Captain America: The First Avenger': Exploration of Film Features

The film 'Captain America: The First Avenger' is a film directed by Joe Johnston in 2011. It follows the story of Steve Rogers, a small, persistent young man, with strong morals. This 'Captain America' essay explores the iconic superhero's origins, character development, and gives the review of the film.

Set in wartime of the 1940’s, Steve attempts to enlist multiple times, only to be rejected due to his scrawny physique. His persistence catches the eye of a German scientist which then leads Rogers to be the only recipient of the Super Soldier Serum, enhancing his feeble body to the peak of human physicality. Despite his transformation, Steve held firm to his values, never straying. Steve’s moral code is what make him the perfect Captain America, his new physique only enhancing those qualities. Steve, furthermore, has a desire to do his duty and continue to do the right thing, being humble and not the let pride and power of his new physique, creep in. The directors have employed numerous film techniques like computer generated images, dramatic music and montages, to not only magnify the protagonist’s strength, but also communicate his attitudes, values and beliefs. Steve Rogers’ transformation positions the audience to understand that Steve’s strong morals and beliefs are what make him Captain America. His newly acquired physical strength only emphasised the hero-like qualities and personal values.

Captain America as the Change of Traditional Portrayal of a 'Hero' 

The traditional definition of a ‘hero’ is someone who is admired or idolised for courage, outstanding triumphs, or honourable qualities. As displayed in Captain America: The First Avenger, being a hero isn’t necessarily about physical strength or appearance, but about the qualities and morals employed. Steve demonstrates this effectively and it becomes the foundation of his character. It is visible that even after his transformation into Captain America, he stayed true, firm and unwavering to his attitudes. When Johann Schmidt, The Red Skull, asked him what made him so special, he responded “Nothin’. I’m just a kid from Brooklyn.” Signifying that there is nothing that made him truly superior, only that the serum enhanced his body and the fact that he never strayed from the person he truly was. In the opening scenes. Steve is positioned as small and scrawny character. This is emphasised due to the high shots used, making him appear shorter. After his transformation, Steve is seen as strong and courageous. The events following his change, positions the audience to see Steve as both a mentally and physically strong character who clings to the belief of doing the right thing. Techniques the directors have used such as montages and dramatic music have emphasised Rogers’ transformation but techniques such as dialogue have highlighted the fact that he never changed on the inside and is still the same kid from Brooklyn. Take away all the Captain America costumes and shield and at his core, he is still the same guy with the same beliefs and morals. As Dr Erskine said, the serum purely strengthened what was already inside him.

Doing his duty and standing up for what is right, is one of the most important things to Captain America. Despite his plethora of health issues, Steve enlists for the war only to be rejected multiple times. He never gives up because he believes he should be out there fighting for his country. When asked about his persistence, he replies “I don’t want to kill anyone. I don’t like bullies. I don’t care where they’re from” By expressing this, it gives the audience insight to his beliefs and personality. Further along in the film, these standard that Steve upholds, catch the hearts and admiration of people. The film techniques applied in this scene include dialogue, music and a close-up shot. These techniques implemented by the director allow the audience to understand him and what he believes. The music positions the audience to recognise that what he is saying is something important to him. The closeup shot allows the audience to perceive Steve’s emotions and thoughts. Overall Steve’s dutiful and valiant personality is an important attribute to him being Captain America.

Conclusion

Therefore, Steve Rogers transformation positions the audience to understand that his morals and beliefs are what make him Captain America and that being yourself is the best thing. His physical strength would mean nothing without his mental strength. Physical strength can emphasise the hero-like qualities and personal values of a person. Steve’s physical strength would mean nothing without his mental strength. This is what keeps him going and what make him the perfect Captain America.  

References

1. Johnston, J. (Director). (2011). Captain America: The First Avenger [Motion picture]. United States: Marvel Studios.

2. Evans, C., Weaving, H., Atwell, H., Jones, T. L., Stan, S., & Jackson, S. L. (Actors). (2011). Captain America: The First Avenger [Film]. United States: Marvel Studios.

3. Russo, A., McFeely, C. (Writers), & Feige, K. (Producer). (2011). Captain America: The First Avenger [Film]. United States: Marvel Studios.

4. Silvestri, A. (Composer). (2011). Captain America: The First Avenger [Film score]. United States: Buena Vista Records.

5. Marvel Studios. (2011). Captain America: The First Avenger. Retrieved from https://www.marvel.com/movies/captain-america-the-first-avenger

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6. IMDb. (n.d.). Captain America: The First Avenger. Retrieved from https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0458339/