Plot Description
Catch Me If You Can is a 2002 biographical crime movie directed by Steven Spielberg. The movie is based on the true story of Frank Abagnale Jr., who successfully conned millions of dollars as a con artist in the 1960s. The story follows Frank Abagnale Jr. (played by Leonardo DiCaprio) and the FBI agent, Carl Hanratty (played by Tom Hanks), who is determined to catch him. Frank is a master of deception and easily assumes various identities, including that of a pilot, doctor, and lawyer. As the chase intensifies, Frank and Carl develop a unique relationship that eventually leads to Frank’s capture (Abagnale Jr., 2002).
Interpersonal Relationship
The movie’s two main characters with interpersonal relationships are Frank Abagnale Jr. and Carl Hanratty. Frank is the con artist, and Carl is the FBI agent assigned to capture him. The two characters share a complex relationship shaped by their conflicting goals. While Frank tries to evade capture, Carl is determined to bring him to justice. The interpersonal relationship between Frank Abagnale Jr. and Carl Hanratty is evident through their interactions in the movie. Carl Hanratty is the FBI agent assigned to capture Frank, and he relentlessly pursues him throughout the film (Abagnale Jr., 2002). Meanwhile, Frank enjoys playing cat and mouse with Carl and taunts him by calling him on the phone and leaving clues to his whereabouts.
Indicators of Interpersonal Relationship
The film shows several indicators of the relationship between Frank and Carl. For instance, Carl is always pursuing Frank and continually tracking him. On the other hand, Frank enjoys playing games with Carl by leaving clues to his whereabouts and taunting him on the phone (Abagnale Jr., 2002). Also, the two characters have moments of mutual respect and admiration, which are evident in their conversations.
Self-Concept and Self-Esteem
One of the main characters, Frank Abagnale, has a high level of self-confidence, contributing to his ability to successfully impersonate various professionals, including a doctor, a lawyer, and a pilot. Frank is very intelligent and charming, and he has a natural talent for acting and deception, making him believe that he can accomplish anything he wants. However, underneath his confident exterior, Frank struggles with a deep sense of loneliness and insecurity stemming from his parent’s divorce and his father’s subsequent abandonment. He desperately seeks validation and acceptance from others, particularly his father, and will go to great lengths to obtain it. Frank Abagnale Jr. has a high self-concept and self-esteem, which he uses to his advantage as a con artist (Abagnale Jr., 2002). Therefore, he is confident, which helps him to succeed in his fraudulent schemes.
Formation of Self-Concept and Self-Esteem
His experiences shape Frank’s self-concept and self-esteem as a child. Growing up in a broken home and constantly moving from place to place made him feel like an outsider. However, he discovered that he could use his charm and wit to manipulate people, which helped him to feel powerful and in control. His parent’s divorce and his father’s departure left him feeling abandoned and unloved, leading to feelings of worthlessness and insecurity. Frank’s ability to successfully impersonate professionals and deceive people gave him a sense of power and control that he lacked in other areas of his life (Abagnale Jr., 2002). Additionally, his relationship with his father was a significant factor in his self-esteem, as he sought to impress and gain his father’s approval but ultimately felt disappointed.
Culture and Social Community
The film depicts the American culture and society of the 1960s, including its fashion, music, and social norms. The movie also highlights the value of success and the American Dream, which is evident in Frank’s desire to make a name for himself and live a luxurious lifestyle (Abagnale Jr., 2002). The characters are motivated by a desire for financial security, social status, and acceptance. There is a strong emphasis on materialism and consumerism, as seen in the lavish lifestyles of the characters and the focus on luxury goods and travel. Additionally, the film portrays a patriarchal society, where men hold positions of power and authority, and women are often relegated to supporting roles.
Beliefs, Values, and Practices
The social community implied in the movie is the world of con artists and criminals that Frank becomes a part of. This group holds values, beliefs, and practices not shared by outsiders, such as the importance of deception and the thrill of outsmarting the law. However, the movie also shows that this world is dangerous and has severe consequences, such as prison sentences and broken relationships. The culture depicted in the film emphasizes the importance of hard work, success, and financial stability. The characters believe these values are essential to achieving the American Dream, characterized by upward social mobility, homeownership, and material wealth. The characters also share a belief in the importance of conformity, which is evidenced by Frank’s ability to blend in and assume various professional roles (Abagnale Jr., 2002). A social community is also identified in the film, particularly in the scenes depicting the airline industry. Pilots and flight attendants have values, understandings, and practices that outsiders do not share. They value safety and efficiency and have a unique understanding of the risks and challenges involved in flying. They also have their own rituals and customs, such as the tradition of giving a coin to a pilot on their last flight (Abagnale Jr., 2002). A sense of camaraderie and shared experience characterize this community.
Emotional Scene
One scene that portrays a strong emotion is when Frank’s father, played by Christopher Walken, tells him that he and his mother are getting a divorce. The scene is emotional as it reveals the instability in Frank’s family life and his sense of abandonment. Frank’s father also tells him he is proud of him, which is a conflicting feeling for Frank as he is a con artist, and his father’s praise is for something illegal (Abagnale Jr., 2002). Also, a scene in the movie that portrays strong emotion is when Carl catches Frank in France. The scene is tense and suspenseful as Frank desperately tries to evade capture by the FBI agent. Frank’s fear and panic are palpable, and the audience can feel the intensity of the moment (Abagnale Jr., 2002). Additionally, Carl’s anger and frustration at being outsmarted by Frank are evident, and the scene highlights the interpersonal tension between the two characters.
Conclusion
In summation, “Catch Me If You Can” is a captivating film that provides a deep insight into the lives of Frank Abagnale and Carl Hanratty. Through their interpersonal relationship, the audience can learn about the importance of self-concept, self-esteem, culture, and social community in shaping an individual’s behavior and attitudes. The film highlights how our experiences, upbringing, and social environment influence our decisions and actions. Additionally, the film provides an excellent portrayal of the cultural values and beliefs of the 1960s, particularly the emphasis on hard work, determination, and honesty.
The film’s powerful depiction of emotions, particularly in the scene where Frank confesses his crimes to his father, further adds to the movie’s impact. The audience can relate to Frank’s fear and vulnerability, and this scene humanizes him, allowing the audience to empathize with him.
Reference
Abagnale Jr. F. (2002). CATCH ME IF YOU CAN. https://www.google.com/search?q=catch+me+if+you+can+full+movie&oq=CATCH+ME+IF+YOU+CAN+&aqs=chrome.6.69i57j0i512j46i512j0i512l7.4467j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:b6c32634,vid:Vgknqq_aOXA
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