AMERICAN INDIVIDUALISM OF TIM THOMAS IN SEVEN POUNDS MOVIE BY

A JOURNAL In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Sarjana Degree Majoring American Cultural Studies in English Department Faculty of Humanities Diponegoro University

Submitted by: FITROTUL HIDAYATI NIM: A2B008121

FACULTY OF HUMANITIES DIPONEGORO UNIVERSITY SEMARANG 2013

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American Individualism Value of Tim Thomas In Seven Pounds Movie Oleh Fitrotul Hidayati Fakultas Ilmu Budaya Universitas Diponegoro

ABSTRACT

Individualisme Amerika sudah ada di Amerika sejak negara Amerika ditemukan, dan sudah menjadi ciri khas negara tersebut. Maka dari itu penulis bermaksud untuk menganalisis individualisme Amerika melalui karakter Tim Thomas dalam film —Seven Pounds“ karya Gabriele Muccino. Penulis akan menganalisis individualisme yang di jalani oleh Tim untuk bertanggung jawab atas kesalahannya di masa lalu, sesuai dengan kehendaknya sendiri. Individualisme yang dijalankan Tim Thomas mencakup nilai-nilai individualisme Amerika yaitu self-Autonomy, dan self-responsibility. Penulis juga akan membahas kehidupan sosial Tim Thomas berhubungan dengan individualisme yang dijalani oleh Tim Thomas dalam menghadapi sahabatnya Dan Morris dan juga saudaranya Ben Thomas yang tidak setuju dengan keputusan tersebut. Dalam metode penelitian, penulis menggunakan metode penelitian kepustakaan. Dan untuk metode pendekatan penulis menggunakan metode pendekatan eksponensial untuk membahas unsur intrinsik, dan teori tentang Individualisme Amerika dalam menganalisis aspek intrinsik. Dalam pembahasan, penulis menggabungkan analisis intrinsik dan ekstrinsik. Sumber-sumber yang digunakan dalam metode kepustakaan adalah buku, jurnal, dan juga sumber- sumber yang di dapat melalui situs internet. Dalam membahas unsur intrinsik, penulis menggabungkan elemen eksponensial (Karakter, Latar, dan konflik) dan unsur sinematografi, yang bertujuan untuk memberikan pembahasan yang sistematik dari unsur eksponensial dan disertakan oleh bukti dari unsur cinematografi. Dan untuk unsur ektrinsiknya penulis menggunakan teori individualisme Amerika milik Robert N Bellah, Setelah menganalis Karakter Tim Thomas, penulis menemukan bahwa Tim berkomitmen untuk menebus kesalahannya di masa lalu yang menyebabkan tujuh orang meninggal dunia, dengan mengambil keputusan yang menurutnya benar (self-autonomy), Tim sangatlah bertanggung jawab atas pengambilan keputusannya tersebut, dalam mencari tujuh kandidat, serta bertanggung jawab penuh dalam pencapaian keinginannya tersebut (self-responsibility) Tim sangat tahu akan keputusannya dan tetap berinteraksi dengan sangat baik dengan orang- orang yang ada di sekelilingnya, dalam hal ini Tim bisa mencapai nilai-nilai individualismenya yaitu, Tim bisa menopang kehidupan pribadinya, dan juga kehidupannya dengan masyarakat.

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A. BACKGROUND OF THE personally acceptance the STUDY consequences of his own decision. Individualism has already Individualism has a strong become an identity in American‘s relationship with personal interest, life. American Individualism is an although individualism emphasizes idea which glorifies human natural in one‘s own desire, it cannot be freedom to do, to think, and to separated at all from society; an believe on his own thought with individual exists because there are personal responsibility. Since many communities. It is different from European left their country and went selfishness, in which an individualist to America to get their desire without does not respect the society. In any pressure from others and American literature about mythic government, they had to believe on individualism, the story a hero like a themselves to survive in wilderness cowboy depicts that someone has to and left their lives in Europe. Their listen to his own heart and be a determination makes the writer confident. Habit of the Hearts interested to dig deeper about values explains that —to serve the society in American Individualism. Like one must be able to stand alone, not Emerson states, —What I must do, is needing others, not depending on all that concerns me, not what people their judgment, and not submitting to think.“ (Eduard C, 1954:56). Self their wishes. Yet individualism is not reliance‘s essay by Ralph Waldo selfishness“ (Bellah, 1986:146). An Emerson has been considered as one individual lives his life and stands of the most influential thoughts that under his own feet and knows what changed the perspective of is best for him, because the truth Americans to have an independent comes from inside and it is not based moral life ever since. Hornsby in on others‘ mind. But, individualism Oxford Advance Learner‘s does not mean someone has no Dictionary of Current English interaction with others; an defines individualism as follows: individualist has correlation with —Individualism is a social theory that society, and people around him. favors the free action and complete The writer chooses an American liberty of belief in individual movie to explore about American capacities“ (1995:606). The individualism. A movie can illustrate explanation above clarifies that a story like other literary works, and Individualism asserts that an has the same intrinsic aspects. So, the individual can act freely with one viewers can grab simply the story own capability to get maximum from the audio visualization on the freedom, to pursue his personal movie. desire and to choose his own way According to Bellah, although it is against the wish of his —Modern individualism emerged out family or society. So an individualist of the struggle against monarchical has personal autonomy, personal and aristocratic authority that secret, and appreciation to each seemed arbitrary and oppressive to other, as well as the responsibility to citizens prepare to assert the right to govern themselves“ (1986: 142). In 3

