Mystic River Analysis

Mystic River and Sense of Place The film “Mystic River” is a tale not only of murder and intrigue, but that of urban crime and the sense of place that can be found in a neighborhood. The film dealt with many complex social issues, but underlying all of these issues was the neighborhood the story originated in, and the effect it had on the characters of the film. This film presents a powerful message about sense of place and the importance and occasional negative effects of having an attachment to a particular neighborhood or city. “Mystic River” deals heavily with planning topics with its use of location, social connections resulting from that location, and the crime associated with certain inner-city neighborhoods. The neighborhood is ground zero when it comes to planning and planning related topics. Well-designed neighborhoods impart a sense of place – or sense of “being” to whomever lives or passes through that area. In “Mystic River” the Boston neighborhood featured in the film is where the entirety of the film takes place. This neighborhood, slightly run down and facing crime issues, is described in the movie as “becoming filled with yuppies” likely as a result of gentrification. It is a dense, walk-able place, typical of Northeastern U.S. cities. All of the …show more content…
The location has meaning, and is an essential part of the character’s lives from start to finish. In Chapter 2 of “The Urban Prospect,” the author, Mumford, address this type of phenomenon with the subject of “Planning for the Phases of Life.” Paraphrasing the chapter, neighborhoods need to plan and provide for each life stage, from early childhood, through adulthood, and into one’s elderly years. This allows for attachment to the neighborhood and the formation of social bonds throughout one’s lifespan