  |
The Great Santini
|
|||||||||||||||||
| Plot Outline Cast Homework Links Guestbook Download Search Home |
The Great Santini is an intense character study of a gung ho Marine pilot ("The Great Santini" played by Robert Duvall) and his relationship with his family. The film centers on the love and conflict that he has with them, especially his eldest son (Michael O'Keefe). Both Duvall and O'Keefe received Academy Award nominations for this film (Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor). The expectation by Duvall is that his son will one day follow in his footsteps -- but the boy is plainly torn about whether he wants to or not. There are great differences in their personalities and it's a hard road in a father/son relationship. | |||||||||||||||||
| The conflicts are so intense that it's easy to miss the conflict Duvall has with
himself in the picture. His superior officer tells him he's well on is way to
becoming an alcoholic and one scene has Duvall taking O'Keefe out for his 18th birthday to
celebrate at the Officer's Club. O'Keefe overdoes it in a drinking binge which is
one comic point in the film. In fact, the opening scene in Spain contains one of the
most delightful military pranks you will ever see. The film contains some sub plots which make it more diverse and worthwhile. It has some very funny moments (military style) and is a film industry buried treasure. 'The Great Santini' strives to leave the audience with a bigger heart as it comes to a conclusion. The Great Santini is one of several films used in this class that do not have a direct historical connection. Rather, these films can highlight an era or display interesting character development. They are part of the larger History in Film web site that supports teaching history using popular films. It includes films from Rome up to the war in Vietnam. I'd enjoy hearing your comments on this site. Please sign the Guestbook. I hope you enjoy your visit.
|
||||||||||||||||||
 |
|
|||||||||||||||||
| If you're a teacher who is interested in using this film and you would like these pages to edit and print as your own, they are all available here as Rich Text Format files in one relatively small WinZip package. Alternatively, if you only want a few of the files, each page has a download link for that RTF WinZip file alone (usually 3 or 4 K). If you would like the short answer essay test that accompanies this film, please E-mail me at the mail box below. I'd be glad to send it back to you. |
||||||||||||||||||
 |