short, each American appeal to the finds out that he feels responsible for individual exercise of his own the crash. Tim struggles to survive understanding to get ultimate from the problem.He wants to be personal autonomy, and also responsible by giving help to the followed by responsibility to be an others. He is an individualist. It is original thinker. He believes that he indicated by his attitude. He always must believe in his own-self to stand makes decision by himself. He thinks on his own feet and do not let others that he needs redemption because of settle their lives. the serious mistake he made. The writer comes to the decision Tim still keeps his relationship to analyze Tim Thomas character in with people around of him. the Seven Pounds movie to see Following dialogue shows that Tim American individualism value. This has a good communication with movie tells about Tim‘s redemption people arroun him : to get out of his mistake. He wants to Tim: You look great. recoup seven people who die on the Holly: I do! I feel great (smile) How crash. He feels that he is the cause of are you? the car crash, and he wants to be Tim: I am really good. I need a responsible for the crash. Tim makes favor. a decision to share happiness with Holly: Whatever you need, just ask others and find out seven people that me. really need help. He relies on himself Tim: I need a name. Someone in the in attaining his destination. His system, someone have been determination to find seven people is had really hard time and needs help, his responsibility. He really lives his but, maybe too proud to ask. life to be responsible with himself Holly: (really wonder) what are you and also with society. Although there doing? are some obstacles that face him in Tim: I am Helping. (Silent, and doing his plan to take responsibility, continue to asks) I need a name. in the end of the story Tim can Holly: Okay. (Seven Pounds, achieve his goal. The struggle of Tim 00:38:14-00:39:35) Thomas to find seven people in pursuing his private life without The conversation above forgeting his public life makes the implies Tim‘s independence. writer choose to analyze the Nevertheless, Tim still keeps his American individualism values in relationship with people around of Seven Pounds movie. him. It also shows that he has a good social interaction with people. B. Tim Thomas and his Indeed, he needs the other to reach Individualism his goal. The writer sees how Tim struggles to find the candidates one Tim Thomas is categorized as a by one and keeps struggling to major character in Seven Pounds. He pursue his goals. Tim has good social gets a serious problem in his life interaction. He can sustain both his since a fatal crash. The fatal crash private life and public life. The makes him deeply depressed. He writer sees that Tim Thomas has 4

Individual-autonomy of American It can be proven by the following individualism value. dialogue: Tim‘s plan is want to help Emily : Ezra. someone who really needs help. But Ezra : Yes. Hi ?? (wondering) are his candidates have suitable with his you a parent? criteria. Emily : (buffer to crying on) No Emily : Mr. Thomas! Ezra : We ever meet? Tim : Yes? Emily : (silent, an a shake of the Emily : Why do I get the feeling you head, crying and wondering) do really give a big favor right Ezra : Are you okay? (try guess now? surely) You must be Emily. Tim : Because I get the feeling that Emily : (nodded he head, smile while you really deserve it. (Silent) crying) Okay? Ezra : Nice to meet you. Emily :(silent, ad wonder) (Seven Pounds 01:56:03-01:56:54) Tim: alright, From the dialogue above the (Seven Pounds 00:32:0000:32:52) writer sees implicitly that Ezra and From the conversation above, Emily have known each other from we can see that Emily and Tim start the letter sent by Tim. As a result, the to have a relationship as a friend. writer thinks that Tim can reach his When Emily is getting faint and she personal goal. Indeed, he cannot has to be hospitalized she calls Tim. stand alone. He needs people to help Tim keeps watching Emily in the him. From this analysis, the writer hospital. Then they are getting sees that value of American closer. Tim Knows that Emily is a Individualism which consists of good person. She is suitable to be his individual-autonomy and candidates. Finally, Emily accepts responsibility truly close to the Tim‘s help. It means that Tim is society. Finally, the writer realizes responsible with his plan. In this that individualist cannot be separated scene, the writer sees indivdual- at all from social life. In other words, responsibility aspect of American they have close correlation. Individualism value. The other candidates of Tim is Connie. Connie is a woman with two Ezra is blind. He is one of the children. Tim knows from Holly that candidates who will accept Tim‘s her son almost killed her last year. corneas. He works as meat sales Three of her ribs fractured last agent. Tim calls Ezra and reprimands month. She is really desperate and him. He does that because he wants government cannot do anything. Tim to know how patient Ezra is. comes to Connie house. He disguises However Ezra stays calm and he is as the IRS worker. Connie is getting not easy to get angry. He is not afraid and angry with Tim because arrogant although another person he knows her problem. Then, Tim praises him. He has already accepted gives his card to Connie Tim‘s corneas. In the end of the story Ezra speak to Emily who has already Connie : Mr. Thomas, this is Connie received Tim‘s heart transplantation. Tapos. 5

