother likes to push him around when he is there, and so Vern
spends a fair amount of time hiding out. Yet Vern ends up being the catalyst of the
story. He accidentally overhears his older brother describe the location where he is
pretty sure that the dead body of a missing boy from the town that everyone had
been looking for actually lies. This gives him a chance to be important in the pecking
order of the club, and he brings this information to the other boys.
While Stand By Me seems to be another "coming of age" film, its meaning and
interest really exists on two levels. The entire story is told in a series of flashbacks,
narrated by the adult Gordie (Richard Dreyfuss) who is now a successful writer, and
is lamenting a news clipping about the death of his childhood buddy Chris, who had
succeeded in overcoming his self doubts and dysfunctional family situation to become
a lawyer. Chris was killed because of the way he had lived, bravely intervening during
an altercation in a restaurant, and suffering a knife wound for his efforts.
You enter the mind of the writer throughout this film, in the way that the story is
told, how the flashbacks move around in time when necessary, and especially in the
hilarious "story within a story" told by Gordie at the campfire about "Lardass" Hogan
(Andy Lindberg) and the pie eating contest.
The movie is ground-breaking in the way it realistically shows the cruelty of humans
to others, especially among children . Yet at the same time it movingly shows all of
the good traits of friendship -- loyalty, acceptance, camaraderie, and the courage to
stand by each other in the face of adversity.
Junkyard scene:
This scene manages to show just how the boys do really rely on one another. There
are some really sound shots where the director shows all four boys getting on; they
talk about who they fancy (and why!), typical teenage boy 'stuff'. Yet when they have
to decide who will fetch something to eat, the boys revert back to the squabbling and
insults.
While Gordie is away, it gives the director a chance to build upon the 'back story' of
Gordie and Denny's relationship. This further flashback means the audience has a
greater understanding of the problems within Gordie's family and why he needs his
relationship with Chris so much.
Media analysis:
director uses a number of shots to establish emotion and theme:
Close-up of Milo, 'The Junkyard' guy. This shot shows his anger and total dislike of
the boys.
Medium and Mid-Angle shot of the boys. The variety of shots detail their emotions
(anger, frustration, sympathy). This allows the audience to see how much they defend
their friend (Teddy) and each other.
By the close of the scene, the friends are back together despite their rough-housing,
matriarchal insults and the fact that they left Gordie on his own to face 'Chopper'
and Milo.
Walking on the tracks:
The boys continue along. Teddy is very upset and apologises for ruining their 'good
time'.
Gordie wonders aloud; "I'm not sure if it should be a good time". This can be seen as
statement about growing up-we think and feel that it should be good fun but in fact it
is full of hardships and difficulties. It is such 'tests' which make us who we are as
adults.
Ace's Gang:
This group of young men symbolise, (through their actions, speech and appearance),
what Chris's gang could turn into if they do not manage to leave Castle Rock.
Walking along the tracks, continued:
Music and setting: audience hears 'Lollipop' by The Chordettes. Music is
lighthearted and suggests a carefree atmosphere.
Vern and Teddy try to sing along too.
Chris and Gordie hang back away from the other boys. Here, they are more serious
and seem more grown-up than the other two. Chris and Gordie discuss the
possibilities of their new classes. Gordie makes it clear he does not want to be
separated from his friends. Chris feels passionately about this and says " The you are
asshole too" when Gordie suggests that he follows his friends into the more remedial
classes.
The director uses medium shots here to emphasise how the two boys are feeling.
We then cut to Vern and Teddy again, with a full shot. The two boys are eagerly
discussing who would win out of Superman and Mighty Mouse. A very different
conversation to that of Gordie and Chris's.
Chris continues to try and make Gordie see that he has a talent in writing, Gordie
does not agree; " Fuck writing!" Here Reiner uses close up shots moving from Chris
and Gordie. This highlights how strongly both feel about the conversation and also
the strength of their relationship.
Rail Bridge: Setting, theme, plot, characterisation
Reiner uses establishing shots of the bridge as well as high angle views. Such camera
work means the audience understands how alone and vulnerable the boys are. It is
clear that the height of the bridge is considerable. We also notice that there is no
safe place for the boys to go if a train does arrive.
The way this part of the film is edited also shows the metaphorical side of the
journey. The boys are alone on the bridge as they are in their lives; there is little in
the way of support or of care for each of them. It is also represents how difficult
and dangerous their time on this journey is going to be.
The camera follows the boys across the tracks; Chris and Teddy seem more
surefooted which suggests that they are more confident about getting across the
bridge in one piece.
