(C)2017 Twentieth Century Fox
“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” depicts the darkness and Americanness of the Midwest
Beloved Homeland and the Polarities of America
So, are the neighboring states also the setting for similar movies? In neighboring Kansas to the west, Superman Clark Kent grew up under foster parents. In the timeless classic " The Wizard of Oz ," there is a famous line in the Land of Oz, "This isn't Kansas anymore," and Kansas is contrasted with the dreamland of Oz as a realistic world, the exact opposite, and returning to his hometown is the ultimate happiness. Kansas is often depicted as a "happy homeland."
There are many famous movies set in the northern state of Iowa, such as " What's Eating Gilbert Grape ," " Field of Dreams ," and "The Bridges The Bridges of Madison County ." Of course, harsh realities are woven into the story, but all of them emphasize hope and the romantic aspects. In the eastern state of Kentucky, " Kingsman: The Secret Service: The Golden Circle " was the home base of the spy organization "Statesman." In stark contrast to the British Kingsman: The Secret Service, the spies wearing cowboy hats embodied "this is America." There is something bright about it, after all.
The state closest to Missouri may be the southern state of Arkansas. Although it is not in the Midwest but in the "South," the two dissatisfied protagonists of " Thelma & Louise " live in a small town in Arkansas. The mood of a town that has been "left behind" plays an important role in the works, such as " Mud," a bittersweet coming-of-age story about a boy, and " Sling Blade ," which depicts the relationship between the protagonist with a criminal record and a boy. You can feel the similarities between Arkansas and Missouri.
Mildred, the protagonist of Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, is so committed to her beliefs that she puts morality and justice aside at times to do her own will. The values of the people around her reflect the "diversity" of America, both good and bad. You can enjoy this movie while thinking about America's position in the world.
“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” (C)2017 Twentieth Century Fox
Frances McDormand, who played Mildred to great effect, also made an unforgettable impact in her role as a police chief in the final month of pregnancy chasing a violent criminal in " Fargo ," for which she won the Academy Award for Best Actress. "Fargo," like "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri Outside Ebbing, Missouri," was a masterpiece that effectively blended shock and humor in an unexpected plot. And the setting of "Fargo," South Dakota, is also "Midwest." A mixture of good and evil. Bipolar values. Fear and laughter. The Midwest may be the best setting for capturing the duality that lurks in America in a film.
Text: Hiroaki Saito
Became freelance in 1997, contributing movie reviews and interview articles to various media such as movie magazines, theater pamphlets, and movie sites. The column is constantly updated on Yahoo! News. Star Channel's program "GO! Theater" introduces the latest released works.
(C)2017 Twentieth Century Fox
Follow official SNS