Tim: Hey, Connie ... Tim : I heard that you have raised Connie : I do not know why I'm enough money and you give them calling you but I'm calling you. to couples kids, praise scholarships You said you can help us, can you past the college. really help us? George : Yeah, no no, it‘s not a big (Seven Pounds, 01:01:39-01:01:55) deal. I have convinced us up donors that the world needs Tim‘s plan to help Connie and give More many teams is on ice. her a happiness with her children can (they are laughing together) be achieve. This is the letter from George : (continue) I keep asking it Tim to Connie : is, but why me? I have always believed this place can Tim : Because you're a good man. heal the soul. George : No, seriously? I hope that proves true for you. When Tim : Even when you do not know you've signed your name people watching you on the dotted line of the contract (Seven Pounds 00:44:33-00:45:27) you'll own my house I only ask that you'll never mention From the dialogue above, the how you got the house writer sees that George is Tim‘s or try to contact me, for any reason. criteria for being the candidates. And if you're wondering "why you" Tim‘s criteria is a good person, and please stop. All I ask is for you to George is a kind person and he is a honor my wishes. good man. He is concern about And, of course, live life abundantly. children education. He gives (Seven Pounds, 01:03:21-01:04:39) scholarship for the children. George is appropriate with Tim‘s criteria. There is slow music illustrated Through George, Tim can attain his in this scene when the monologue plane one by one. This analysis above is reads by Tim‘s voice. It shows to the writer that Tim action builds mood of the viewers that consists of individual-responsibility Connie is safe in Tim‘s house beach. Aspect of American Individualism The house is far away from Connie‘s value. husband. The other candidates is George. C. Tim‘s Conflicts which Tim knows that George is a good represent Individual-Automy person when he stalking on George. and Individual-Responsibility Tim is upset with himself and he wants to responsible as the cause of There are many conflicts car accident. As a result, he decides happened in this movie but the writer to share happiness to each others. will only discuss conflicts that have The writer can see in the dialogue correlation with individualism of below that George is still wondering. Tim Thomas in pursuing his personal He asks Tim why he chooses George goal. Internal conflict is found in the as the candidates who receives his major character, Tim Thomas. At the kidney. They have not known each past, he drives his car with his other before: fiancée. At the same time he checks a 6

message in his phone. Later, it causes that each person could pursue his own a terrible accident. It brings on seven happiness and purposes and that he people died. Tim feels very guilty would be free to do things with limited about the accident. He blames interference from other. This means himself all the time. He finds it very that Americans give high priority to difficult to live his life. He wants to their personal aspiration and also help the others by giving his vital have concern for other people. organ to them who really need it.