Director uses a number of high angle shots as the boys cross the bridge. This means
that the camera acts as the character's point of view as it shows pictures of looking
down at the bridge and at the gaps in the wooden slats. This emphasises how far up
the boys are and again confirms that fact that they are vulnerable.
The sense of drama is heightened considerably as there is indeed a train and Vern
and Gordie are left to make it across before the train 'gets' them. Although Chris
and Teddy have ran on and are now safe, there is little they can do to help their
friends except shout encouragement. Vern, being the clown of the group, falls and
Gordie wastes no time in pulling the other boy to his feet and forcing him to run.
The train passes the two boys and both the audience and Chris and Teddy have no
idea if the others have made it. Again, genuine concern shows on the faces of Chris
and Teddy. Reiner uses a low angle shot here, which makes the audience feel lost- we
have no idea if Vern and Gordie are safe. The train passes to reveal that fact the
boys are indeed safe, just bruised and a bit dusty. Here the angle changes to a high
shot which emphasises their bruised and battered state. Chris and Teddy relax, the
concern has gone and Chris resorts to sarcasm, making a comment about the fact that
they know when the next train is now due. So, only for a moment were the boys
worried about their friends-the moment passes and it all goes back to normal. This
highlights the resilience of the boys, of teenagers in general.
Campfire: Plot, setting, characterisation, theme
Boys make camp and settled down. Gordie is encouraged by all the others to tell one
of his stories. Reiner uses a mixture of close-up and medium shots which focus on the
boys faces as they listen closely to their friend. This shows that Gordie is an
excellent story teller and while the story of "Lardass Hogan" is immature, it is funny
and shows an awareness of right and wrong.
Chris and Gordie then spend some time away from the others, talking. Again, the
editing concentrates on close-up and mid angle shots which highlight the intense
nature of the scene.
This moment concentrates on Chris's background. We have in an earlier scene,
witnessed a full and frank discussion between Chris and Gordie, about Gordie's
background and now this is an opportunity to understand more about Chris. This level
of focus suggests that the two boys are the real central characters and that their
friendship is most genuine out of all four boys.
The warm cosy glow from the fire suggests an intimate setting which is perfect for
Gordie and Chris's revealing conversation.
Chris reveals that he did in fact steal the milk money-but that he gave it back to the
teacher. The teacher then kept the cash and bought a new skirt with it. The woman
continued to blame Chris for the theft. Chris then talks about the way the town sees
his family and that he will never amount to something. The character then breaks
down, showing how comfortable he actually is with Gordie; he knows his friend will not
ridicule him for crying and that he will be supportive.
The morning after...
Gordie is the first up, and Reiner uses a long shot which shows Gordie sitting on the
rail tracks, reading a comic. The handgun is by his side. A deer then wanders into the
shot, which completes the sense of peace and calm.
The shot is a strange one though; the juxtaposition of the young boy reading a comic,
alongside a real gun underlines the real danger the boys are to face as their continue
their journey to find the dead boy.
Urgh-leeches!-theme, setting, plot, characterisation.
The boys come to a creek and after testing its depth, decide to wade through it. It is
of course, much deeper and they are all up to their necks in the swamp water.
Setting:
The boys are no longer out in the open countryside. As they approach the creek, the
path is muddy and slick. The boys are surrounded by dense woodland on all sides. This
means there is little natural light; it also looks colder.
Reiner uses a long shot here; it clearly shows the creek and the four boys. This
highlights the importance of the creek and what is about to happen.
Once in the creek, the teenagers begin to play around, ducking each other alongside
the casual insults. This scene shows the theme of friendship clearly; they are not
bothered by the fact they are soaking wet, as an adult would be. Rather, they see as
another chance to mess about.
During this horse-play, one of the boys spots a leech and all four quickly realise that
they are covered in the blood-sucking parasites.
The boys help each other to get the leeches off-Gordie however soon understands
that he has leech which he must remove himself. After looking in his shorts, Gordie
directly addresses Chris-"Oh shit Chris!" There is pain and revulsion all over Gordie's
face, framed in a close-up.
Again Reiner creates an impact as he closes in on Gordie's hand which is covered in
his own blood. Although the other boys are there and are horror-struck for their
friend, he has to remove the leech himself; there are some things you have to on your
own!
Gordie faints and the others rush over to him.
