BFM36484

M36484 BF1 Response HGD 2,363


 * The Rainbow Tribe**

The Rainbow Tribe is a film produced in 2011 staring David James Elliott, Grayon Russell, and Ed Quinn. Based on actual events, the story is centered on how a middle-aged man (Morgan) faces a potentially fatal medical crisis by involving himself with a group of misfit, preadolescent boys. Each character in the movie, children and adults alike, portray a multitude of developmental and/or psychological issues, based on either their environment or specific life experiences.

The movie begins with the introduction of Calvin who bullies his younger brother by flushing his head in the toilet. When reprimanded by his mother and threatened with a list of restrictions, Calvin sarcastically replies, “I know momma, no more Tivo, no Ipod, no sleepovers, no desert, and no cow tipping” (3:09). In response, Calvin’s mother turns and walks away. This is a clear sign of Baumrind’s permissive parenting style, which indicates that the mother is high in nurturance and low in maturity demands, control and communication with regards to Calvin. (Boyd, pg.222)

As the film shifts scenes, we get introduced to the next main character, Morgan, the main character and whom the story is centered upon. Morgan is introduced to the audience lying on the floor in his bathroom shower while his wife Lauren quickly summons for an ambulance telling the audience that his situation does not seem to be a surprise to Lauren. This progression allows us to learn that Morgan, along with his wife Lauren, are a childless couple attempting to live a normal life until Morgan’s cancerous brain tumor returns. While sitting in his Doctors office, Morgan is given options for recovery but refuses, while explaining how difficult chemotherapy was during his previous recovery period. The doctor tries to explain all the new developments in medicine and Morgan replies, “How is this better? You did not cure me; all you did was prolong the inevitable” (9:48), displaying the Anger aspect of Kubler-Ross’s stages of dying. (Boyd, pg. 551) Morgan then walks to the window, looks out at a field full of children and says, “Of all the dreams still ahead.”(10:22)

The film transitions to Morgan driving his convertible along a peaceful, scenic road, which puts a smile upon his face. Meanwhile, back at home, Lauren and Morgan’s doctor, Michael, have lunch where she confesses Morgan’s journey, which upsets Michael, and he makes the comment, “I really don’t understand”. Lauren quickly interrupts by saying “That’s just it Michael, he’s not asking us to understand, he needs us to be here when he gets back.” This conversation is an example of validating couples; partners who express mutual respect, even disagreements but are also good listeners. (Boyd, pg. 412)

Morgan’s journey begins as he arrives at Camp Thunderhawk, his childhood camp where he will attempt to deal with the return of his tumor by interacting with a group of young boys as their camp counselor. Morgan’s act of mentoring can be categorized by Erickson’s theory of generativity. (Boyd, pg.30) Upon his arrival, Morgan is greeted by an old camping buddy, Sunny, who reinitiates their friendship by playing a prank on Morgan. While being handed his list of his campers, Morgan is given the background of one specific boy in his group, Boo Summers, who is mute. Boo’s condition is indirectly explained due to his mother and father drowning one year prior. Boo hasn’t spoken since, obviously suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder; a type of anxiety disorder that can occur after experiencing a traumatic event that involved injury or death. (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001923/)

Camp begins as the buses of campers arrive and instantly, the fun begins while introducing the remaining characters. The campers are introduced one by one and interact with Morgan independently (17:31). Morgan’s first camper, Ryan Tucker, a foul mouth, physical aggressive young lad who informs Morgan that if he behaves during his stay at camp, his father will reward Ryan with a waterbed. When verbally insulted by another camper and called a “psycho”, Ryan shouts, “Up yours, butt face.” This behavior is an example of Freud’s Psychosexual Theory of the “id”; the sexual and aggressive impulses. (Boyd, pg. 27)

Soon, the other campers file in, one by one. Sampson, the mild mannered, nature boy; Josh, the asthmatic hypochondriac; and “Sir Charles Winthrop the Turd”. This introduction by Charles’ aggravated chauffer makes it obvious, to the audience, that Charles is not liked. Charles validates this belief by immediately threatening his chauffer by verbally assaulting him. The chauffer quickly throws his bags out of the trunk while shouting, “oh yeah”, quickly speeding away; showing relief of leaving Charles behind. Charles enters the cabin, all out of sorts, and is immediately met by Ryan. Insults are passed between the two, and although not seen, a punch is heard and Charles quickly runs out of the cabin crying (19:43), showing another sign of Ryan’s hostile aggression. (Boyd, pg. 233)

Calvin finds his way to Cabin Apache and, while meeting Morgan for the first time, shows no sign of embarrassment by urinating off the porch. Morgan quickly responds with the treat of rubbing his nose in it, “if he wants to act like a dog”. (20:30-21:00) Morgan’s interaction with Calvin leave the rest of the campers alone to get their spaces organized, which quickly proves to be a bad idea as they start destroying the place. Morgan returns and, with a stern voice, introduces himself by his camp name “Chief” and instructs the boys to clean up the mess.