Tim feels haunted because of his D. Individualism as the Cause of mistake which make his car crashed. External Conflicts The following dialogue provides Secondly, the writer will explain the description of Tim Thomas‘ external conflicts in Tim Thomas‘ condition: life that contains American Tim : Kenny Anderson, Nicole individualism value. There are many Anderson, Ali Anderson, Ed Rice, external conflicts which happened. Stephen Philips, Monica Freeman, Here, the writer will only explain the Sarah Jensen. (Slowly, and external conflicts which have continue... become anger) correlation with Tim‘s life. Those Kenny Anderson! Nicole Anderson! also supports American Ali Anderson! Ed Rice! Stephen Individualism in Tim Thomas in Philips! Monica Freeman and Sarah searching his candidates. Jensen! (Seven Pounds 00:05:34- 00:05:58) Conflict Between Tim and In the scene when the Dan Morris Dan wants to persuade conversation is taken place it is Tim to cancel his plan. Conversation explained that Tim is angry. He below shows Dan who is trying to cannot believe that the seven people persuade Tim to cancel his plan. are really died. He feels guilty about the car crash. He tries emphasizing Dan : What was not true, but I, and himself about the seven people who he likes more than you are died on that tragedy. He wants to Than me ...So I damn mind because. be responsible as the causes of the I was very jealous. crash. And I realized that I wore. From the internal conflict, the That lies at the heart of the last 25 writer can see that Tim is an years individualist. He chooses his own Tim : Stop! Stop! Stay focused! Do decision to be responsible with his what you promised. Do what you own way. He wants to go out from promised! his difficulties, and pursues his Dan : You think I'll disappoint you, private goal. As the writer knows, did you?I know you in my whole Individualism deals with human damn life! Yes?This is not something freedom to do with his own way and doing every day! right? to take responsible with his own You is not at all for you or me! We‘ll decision. The important part is an have to go all out. According to the individualist can nurture his private plan. Don‘t worry. life and his public life. This means Tim : Thanks 7

(Seven Pounds: 00:33:56-00:37:48) Goodman it is?It's in my power. Drastically changes circumstance. Dan tries to persuade Tim to Inez : (begin to listening carefully) cancel the agreement between them. Tim : But I do not want to give a gift, Tim is angry with Dan. Tim keep if he doesn‘t deserve it. I need you to forcing Dan to keep their agreement tell me, whether he is not or good because he is really serious with his person. decision from the first time. Dan Inez : (begin to give a response) Morris is steady to keep his Tim : (smile lovely to Inez) promises. Dan is worried about Inez : (look to Tim curiously and Tim‘s plan. Tim is his best friend and seriously, and then she strat writing he loves him much. From this on the paper) "The drugs he gave external conflict the writer can sees me“ Tim‘s individualism. Tim believes Tim:(read..) the drugs he gave me, himself and hears his own heart in make me dizzy ?? making decision. It contains aspect Inez :(nodded slowly) insividual-autonomy of American Tim : (continue read) I wanna new Individualism to govern himself and one not depending on other person. Tim: it was reasonable... What else The next conflict is between Inez? You can trust me... What else Tim And Stewart. Stewart Goodman Inez? is one of Tim‘s candidates. He works Inez :(begin crying, and write at nursing house. He has medical again) problem and also has such big debt Tim :(read again) he is punishing with the government. He hes not pay you? tax. His medical problem is (Seven Pounds, 00:16:32-00:19:32) leukemia. Therefore, he needs a transplantation of bone marrow. The conflict then happens when Tim Tim knows that Stewart is a wants to help him by giving him an bad person. Tim fells he has been extension to pay taxes. Tim comes to lied by Stewart. He can conclude that Stewart‘s office to find information Stewart is not deserve to receive about who Stewart is. help. Knows that stewart has a bad treatment toward Inez Tim is very angry with Stewart. He informs to From Inez‘s explanation it is Stewart that he do not want help him. known that Stewart is not a good From that explanation of the person. Inez has ever been molested dialogue and picture it is seen that by Stewart.A conversation below Tim really governs his act and listen will support picture 4.43 and show to his heart. He is serious and carful how Tim tries to know more about to take any he needs. Tim relies on Stewart; himself to get his goal. The writer Tim :(excuse sitting down, and sitting assumes that Tim‘s decision beside Inez slowly) I am trying to represents individual-autonomy from figure out what kind of man stewart american individualism aspects.