As the boys get dressed, the audience see a clear close-up of Gordie whilst the
others are in the background, their images are indistinct. Despite this we can hear
their conversation clearly as they argue whether to go back home or not. Both Vern
and Chris physically fight with Teddy who wants to go on. Eventually, Gordie loses his
tempers, shouting "Stop it!!". The actor is shot from underneath, a piece of editing
which makes him seem stronger and more in control.
The Body: Setting:
The setting continues to reflect the atmosphere- it is darker, the wind has now
picked up, it seems colder.
Reiner uses a long shot, with the boys walking towards the camera. This is unique in
the film. Most of the long or establishing shots show the boys from the back, going
to something. Here as they approach the climax of their journey, we see them from
an entirely different angle.
As the boys look at the dead kid, Reiner uses a series of low angle shots which
demonstrates the total shock all four boys feel at seeing the body. It is Chris who
moves a branch out of the way, revealing Browers' damaged face. This highlights his
seniority within the group.
Sound:
The music is sad, the pace slow, almost funereal in tone.
Theme:
The boys all stare at the body- it is a stark reminder that they are not immortal and
that as Death will come to them all, childhood is only a state, it is not for ever.
Gordie moves away from the others, and sits. Reiner uses a medium shot which allows
a greater focus on emotion. There is plenty here; the body has obviously caused
Gordie to think about his brother's death and so affects this character more.
Once again, it falls to Chris to talk to his best friend. The editing shows this with mid
angle shots, which show the concern on Chris's face.
A similar shot is taken of Chris comforting his friend, his head on his shoulder, as he
breaks down, thinking his Dad hates him.
Ace Vs Chris:
Ace interrupts the boys with a brusque, "What the fuck do you know about this?"
Although he is off-screen, the audience recognises Ace's voice.
The camera moves to Ace and Chris's brother Eyeball as they move down the slope
towards the two boys. The shot here is a low angle and emphasises how powerful the
two men are in comparison to the two boys. Again, this shot, like so many, makes sure
we the audience feel exactly what the boys are feeling too.
At first the four boys surround Chris, and Reiner makes this clear with a medium long
shot. This suggests that the boys are going to stick together through what is about
to happen. As Vern's older brother appears and threatens the boy with a hiding,
Vern runs off, leaving Chris and Teddy in shot.
The atmosphere immediately becomes charged with tension as Ace gives Chris the
chance to give up the body and go home. Chris's response is a resounding no (see
quotation sheet!). The suspense is built through the series of close-ups of Ace and
Chris's face and the very deliberate way both actors speak; calmly, quietly, defiantly.
Ace pulls a knife and Teddy begs his friend to go home, to give up. Chris refuses and
Teddy leaves. Again, like so many incidents in Chris's life, including his tragic death,
Chris is alone.
But not for long. Ace lunges towards Chris, ready to cut his throat when out of shot,
a gun is heard. Both Ace and Chris look away from the camera.
A close-up shot reveals a gun, the camera slowly pans down to show that Gordie is
holding the gun and has fired it.
Reiner moves between close-ups of Gordie and Ace, thus stressing the tension
between the two characters.
Gordie makes it clear that he is quite willing to 'stand up' for his friend in this
situation-even if it means killing Ace. (think-title and this moment!)
Ace and his gang move away and the boys cover the body and walk back to Castle
Rock.
Going home...
The editing of the boy's journey back really shows that there is an end to their
adventure. There are numerous shots of the scenery; a beautiful and poignant wide
shot of the sunset, which represents the end of their journey.
The long shot of the boys as they make their way home, the chafe floating through
the air and the warmth of the dying sun gives a sense of security and of finality. The
camera shots here are quiet, reserved, there is no playing around. This represents
that the boys have grown up through their experiences of 'The Body'.
Castle Rock:
The camera shots are varied here, going from medium to close up.
Teddy approaches Chris and says "No hard feelings..." This is in regard to the fact
that both Vern and Teddy left Chris and Gordie when Ace appeared.
The boys all go their separate ways, and as Gordie watches his best friend leave,
Chris simply fades away. This is when we learn of his death but also of his success (as
a lawyer.) This done through narration by the older Gordie played by Richard
Dreyfus. The shot of Chris as he turns around and waves is a long shot. By fading the
image, the director highlights that fact that last time Gordie can recall his friend,
was as a 12 year old boy.
We then are taken back to the 'present' day where Gordie is finishing typing his
story on the computer. It is clear from the setting (big house, children, nice garden,
big car...) that Gordie has become a successful and happy writer.
Music plays out the film, Ben E. King's "Stand by Me" Think why this song is
appropriate.