Field of Dreams Critique Essay Example

He had a second chance to come and play here with all of the others.

The scene where Graham comes to play with all of the players who were barred and they all play together simply for the love of the game shows the missed opportunities for some and second chances for others. The theme is brought to the forefront by the screenplay. During the previously mentioned scene, Mark, Ray’s brother-in-law, cannot see any of the players because he does not have faith. Ray and Mark quarrel and in their heated discussion and they do not see that Ray and Annie’s daughter, Karin, falls off of the bleachers and becomes unconscious.They run to her and the field becomes still. Graham makes a decision to cross the line of the field, losing his chance to play, to save the girl.

When he crosses the line he becomes visible to Mark and he then gains faith and can see everyone there; Mann, Jackson, and the others. The dialogue created by the screenplay seems very realistic. An example of this can be seen when Ray goes to Terence Mann’s apartment. Their dialogue seems like a realistic interaction and is made to be very believable.

The audience is unaware until towards the end of the film that Mann has been deceased for the entirety of the film. The superb cinematography employed in this film makes the theme of faith more apparent to the viewer, especially through the use of lighting. The use of misty, dream-like lighting creates an ethereal setting for the baseball field as well as the cornfield behind it, symbolizing heaven. The scene where Joe leaves for the first

time and exits through the cornfield adds to this.

The lighting creates a very dream-like essence to his exit. Another scene enhanced by lighting is when the players are on the field late. Everything around them for miles is in complete darkness but, in stark contrast, the bright lights of the field drawing the focus of the viewer. The setting and costumes add to theme of faith while also suspending the disbelief of the viewer. When Ray goes for a walk while he is in Colorado to find “Moonlight” Graham, he finds himself walking back through time.

This is a seamless transition; the only hint to the time change is the license plate Ray sees while on his stroll. Also, on the way back to Ray’s from Colorado, he and Mann pick up a hitchhiker dressed like he comes from a different time. It is later made clear that he is Graham’s former self from his baseball playing days. The costumes of the baseball players at the field also seem to be out of date as well.

Even with all of the different generation barriers and travelling through time, the film progresses smoothly and logically.Field of Dreams should be seen at least once by everyone because there is a message to be gained. The message may not be the same for everyone, but it has the ability to touch anyone on a personal level. Through amazing editing, screenplay, cinematography, and use of settings and costumes, Phil Alden Robinson creates a film that shows Ray’s adventure. It all started with a voice and a cornfield; showing the audience that finding faith, redemption, and second chances may just be

right outside your back door.