Tom_Breanan_Into_the_World

“The Story of Tom Brennan highlights many aspects of going through a transition.” Transitions are a part of life. They are the responses to change, can help people to move on or can lead them on a negative path. The result of a transition can be positive or negative and the way in which an individual responds to them impacts the experiences they will have and the consequences they will face. Fear and conflict can provoke transitions. The texts “The Story of Tom Brennan” and “Donnie Darko” explore the impact of transitions through examining the themes of fear and conflict and using visual and language techniques to express ideas on transition. Fear is a significant obstacle that threatens to hinder an individuals growth and ability to move on to new directions in life. Fear of leaving the past behind and moving forward can create barriers which prevent transition. J.C Burke shrewdly constructs notions that leaving fear behind will allow transition to occur and continuing to manifest fear will cause transition and development to halt. Astute use of emotive language and fearful tone clearly expresses that Toms fear is not allowing him to move forward. “ That's what I'm scared about, I can't ...I can't go backwards”. As a result the readers are provoked to have an emotional response allowing a clear understanding of the substantial amount of fear Tom is faced with. This shrewdly depicts that fear can overwhelm individuals and cause them to reject transition. Additionally, use of ellipsis visibly emphasises that fear is the main obstacle that prevents Tom from transitioning into his new town and leaving the past behind. In turn this highlights how fear is significant in limiting change and transition into new phases of life. Moreover, overcoming fear enables people to transition into new phases of life. Removing fear as an obstacle can enable substantial change and development. J.C burke clearly exemplifies that as there is a realisation that fear was unwarranted, transition can begin to take place.“ No graffiti to greet us , no signs hanging from shop windows.......... the knot in my guts started to untie” . Effective use of metaphor illustrates that Tom is letting go of his fear and embracing the new direction his life is beginning to take. As a result the audience is able to conceptualise fear as a barrier and its removal as a stimulus to transition. Contrarily , fear can also be a motivator for an individual to move on to different paths in life. Fear can trigger people to do things they usually wouldn't do which can lead to severe consequences. Richard Kelly's “Donnie Darko” proficiently demonstrates fear as a stimulus that provokes people to begin to transition. Effective use of close ups expertly highlight the intensity and emotion on Donnie's face exhibiting the tremendous trepidation felt by the character. In turn this visibly depicts fear as a motivator and trigger in life. “I have to obey him or I'll be left alone” The sombre tone exemplifies Donnie's greatest fear as being alone and exhibits his angst to be a motivator for change, showing how he has come to transition in life. This is juxtaposed with the notion of transition in “ The Story of Tom Brennan”as it depicts fear as an obstacle whereas Kelly depicts fear as the reason for Donnie's behaviour and out lash, exhibiting fear as a trigger for motivation and not an obstacle. Additionally, Kelly portrays the consequences of fear and the transition that Donnie is undertaking. “The choices you have made and the people you have touched, if the world were to end there'd only be you and him and no one else.”Kelly shrewdly uses sharp, foreboding non diagetic music, illustrating that transition is imminent and that it could have dire consequences. As a result, transition is shown a negative experience and fear is seen as a paramount motivator in transition. Contrarily, J.C Burke exhibits transition as a positive experience which is necessary for development. “ It was different visiting Daniel at the crisis centre......the atmosphere was a little friendlier”Optimistic tone portrays the change in Tom's mindset allowing him to feel more comfortable around daniel as a result of letting go of his fear. In turn, transition is expertly depicted as necessary and an uplifting experience. Conflict arises from tension , once that tension is resolved relationships can develop and move forward. Transitions into new paths in life can stem from the either positive or negative outcomes of conflict. J.C Burke shrewdly constructs that conflict is an expression of self , and by airing out grievances characters can evolve and transition. Through critical use of metaphor Burke clearly illustrates how Tom's confrontation with Kylie has allowed him to begin to move past the angst and anger he had towards her and the past; in turn strengthening their relationship. “ In many ways she'd released me, pushing me away into my own fear.”As a result the responder is able to recognise that removal of tension due to conflict allows individuals alleviation from their troubles , enabling them to develop as a person and transition into new phases of life. Similarly conflict is seen as an outlet for expression in “Donnie Darko”. The conflict with a guest speaker depicts the development of Donnie's character as he voices his opinions publicly, showing his transition from an insular individual to being an outspoken young man. Kelly's vital use of two shot captures the approval shown in Gretchen's expression and also highlights the elation expressed by Donnie as he confronts the guest speaker. In turn this exhibits how the progression of Donnie's personality is a positive development. Exhibiting how conflict is a trigger for transition and can reveal the different layers of individuals personality. Conflicting ideas can cause barriers within relationships; and contrasting mindsets can be the basis for conflict. Transitions into new paths of life can be directly linked to the conflict between individuals. Burke appropriates how contrasting ideas and desires can impede on family relationships. Through astute use of first person narration, Kelly illustrates the conflicting views of Tom and Kylie , whilst clearly exhibiting how the conflict has stunted the development of their relationships. “She shouldn't have done what she did.....Hadn't we all been hurt by the random acts of others'” In effect the reader is able to identify the anger Tom has towards his sister, whilst recognising how he has begun to allow himself to remember the past. As a result conflict is shown to transition individuals into new mindsets , however causing disconnection in relationships. Comparatively conflict in “Donnie Darko” creates barriers between Donnie and the community. This is expertly portrayed with critical use of mid shot and staging. The mid shot captures Donnie being dragged away from the auditorium symbolising how he has become a strong individual, moving away from conformity. This addresses his transition into new directions whilst emphasising his withdrawal from a conformist community. In turn this effectively exhibits that transitions are caused by barriers caused by conflict and can lead individuals into new paths in life. Transitions are a natural part of life which can be caused by peoples fear and conflict. The removal of obstacles and sometimes the formation of barriers can influence the transitions of individuals and allow them to develop or break relationships. “ The Story of Tom Brennan”and “Donnie Darko” are texts which formulate ideas about transition and clearly deliver messages about fear and conflict and how these triggers affect transition.