Question: Describe a relationship in the text and how it relates to human nature.
Human nature shows that people always think about themselves before others and when they have a choice between good relationships or money, status and success they will rarely ever take the first option. Throughout the movie ‘Catch me if you can’ by Steven Spielberg there are many different relationships. One that stands out is Frank Abagnale Jr and his attachment to material objects such as money, cheques and expensive items. Frank tends to put these things first instead of the people around him which leads to broken relationships with the people who care for him the most. He uses money as a path to success and a way to transform himself into a person that he is not.
Franks relationship with material objects begins when he runs away from home and realises he can’t make it anywhere without money or cheques. He has a lightbulb moment and learns that cheques are his ultimate path to success but to get them he needs to look important and have status. Steven Spielberg uses high key lighting when pilots are climbing out of their car followed by a close up of Franks face lighting up to emphasise that money and fame are the golden items of society that can make lives, change lives and also ruin lives. Furthermore, the close up of Frank’s face represents human natures desire to get as much money as possible to boost their status and make themselves look better than they really are. Frank falls into natural human instinct and attempts to begin his quest of getting all the money he possibly can by cashing cheques all across the country.
Additionally, Frank uses his money to deceive people and live a life as a person that he is not. This is highlighted on two occasions, once when Frank buys a suit and car to look like James Bond and again when he is conning his way into getting a pilots suit. Steven Spielberg uses a midshot of Frank trying on a suit identical to James Bond to make the viewers aware that Frank has a lot of money and is starting to become a master con artist who can be whoever and whatever he wants. Spielberg also utilises a midshot of Frank trying on a pilots outfit in the mirror, the mirror shows three reflections to symbolise that Frank has duel personalities and carries a lot of power with how he is able to convince others of his lies and make his way into and out of any situation. These scenes reflect the fact that people in society arent always who we think they are and behind the scenes, they could be doing whatever it takes to make themselves stand out in a crowd and look better than the rest. This links back to the theme of identity, Frank excels as a con artist because of his confidence and ability to play the part.
Finally, Franks obsession with material objects peaks when he chooses to continue his life of chasing money rather than turning himself in and being able to eventually settle down with his soon to be wife, Brenda. At his wedding party, Frank realises he is in danger of being caught and regretfully decides to leave Brenda and escape with his money. Steven Spielberg uses a high angle of Frank climbing out of the window and a low angle of Brenda inside to show us that Frank is vulnerable and in danger of losing his dream family if he chooses to continue to live his life as a criminal on the run. This relates to society and that humans have a natural tendency to put themselves before others, even our closest family and friends. This also links to the theme of greed, instead of having a relationship with material objects Frank has an obsession, and when it comes down to it he is always going to turn and run from his problems and put himself and his money before others even when it hurts those who love and trust him more than it hurts himself.
In conclusion, Steven Spielberg’s “Catch me if you can’ shows many relationships. One significant relationship is between Frank and material objects such as money and cheques. Frank values these things more than he should because he views them as a path to success, a way to disguise himself and the number one priority in his life. This relates to the human nature of choosing ourselves over others and doing whatever we can to get money. Most people always want fame and status even when it puts those around them at a disadvantage.