As the first dinner bell is rung, we begin to see how the campers will individually deal with the camp structure. Their first challenger is to line up, in an organized fashion, outside the mess hall by groups, or cabins. Sunny then goes over with the campers the guidelines of how the groups are chosen to eat. The selection is based on neatness and how they present themselves. Needless to say, Cabin Apache is always last. While dining, the campers in introduced to the camp bully, Buster, who is obviously bigger and stronger than the rest of them and picks on the weaker boys in Cabin Apache. While eating, Ryan once again causes physical harm to Charles. In an effort to establish the cabin hierarchy, Morgan calls his cabin outside (26:25) where he tries to teach them a lesson about continuity and teamwork. Morgan utilizes the term “the 6 Musketeers”; “All for one and one for all.” This proves to be a crucial turning point in the young boys’ lives as they all seem to actually listen to what Morgan says.

Later that night, after lights out, the boys are still awake and aggravating one another. Ryan is woken by Josh’s wheezing (29:24). Ryan attempts to control his impulses but fails miserably and starts to suffocate Josh with his pillow when Chief (Morgan) comes to the rescue. Chief sends Ryan outside and escorts Josh to the infirmary. While outside, Ryan is bitten by bugs so he returns to the cabin to get a tennis racket to use for protection. While a family of bats is feeding on the insects, Ryan decides to intentionally hit one of the bats with his racket, causing injury to the bat. Chief grabs the racket and reprimands Ryan, who takes off running to the cabin. Chief allows Ryan a cool-off period then takes him outside to see the injured bat, with her baby at her side. Chief gives Ryan a description of the bat, her role in nature, how she can feel pain and how her baby depends on her to survive. Chief uses this as a comparison – just like when Ryan was a baby he needed his mother, like the baby bat needs its mother. The conversation ends with Chief asking Ryan to think about his actions and the damage his anger can cause. Ryan is then left crying, staring at the mother and baby bat; appearing to be in deep thought. This is a pivotal moment in Ryan’s development. Ryan returns to the cabin and asks, “How could I help her?” (32:53) Ryan exhibits B.F. Skinners’ operant conditioning; learning to repeat or stop behaviors because of consequences. (Boyd, pg. 33)

Shortly after, we see Chief on the dock of the lake in deep thought where Sunny joins and they start to reminisce about their camp experiences. One time in particular, when lost in the woods, they recall how scared they were until they saw the Aurora Borealis, or “Northern Lights”, which led them to safety. (35:57) The author uses their historical experience to explain how their lives changed as children. Morgan says, “Let’s face it Sunny, I need to feel like everything is going to be okay again, I need a miracle. “His feeling of despair is linked to depression another stage in (Kubler-Ross’s) dying proposal. (pg. 551) The next morning, the campers are doing various activities and Charles and Ryan are playing tennis together. Charles hits Ryan with the tennis ball and Ryan’s first response is to yell and aggressively chase Charles. Chief’s voice pops into his head reminding him of his anger and what it can do. Ryan pauses and changes his behavior, shows the ability to conform to parental standards without direct supervision, known as self-regulation. (pg.286)

During a nightly shower scene (42:50), Charles is putting on deodorant and Ryan asks him why he’s using it because he doesn’t have hair under his arms. Charles explains that hair has nothing to do with it, it’s called puberty. This leads to an intense discussion amongst the boys. When entering back into the cabin, Chief is put on the spot when Ryan asks, “what the heck is puberty?” Josh who happens to be in the room tells Chief he will handle this. Josh then simply turns to Ryan and states, “Puberty is simply the state in an individual’s development where he or she is capable of sexual.” His explanation is pretty close to the definition given on page 309 of the textbook. . (44:06)

