Character Analysis: Walt Kowalski

This section delves into the complex character of Walt Kowalski, the protagonist of Gran Torino, examining his background, development, and the themes he embodies.

Walt's Background and Initial Characterization

Walt Kowalski is introduced as a recently widowed Korean War veteran living in Detroit:

• He resides in a single-family house in a neighborhood that has seen significant demographic changes.
• At the film's opening, Walt is the only white resident in a predominantly Hmong area.
• His initial attitude is marked by racism and hostility towards his new neighbors, whom he refers to with derogatory terms like "Chinks" and "barbarians."

Vocabulary: "Hmong" refers to an ethnic group from Southeast Asia, many of whom resettled in the United States after the Vietnam War.

Character Development

Throughout the film, Walt undergoes a significant transformation:

• He begins as a bitter, isolated figure estranged from his own family.
• Through interactions with Sue and Thao, his young Hmong neighbors, Walt starts to overcome his prejudices.
• He gradually assumes a mentorship role for Thao, helping him find employment and teaching him life skills.
• By the film's conclusion, Walt makes the ultimate sacrifice to protect the Lor family, demonstrating his complete transformation.

Highlight: Walt's journey from racism to self-sacrifice for his Hmong neighbors is the central arc of the film, illustrating themes of redemption and personal growth.

Themes Embodied by Walt

Walt's character serves as a vehicle for exploring several key themes:

1. Racism and Prejudice:

   • Walt's initial racism stems from his experiences in the Korean War and his discomfort with change.
   • The film challenges the ideal of white America and nationalism through Walt's evolving perspective.

2. Violence and Gun Culture:

   • Walt's tendency to resort to violence and his comfort with firearms reflect aspects of American gun culture.
   • The film critically examines this approach to problem-solving.

3. Masculinity:

   • Walt represents a traditional, "old school" conception of masculinity.
   • His character traits include being disciplined, strong, independent, and adhering to traditional gender roles.

Example: Walt's prized Gran Torino car symbolizes his attachment to traditional American masculinity and the industrial past of Detroit.

4. Redemption and Change:
   • Walt's transformation from a bitter, racist veteran to a self-sacrificing friend to the Hmong community represents the possibility of personal change and redemption.

Walt Kowalski's character arc in Gran Torino serves as a powerful exploration of American identity, the challenges of cultural integration, and the potential for personal growth and redemption even late in life. His journey from isolation to community engagement reflects broader themes of social change and the evolving nature of American society.

Themes and Motifs in Gran Torino

This section explores the central themes and motifs in Gran Torino, examining how they contribute to the film's narrative and social commentary.

Racism and Cultural Integration

The film critically examines racism and the process of cultural integration in contemporary America:

• Walt's initial racist attitudes reflect broader societal prejudices against immigrants and minorities.
• The gradual breakdown of Walt's prejudices through personal relationships illustrates the power of individual connections in overcoming racism.
• The Hmong characters' experiences highlight the challenges of maintaining cultural identity while integrating into American society.

Quote: "Ever notice how you come across somebody once in a while you shouldn't have messed with? That's me." - Walt Kowalski, initially using threatening language that reflects his prejudices.

Violence and Gun Culture

Gran Torino presents a nuanced exploration of violence and gun culture in America:

• Walt's readiness to use firearms reflects a particular aspect of American self-image and the concept of self-defense.
• Gang violence in the film illustrates the destructive impact of gun culture on communities.
• The film critically examines the use of violence as a solution to problems, ultimately suggesting alternative approaches.

Example: The climactic scene where Walt confronts the gang without a weapon subverts expectations and critiques the reliance on gun violence.

Masculinity and Identity

The film explores different conceptions of masculinity through its characters:

• Walt embodies a traditional, "old school" masculinity associated with military service, physical strength, and mechanical skills.
• Thao's journey represents a search for masculine identity that doesn't conform to traditional stereotypes.
• The film challenges rigid gender roles and explores the potential for more inclusive forms of masculinity.

Highlight: Walt's efforts to "man up" Thao reflect both the persistence of traditional masculinity and the potential for more nuanced understandings of male identity.

The American Dream and Urban Decay

Gran Torino sets its personal story against the backdrop of broader social and economic changes:

• The setting of Detroit serves as a symbol of the decline of American industrial power and the challenges facing urban communities.
• The film explores how the traditional "American Dream" has evolved in the face of economic restructuring and demographic changes.
• Through Walt's interactions with his Hmong neighbors, the film suggests a new, more inclusive vision of American community.

Definition: The American Dream traditionally refers to the idea that anyone, regardless of their background, can achieve success and prosperity through hard work in the United States.

These themes and motifs in Gran Torino interweave to create a complex portrait of contemporary American society, challenging viewers to reconsider assumptions about identity, community, and the nature of social progress. The film's exploration of these issues through Walt's personal journey offers a powerful commentary on the possibilities for change and understanding in a diverse society.