A Look Back at Fatherhood in Films
From the stoic, distant patriarchs of early Hollywood to the complex, emotionally nuanced portrayals in contemporary films, the depiction of fathers has evolved. In this blog, we highlight some moments on the big screen that have left an indelible mark on our hearts and minds. Whether it's the tender guidance of Atticus Finch in "To Kill a Mockingbird" or the desperate love of Chris Gardner in "The Pursuit of Happyness," these cinematic fathers offer a powerful lens through which to examine the joys, challenges, and profound impact of being a dad.
The Pursuit of Happyness
Will Smith was masterful in this film. Having his son alongside him must have been somewhat gut-wrenching at times. The Pursuit of Happiness didn’t shy away from the harsh realities that poor families face but Chris Gardner determination and devotion to his son was portrayed so beautifully.
Finding Nemo
First of all, Finding Nemo came out 21 years ago. Let that sink in! This 2003 Best Animated Feature winner is about an overbearing father, Marlin, who is searching for his lost son while grappling with Nemo’s emerging independence. During this perilous journey, Marlin realizes how much he and his son have missed out on life because of how overprotective he is. It takes dad a while to realize that it is ok to let go a little.
Daddy’s Home
Raising children is already hard. When you add a blended family to the picture, you can add a different set of challenges. Will Ferrell is determined to be a good dad to his stepchildren but when bio dad, Mark Wahlberg, comes back in the picture, Ferrell’s insecurities shine through.
To Kill a Mockingbird
“Atticus Finch stands out as a hero. A good father is not someone who deals with all the problems in his life, while maintaining a seemingly happy and warm bubble of ignorance around his children. Finch lets them think for themselves, includes them in everything, lets them know things that are considered widely to be “wrong for kids” and becomes a hero in their minds as well. He keeps them safe, while making sure that they know, what they’re being kept safe from, and also making sure that they don’t need to be kept safe.”
Boyz N the Hood
The late, great John Singleton was fresh out of college when he directed this film. At the age of 24, he was the youngest person ever to be nominated for Best Director. In this scene, this is the day Tre moves in with his father, Furious, played by Laurence Fishburne. His patriarchal education begins immediately with a list of chores and responsibilities, the house rules, and lessons on self-reliance. You see almost immediately upon arriving that while under his father’s mentorship, he has an edge over his friends and brothers, Doughboy and Ricky, played by Ice Cube and Morris Chestnut.
Taken
When a dad stands on business!
Liar Liar
In a long history of no-shows, Fletcher Reede, played by Carrey, misses his son, Max’s, birthday party… again. Max is crushed and for his birthday wish, he wishes that his father would stop lying for one day. After all of Carrey’s antics in this movie, it’s a tale of redemption. His ultimate goal is to reunite with son and he does just that.
Fatherhood
A lot of people I spoke with didn’t like this movie but I thought it was really good. I especially like that it was more of a drama than a comedy, given the plot. Inspired by Matthew Logelin's memoir, Two Kisses for Maddy: A Memoir of Loss and Love, this feel-good dramedy follows Matthew (Hart), who becomes a single dad when his wife unexpectedly passes away after giving birth. It was good seeing a storyline that shows being a caregiver can fall not just on the mother.
There Will Be Blood
The film follows Daniel Plainview (Daniel Day-Lewis) on his quest for wealth and glory during the oil boom in Southern California. However, at its core, its main themes center around fatherhood.
Daniel’s connection with his son H.W. Plainview (Dillon Freasier) is one of the most moving parts of the 2007 film. The struggles of navigating the seeming adoption of the orphaned H.W. and growing the relationship between the two of them as Daniel navigates the oil boom are effortlessly portrayed against all the film’s moving parts. The shifting relationship between Daniel and H.W. from a loving and passionate display of parenthood to a fractured and almost businesslike relationship is a complex display of a father’s role in their child’s life.
Imagine That
Yara Shahidi is so charming as Olivia, the young daughter of financial advisor Evan Danielson (Murphy). In a strange twist of fate, Evan learns that his daughter's imaginary friends are the key to his professional success. But as his career takes off, he realizes that it comes at a price he might not be willing to pay. From Evan's heartwarming bond with his daughter to his inspiring character arc, this one will put a smile on any dad's face.
What didn’t make the list that should have?