All Hands On Deck!

           The boating shoe, designed by Paul Sperry in 1935, was originally marketed exclusively to boaters and sailors. Its signature siping pattern, which is cut into the soles, prevents them from slipping, and the treated canvas or leather repels water. This makes them ideal for boating. However since the 1980's, boating shoes have become widespread and fashionable among sailors and non sailors alike. Brands like the Sperry Top-Siders and Sebago have become extremely popular. The shoes have become synonymous with preppy east coast style. Walking through the halls of New Trier I have noticed the immense popularity of these shoes. It seems they have become an integral part of the uniform of the North shore. Their popularity is a direct reflection of our community’s culture. We live in an affluent community on a lake where many might have boats or lake houses. Nautical and preppy style is very much the "norm." Brands like Polo Ralph Lauren, Nautica, and J. Crew are all very popular. What all these brands have in common is that they create clothes that are classically styled and reflect a refined and traditional lifestyle that permeates the Northshore. These shoes, although they are mainstream here, might seem unusual in many other communities in the United States. The sheer number of people wearing them here makes them conformist, but what preserves the wearers individuality are the colors and materials. From the classic brown leather to the more flamboyant reds, blues, greens, and patterns they are all different variations of the same type of shoe. They express the wearer's unique sense of style and personality. The more conservative among us might choose the traditional brown leather, while the more adventurous and style savvy might choose a more vibrant color. The Sperry Top-Sider shoes are a perfect example of what Paul Fussel is talking about. They are universally excepted in our community suggesting a certain degree of conformity, but style and color choice can be used to make a personal statement. 

To What Extent does the World Shape Us?


We as people are so heavily influenced by the world around us. Where one lives, goes to school, who their parents are, and economic status all shape what values are instilled in a person. A person is molded by his or her surroundings from the time that they are born. In this way, much of the time a person is fated to become what their society or immediate surroundings dictate. For example, I have been growing up in an affluent community where education is extremely important and it is expected that I receive good grades and attend college. In other places around the world this is not the case. It really depends on what the community a person lives in. Values, customs, traditions, and expectations vary tremendously throughout the world. Living in such a homogenous community I tend to forgot that many people around the world do not have the same aspirations that we do on the Northshore. The overwhelming sense of materialism and consumerism that permeates where we live dictates our perceptions of other people, what we aspire to, and who we feel is beneath us. However, as much as our community shapes us its also just our innate personality that shapes the way we live. I believe that it is a combination of both nature and nurture that define us as people.

The Seductress

This still shot comes at the beginning of the film when Mrs. Dietrichson and Walter Neff meet for the very first time. It is a high angle shot looking up at Phyllis from the foyer. The Dietrichson's home appears lavishly decorated with an intricate wrought iron banister in the center and a classical painting in the background. Under the painting lies a wooden commode where a beautiful porcelain figurine stands. Ornate sconces adorn the walls. Phyllis, however, appears only in a skimpy beach towel with sunglasses in her hands suggesting a life of leisure and foreshadowing her role as a seductress. Bathed in sunlight, the director has given her an almost angelic appearance, which is in sharp contrast to her deceptive nature. The decorations and furnishings in the house reflect the Dietrichson's wealth and extravagant tastes. Phyllis' materialism and superficiality are on display here. We later learn, that despite all this apparent wealth, her greed knows no bounds and she is willing to go so far as to kill her husband for more.

The Man's Expression

                                                             

                                                                The Man’s Expression

            This still shot comes at the end of Minority Report. We see Lamar and the torso and hands of Anderton’s ex-wife Lara. Her face is purposefully left out of the scene. It is a medium shot with Lamar’s face and Lara’s hands as the main subjects. The light is coming in from the right highlighting parts of his face and her hands there by emphasizing them in the shot. Lamar is looking down at her hands, which seem to be hanging on his shoulders. The room is lit in such a way that there is a lack of warmth, which gives the shot tension. The lighting also allows the viewer to see the lines and creases in Lamar’s face that reveal his worried expression. Color is virtually absent from the shot heightening the seriousness of the moment. To the right of Lamar’s face in the background we see a beautifully decorated room with wingback chairs, a side table, and an ornate oriental rug. The fact that the director chose to have Lamar off center allows the viewer to see more of the room. The viewer gets the feeling that this is an important room and thus this man must be important also. The close up of Lamar exaggerates the depth of the room, which heightens Lamar’s isolation. We are also left to ponder why Lara has stopped tying Lamar’s bowtie. We know that this is a crucial moment for both characters. Lamar has revealed his knowledge of Anne Lively’s death and Lara has clearly understood the impact of this revelation. This is made clear not through words or facial expressions but rather through the abrupt freezing of her hands.