One night after all the campers are asleep, Boo sneaks out of the cabin(47:23) and heads to the dock where he sits alone until Chief shows up, looks are given yet both sit in silence. Chief shows empathy toward Boo, he does not try to pressure him into conversation but just by his silent presence, he shows his understanding. Seven weeks have now gone by and the Apaches are now showing clear signs of unity. The camp bully, Buster snots in their food(50:54) and the boys as a group, physically attack him which puts him and cause a full on food fight which forces them to work together. We later hear Sunny and Chief briefly talk about the trouble they had gotten into while at camp and the events of the day. This leads Chief to confide in Sunny, he has his “mojo” back.(53:25) Not wanting to face his condition, and saying, “the worst part of cancer is the mental part, it breaks your spirit” falls under the theory of dialectical thought(Michael Basseches)pg 391. He recognizes and accepts the uncertainty of his life but thanks to his campers, he ready to face his challenges head on. He sees how resilient they are and the life that shines in their eyes. He never thought it to be fair to bring a child of his own into this world under the circumstances he faces but now begins to rethink the possibilities. During the final days of camp, the Apache campers decide to pull another prank on Chief. While taking a morning shower, Calvin steals Morgan’s clothes, which forces Chief to parade across camp half naked. Meanwhile, the breakfast bell rings and all the campers are lined up by cabins. ( 56:03) Cabin Apache decide they’ve had enough of being last and under Calvin’s lead, they represent themselves well in the pre-meal line-up and are finally selected to be first. Unfortunately, Chief is absent and misses their accomplishment. Calvin, who is full of excitement and pride in what he had accomplished, runs off to find Chief to tell him the good news, only to find Chief passed out on the cabin floor. After the ambulance rushes Chief to the hospital, he finally accepts his mortality – a stage of Kubler-Ross’ Stages of Dying (Boyd, pg. 551). Morgan tells Sunny, “I’m not going to beat this.” (58:28) Chief decides he will return home after saying goodbye to the campers the following morning after breakfast.

Calvin, feeling guilty for the prank he had played on Chief, and believing that he was what caused Chief’s collapse, calls Chief’s wife Lauren. Lauren tries to explain to Calvin that Chief has been sick for a while and it’s not Calvin’s fault. She also tells Calvin that Chief is going to be okay. That morning following Chief’s return, and prior to his planned departure, he is abruptly awoken by Calvin who insists Chief follow him to the lake. Once there, Chief is greeted by the remaining Apaches with loaded canoes. With Sunny’s encouragement, the boys have prepared a canoe trip to view the Aurora Borealis. Chief tries to resist, but soon hears a familiar voice - his wife Lauren, who was the driving conspirator for the trip in the first place. Regardless of how he is feeling, she wants Morgan to find his miracle. While setting up camp later that night, Calvin asked Chief if he was dying. Chief then gently explains to Calvin that, yes, he was and provides Calvin an explanation is very important. Morgan uses his experience when his own father was dying were Morgan’s father said “no one gets out of this world alive, and I don’t expect to be the first.” Calvin then tells Morgan that “there is a first time for everything.” This interaction, between an adult and child, showing the different perspectives of dying in explained in Chapter 19, page 545.

About to believe that they will leave for the summer without seeing the Northern Lights, the lights appear the last night, restoring Camp Apache’s hopes, not only in their goal for the trip, but in life. The final morning of camp, the campers leave one by one. Ryan gets his good behavior note from Chief, Charles is kind and respectful to his chauffer, Calvin has a new outlook on life and Boo whispers in Chiefs ear. Each and character depicted in this film learns a valuable lifelong lesson.

This film did not have many reviews but those found, were all positive. I myself would recommend this movie to/for all; it’s a great family film.

Bibliography Boyd, Denise and Helen Bee. Lifespan Development. Boston, Massachusetts: Pearson Custom Publishing, 2009. Print. The Rainbow Tribe. Dir. Christopher R Watson. Perf. David James Elliott, Grayson Russell and Ed Quinn. International Production Company, 2011. Film IMDb.com 1990-2012 Web. 15 April, 2012




 * __Subject Matter—20 points out of 20__ **


 * __Higher-Order Thinking—20 points out of 20__ : **


 * __Organization--30 points out of 30__ **


 * __Format--10 points out of 10__ **


 * __Grammar/Punctuation/Spelling--10 points out of 10__ **


 * __Readability/Style--10 points out of 10__ **


 * Grade: 100/100 **