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Tim gets information that his beach house to Connie and her Connie‘s husband almost killed her children. Then, Connie lifes happily last year and. It causes three of her without her husband‘s disturb. ribs fractured last month. She is Finally Tim can achieve his aim to really desperate to complain. The help Connie. government also cannot do anything. Tim comes to Connie house and Between Tim and Ben Thomas. disguises as IRS worker. Tim Ben is angry with Tim. It is because realizes that he knows about her Tim spying on him. Absolutely, it is problem from Holly. At first Connie breaking the IRS‘ rule. Ben also gets almost believes Tim but then Connie angry with Tim because he steals his is very afraid with her problems and IRS Id card. Ben even does not know angry toward Tim. Picture 4.46 where Tim lives in. below is taken by using close-up and Ben : Where you live, Tim? Tell me, straight on angle to show Connie‘s because I do not even know where face expression when he is angry to my brother live!! Tim and it chases away Tim to left Tim : It's a motel. Five blocks her house. distance.We sit tomorrow morning, I guarantee it, I promise. This conversation proves the Ben : Where are my letters of act of Tim when he meets Connie: recommendation?Give me back recommendations. Tim: Your children are in danger Tim : Here.. Go home. You have a here. beautiful family.Go home and enjoy Connie : You don't know what you're it... talking about. Ben : Tim. What going here?Tell Tim : You don't have to live like this, me, who is Emily Possa? I can help you Tim : I'll explain everything Connie:You don't know me. Get out tomorrow. of my house now or I'm gonna call Ben : give me the keys to the car. Do the police. not go anywhere. I'll stay right here. Tim : Okay, okay ... Tim : As you know I love you... Coniie : Who are you (Seven Pounds: 01:33:1601:34:47) Tim : I want you to take my card. Connie : I don't need your help. The dialogue above happens Tim : You can call me anytime. I'm in front of Emily‘s house. That scene gonna leave it right here. shows when Ben is angry to Tim (Seven Pounds: 00:42:08-00:42:54) because he has already searched Tim a few days before. In this fighting Tim hopes that Connie accepts Tim defenses himself from Ben‘s his help one day. Tim gets trouble in fury. He gives back Ben‘s ID card. pursuing his aim. Tim keeps He slowly explains his reason to steal struggling to make Connie agree the card to Ben. He knows that his with his plan. And at the end, Connie brother loves him. However, he calls Tim and leaves her house. Tim knows exactly what he does, and gives Connie his car to run and gives keeps doing his plans. Tim does not 9

subject Ben in anger too. He guilty. The writer sees individual- defenses and explains that he will autonomy of Tim in searching his give an explanation for Ben Thomas candidates. He makes his plan about his plan. without the other‘s help. He has good responsibility for himself and people From the conflict between Tim around him. At the end of the story and Ben, the writer sees aspect of Tim can achieve his goal. It is American Individualism value, suitable with his plan. This action individual-autonomy, when Tim consists of aspect individual- keeps doing his decision for his responsibility. He can sustain both private and public life. He does not his private and public life in depend on another person help. Even achieving his goal. Ben is his brother. This conflict also Based on these analysis and supports aspect individual- discussion in Seven Pounds Movie responsibility of Tim Thomas the following can be drawn as a because all of his decision and all of conclusion. We can see American his acts are his responsible. Tim individualism value in this movie gives back Ben‘s IRS ID card to Ben. from the action of its main character, In fact, Tim has thought carefully Tim Thomas. Hence, the writer about his plan, listen his own heart concludes those actions can fit the and his desire, with high- aspects of individualism, that is self- responsibility. The writer can autonomy and self-responsibility and conclude that Tim Thomas character also capable in sustaining his private in this movie fulfills the aspects of life, and public life appropriate American individualism. individualism from Bellah‘s perspective.

E. CONCLUSION Seven Pounds movie tells BIBLIOGRAPHIES about Tim Thomas‘ efforts to find seven people that will receive his Eduard C. 1954. Basic Selections help because he feels guilty about the From Emerson Essays, car accident. He wants to be Poems, and Apothegms. Ed. responsible with people around him Lindeman. New York: The by giving beatitude to seven people. New American Library. Actually he wants to reedem his Hornby A S. 1995 : Oxford Advance wrongness. He starts to maintain his Learner‘s Dictionary of plan and searches his candidates Current English; Fifth carefully by himself. He wants to edition. Oxford University give a gift to a person who has Press. patience and really needs his helping. From the result of the analysis, Bellah, N Robert. 1986. Habits of the writer finds American The Heart: Individualism. individualism value in Tim Thomas Harper & Row Publisher, character. In order to find seven New york people by himself to reedem his 10

Curry, Richard O. and Lawrence B. Goodheart. 1991. American Chameleon: Individualism in Trans-National Context. Kent, OH: Kent State University Press. Guerin, Wilfred L.et.al. 1992. A Handbook of Critical Approaches to Literature. New York : Oxford University Press. Meyer, Michael. 1990. The Bedford Introduction Literature. Boston: Bedford Books St. Martin Press. Nurgiyantoro, Burhan. 1995. Teori Pengantar Fiksi. Yogyakarta: Gajah Mada University Press. Perrine, Lawrence. 1970. Story and Structure 3rd edition. New York: Harcourt, vii, Brace and World. Potter, L. James. 1967. The Elements of Literature. New York: The Odyssey Press. Pratista, Himawan. 2008. Memahami Film. Yogyakarta: Homerian Pustaka.