Rita Setiani, Atinia Hidayah

American Dream as Revealed Through the Character of Matthew in the Movie of Fatherhood (2021)

Introduction

American dream as revealed through the character of matthew in the movie of fatherhood (2021). Explore the American Dream through Matthew's character in "Fatherhood (2021)," analyzing social and economic factors like resilience, family, and educational pursuits.

Abstract

This study is aimed to analyze : (1) The concept of the American Dream reflected in the character Matthew in the Fatherhood (2021) , (2) The social and economi factors influence the journey of Matthew character in achieving the vision of the American Dream in the Fatherhood (2021) film. The study uses a descriptive qualitative method to analyze the film entitled Fatherhood (2021) directed by Paul Weitz as the objective research. The collecting data of the research method includes watching and reading, identifying, classifying, and selecting. The analyzing data of the research method by using displaying, explaining, selecting, and interpreting. The researcher analyzes the data by using theory of popular culture of American Dream. The result of the study : (1) The concept of the American Dream reflected in the character Matthew in the Fatherhood film such as hard work and resilience, family and community support, providing the best education for the childern, happiness and family unity, and courage in facing challenges; (2) The social and economi factors influence the journey of Matthew character in achieving the vision of the American Dream in the Fatherhood film include family and friends support, social stigma, community role, employment status and income, access to education and training.

Review

This study endeavors to unpack the concept of the American Dream as portrayed through the character of Matthew in the 2021 film *Fatherhood*. The chosen topic is timely and relevant, offering a contemporary lens through which to examine a foundational American ideal, particularly as embodied by a single father navigating significant life changes. The objectives are clearly stated: to identify how the American Dream is reflected in Matthew's character and to analyze the socio-economic factors influencing his pursuit of this vision. The proposed use of a descriptive qualitative method for film analysis is a suitable approach for this type of cultural study. While the selection of *Fatherhood* and its protagonist Matthew provides a potentially rich case study, the methodological description in the abstract lacks critical detail. The "descriptive qualitative method" is too broad, and the subsequent listing of "watching and reading, identifying, classifying, and selecting" for data collection, along with "displaying, explaining, selecting, and interpreting" for data analysis, merely outlines generic steps rather than specifying a rigorous qualitative framework (e.g., thematic analysis, narrative analysis, content analysis, semiotics). This generic description makes it difficult to assess the soundness and systematicity of the analytical process. Furthermore, while the reliance on "theory of popular culture of American Dream" provides a general framework, a more specific engagement with particular scholars or theoretical sub-frameworks within this vast field would strengthen the study's analytical depth. The reported results directly address the research questions, identifying common elements of the American Dream such as hard work, family unity, and educational aspirations, alongside influencing factors like social support, stigma, and economic status. While these findings seem plausible and align with conventional understandings, the abstract does not convey the depth of insight or critical nuance that a qualitative study typically aims for. For future refinement, greater specificity regarding the chosen qualitative methodology and analytical tools would significantly enhance the study's academic rigor. Expanding on how Matthew's unique position as a single father of color might complicate or redefine conventional notions of the American Dream, perhaps by engaging more critically with concepts of social stigma or community role, could offer a more profound and compelling contribution to the existing scholarship.

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