Change In Tuesdays With Morrie

The audience’s understanding of the consequences of change have been shaped by the way that Tuesdays with Morrie (TWM) focuses on the progress and growth of relationships through Mitch’s character development and altering perspective of the world around him. The shift in Mitch’s perspective on the importance of those who are most important in his life affects the way the audience views how a change in perspective can lead to continuous self-improvement. TWM focuses on the change in relationship dynamic between Morrie and Mitch and this moulds the audience’s perception of change and its consequences by realising that changes can have good effects for both parties of a relationship. The dedication and commitment Mitch provides to the different …show more content…
TWM starts by introducing Morrie as the teacher and Mitch as the student who learnt from Morrie and his encouragement. The use of dialogue in the film created the feeling of authority conveyed by Morrie toward Mitch. Close-ups of Morrie talking and Mitch listening as well as mid-shots to portray the conversation between them shows how the emotional dependence is on Morrie. Mitch gains much through his lessons with Morrie, and Morrie gains an escape from his illness to talk to a friend, thus communicating to the audience that both parties of a relationship can have positive results by the shifting of emotional dependence. As the film progresses and Morrie’s health declines, Mitch is now portrayed as the protector and helper for Morrie and also providing emotional relief as Morrie tells Mitch of his feelings. They now were portrayed as equals rather and student and teacher and this is shown through the use of close-ups during emotion heavy scenes such as when Morrie is talking about his father. Morrie receives emotional relief and help to move around and progress through daily life, while Mitch learns to become more independent and selfless. The audience’s perception of the consequences of change are a product of the portrayal of Mitch and Morrie’s changing …show more content…
In the opening sequence of TWM as we are introduced to Mitch, the audience notices that Mitch has a very busy life with the use of the non-diegetic sound which is fast and cluttered. His busy life is also very prominent when he is at home with Janine with mid shots of her waiting for him to finish a call or writing an article. Close-up shots of Mitch’s face on the phone are also common, showing how little time Mitch provides for the other important aspects of his life other than his work. Though we begin to see a change from this throughout the film as Mitch begins to visit Morrie again and learns from him, Janine who also sees this positive character development of Mitch is constantly showing rejection to his advances towards marriage and continuing their relationship saying at one point “[Morrie] has done something for you…I wish I could have met him.” and rejects his change for the better telling him that it is not enough. This brings the audience to realise that change for the better must be continuous for it to begin to help others change as well. As TWM progresses, Mitch’s change due to Morrie’s encouragement and advice becomes more evident to Janine and she begins to accept him and that he has changed fully and for the good. Close-ups are then used to