A Night to Remember Decadence of The Titanic Essay

The Soap ad in the 1958 film A Night to Remember is one of the first implications of social class that is illustrated throughout the entire film. It begins by first introducing the viewer to the middle class hero, Lightoller and his view of the class system of 1912 where he mocks the discrepancy of class aboard the Titanic amongst the elites and the lower class passengers (Bruce). And despite this, the advertisement seems to better illustrate the idea of decadence that is found on the ship. As already noted, the scene seems to mock the elite class as Lightoller states that the soap is â€Å"for the first-class passengers, mark you. The rest don’t wash† (A Night to Remember). It is here, that class is clearly evident through the reaction of the†¦show more content†¦By advertising these social embellishments, it advertises the high class sophistications of the ship and is therefore attempting to attract the upper class with its promise of arriving to lavish desti nations on one of the most technologically advanced and its luxury living accommodations. The fact that Lightoller pokes fun at this single line demonstrates his social standing as a middle class citizen. The contrast the social classes in this film by this single scene is also evident through the reactions of the characters. As already noted the elite couple is stiff, uptight and are humorless towards Lightoller’s reaction to the Titanic’s embellishments. As opposed to Lightoller and his wife’s reaction whose is mocking and giggling at the elitist notion of luxury. And also makes a note saying â€Å"soap is no laughing matter† (A Night to Remember). As a means to not offend the upper class passengers, Lightoller remarks that he is not necessarily poking fun at the elite social class but he is only mocking â€Å"of the embellishments† (A Night to Remember). Although the viewer is given a clear distinction as it allows us to believe that he is inde ed making fun of the upper class treatment of the lower class. It is clear that even at the beginning of the film, the motif of decadence amongst the elite classes is evident throughout the entire film. Howell’s makes anShow MoreRelatedOne Significant Change That Has Occurred in the World Between 1900 and 2005. Explain the Impact This Change Has Made on Our Lives and Why It Is an Important Change.163893 Words   |  656 Pagesturned blank walls to the street, often had lovely gardens in interior courtyards. Shop fronts opened fully in the daytime but were completely shuttered at night. Artisans frequently practiced their crafts within their homes or on the street directly in front of them. Streets were crowded with people throughout the day and well into the night, especially after the arrival of electricity and street lighting, and many events that might have been considered private in the European enclave— IN