Sing Street Film Analysis

Confronting Life Finding fulfillment in life requires people to truly understand their reality and is only achieved through an effort to grow out of one’s comfort zone. This idea is explored in the film Sing Street, directed by Jim Carney. The film follows the journey of Conor Lawlor, a shy boy who gets moved into a strict Irish Catholic school due to his parent’s financial situation. At Syng Street, he is bullied by another student and his principle. A turning point occurs when falls in love with a mysterious girl. To impress her, he starts a Futurist Rock and Roll band with a group of outcasts from his school. Through the film, Carney suggests the idea that to fulfill one’s happiness, they need to make an effort to take a risk and push …show more content…
This is demonstrated in the movie when Conor starts a band with his peers despite lacking musical skills. This incident demonstrates that taking risks that extend the comfort zone can bring new opportunities to an individual. The ideas of Rock and Roll juxtapose with the strict Irish Catholic beliefs of the 80’s. In the movie, it is revealed that Conor lacks musical talent and his vocal abilities are limited. He is also ridiculed by his peers for his extravagant outfits and makeup. However, to impress Raphina he risks being ridiculed. Initially, Conor takes the risk to impress Raphina and to get to be with her by using his music videos as an excuse. Not only does he impress Raphina but he also discovers that his negative beliefs are able to be expressed in his music. Conor is able to write about the bullies and the wreckage in his life and finds fulfillment by expressing his true feelings. Through Conor’s risk of starting a band, Carney emphasizes that taking risks can help pursue happiness by exposing one to unseen opportunities. Another example where this is seen is when Conor performs the song “Brown Shoes” at the Disco Hall. This incident reveals that Conor risks trouble with his principle Brother Baxter by exposing him with the embarrassing lyrics. When Conor confronts him he shows that he has gained back his self-respect. Conor’s risk allows him to give a crowd-winning …show more content…
When he tells him that he is only “material” for his songs, he discloses that Barry's negativity only helps him write better songs but does not inhibit his happiness. Conor’s new perspective on life is achieved through taking risks and truly understanding his identity through expressing it in his lyrics. In this quote, Conor also adopts the idea of “Happy Sadness” from Raphina. He achieves it by recognizing his dismal life, accepting it, and moving on. This idea reveals Conor’s understanding of his identity as he knows that he is in a negative place but also that there is no point on dwelling upon the negatives. He understands that he would be happier by gaining empathy and understanding that people like Brandon or Raphina have it worse. Through Conor’s confrontation with Barry, Carney demonstrates that Conor has achieved happiness by gaining confidence in his identity and by growing his comfort zone to confront