Central Conflict: The central conflict of the film "The Crowd" revolves around the

main character, John Sims, and his struggle to find happiness, success, and

individuality within the confines of a conformist society. The film explores his

journey as he faces the challenges of fitting in, achieving his dreams, and

maintaining his identity amidst the pressures of societal norms.

Is the Crowd the Antagonist: The "crowd" in the film can be seen as a

metaphorical antagonist, representing the societal pressures, conformity, and

expectations that hinder John's personal growth and happiness. While not a

traditional antagonist, it serves as a force that opposes John's pursuit of his own

dreams and individuality.

John Sims as a Heroic Character: John Sims is portrayed as a relatable and

sympathetic character, but whether he is a heroic character depends on the

interpretation. He faces numerous challenges and perseveres through adversity in

his life, which can be seen as heroic in its own right. However, the film also

highlights his flaws and failures, making him a more complex and realistic

character.

Differing Images of John: John's image of himself often differs from how others

perceive him. He sees himself as a potential success and dreams of achieving great

things, while others may view him as just another member of the "crowd" or as

someone who doesn't stand out.

Mary and Female Stereotypes: Mary conforms to some early 20th-century female

stereotypes in the film. She is initially portrayed as a supportive wife and mother,

which aligns with the traditional gender roles of the time. However, as the story

progresses, Mary also exhibits strength and resilience, challenging some of these

stereotypes.

Bert's Role in Advancing the Narrative: Bert serves as John's friend and confidant

throughout the film. His character helps advance the narrative by providing

emotional support and contrasting with John's experiences. Bert's life choices and

experiences serve as a contrast to John's, highlighting the different paths

individuals can take in society.

Significance of the Juggling Man: The juggling man seen on John and Mary's first

date can be interpreted as a symbol of the unpredictability and challenges of life.

His presence foreshadows the ups and downs that John and Mary will face in their

married life.

Contrasts in Their Married Life: The film contrasts their early, happy married life

with their later, quarrelsome married life to emphasize the impact of societal

pressures and the passage of time on their relationship. It highlights the challenges

and disappointments they face as they age.

Ending as Resolution: The ending of the film can be seen as a resolution in the

sense that it brings a sense of acceptance and resignation to John and Mary's lives.
It suggests that they have come to terms with their place in society and their own

limitations, finding a form of resolution in their acceptance of the "crowd."

Message About the Price of Nonconformity: The film suggests that nonconformity

and pursuing one's dreams can come at a price. John faces numerous challenges

and setbacks in his quest for individuality, and the film portrays the difficulties he

encounters as a cautionary tale.

Attitude Toward the Crowd: The film presents the crowd as a complex entity.

While it can stifle individuality and lead to conformity, it also represents the

broader societal context in which people live. The film doesn't unequivocally

portray the crowd as good or bad but rather as a powerful and influential force.

Attitude Toward the American Dream: "The Crowd" questions the conventional

idea of the American Dream, suggesting that achieving success and happiness may

not be as straightforward as it seems. It explores the challenges and sacrifices that

individuals like John must make in pursuit of their dreams.

John's Attitude: The film both endorses and criticizes aspects of John's attitude

toward life. It endorses his determination and ambition but also criticizes his

naivety and unrealistic expectations, showing the complexities of pursuing one's

dreams.

Aesthetic Context - Mise en Scene: In "The Crowd," Vidor's camera reinforces the

theme of the crowd by frequently using long shots and tracking shots that capture
the masses of people in various urban settings. John is often depicted as distinct

from the crowd through close-ups or by having him stand out visually in some

way, emphasizing his individuality within the bustling city.

Different Crowd Images: Throughout the film, there are numerous crowd images,

including scenes of busy city streets, crowded subways, and bustling workplaces.

These images serve to highlight the overwhelming and conformist nature of urban

life and society, contrasting with John's desire for uniqueness and success.