Room at the Top (1959)
Director: Jack Clayton
Director: Jack Clayton
Watching the movie, one realises how much the world has changed. Imagine hearing a line such as this that praises the hero's masculinity: "Too many pansies about these days!" Even within society, in the so-called Imperial power, which was just ruling half the world and believed it was their god-given duty to bring modernity to the heathens and lost natives in the dark continents, it was so dysfunctional.
Condemning the people of its jewel of the Crown, that it was discriminatory against their own kind, and highlighting the ugly side of caste separation in India, Britain gave the impression that its society was free of prejudices. We know that it is not true. The British 'divide and rule' policy in India must have its roots in its own backyard. The British divided their community into two major classes. The aristocratic class would have close ties to the royal family and would also be the more educated group in society. The remainder would be the working class. There was a constant battle amongst the working class to somewhat niggle themselves to be among the affluent aristocratic ones. In essence, it is a journey to the top echelon of the food chain.
This story follows the journey of a civil servant from humble beginnings who seeks to advance socially by marrying into a wealthy family. He inadvertently falls in love with another woman, a married lady, which complicates things. His background impedes his ascent of the social ladder. His friends and relatives advise him to be among his'own kind'. He believed his time in the army would enhance his social standing. Paradoxically, the well-heeled have their own ways to use their influence to gain more benefits from the same stint. He is left in a limbo - to be with his true love or continue in his pursuit of riches.
A film that illustrates discrimination is as old as human civilisation. No society can proudly say that it is genuinely free without discrimination, patriarchy, bigotry, or chauvinism.
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