On this week’s episode of the Cineamerican Dream, your hosts Michael Greenstein and Betsy Blitch analyze Alfonso Cuaron’s 1998 adaptation of Great Expectations. They illuminate Cuaron’s exciting and complex directing style as they explore topics of the American Dream and unrequited love in the context of 20th century America.
Great Expectations is both a coming-of-age love story and a rags-to-riches tale. As Finn, the main character, develops throughout the film, it is constantly in question if he is pursuing his childhood love, Estella, or material success through his artwork. Michael and Betsy skillfully debate this topic, discussing the soundtrack, camera style, and the art motif. This episode begs the question: what drives happiness?
While Cuaron does not offer any explicit answers, Michael and Betsy tackle this question through the lens of the main character Finn!
