Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Luth
Luth
Luth
A Thesis
Submitted to Faculty of Adab and Humanities
In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for
The Degree of Strata One (S1)
LUTHFI FADLAN
1112026000106
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DECLARATION
I hereby declare that this submission is my own work and that, to the best
written by another person nor material which to a substantial extent has been
accepted for the award of any other degree or diploma of the university or other
institute of higher learning, except where due acknowledgement has been made
in the next.
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ACKNOWLEDGMENT
All praise be to Allah, the lord of the world that gives us many
opportunities and challenges till this thesis could be completed as the requirement
to obtain for the degree of strata one. Peace and salutation are always be upon to
our beloved prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) who had changed the
Many thanks the writer says to his important person Syahriar Syamsu and
Kiki Falkia as the parents who always advised, supported, and prayed the writer in
every situations. And also to his big family who always become a spirit to finish
this thesis.
The writer also would like to thank to his advisor Mr. Addy Hasan M.
Hum, for his time and guidance. The writer also would like to express grateful and
respect to:
Humanities Faculty.
Department
Letters Department.
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5. All my friends from Rusabesi, who have helped the writer in finding
references.
Fachrial, Fajar, Fauzier, Nanda, Padel, Reza, Zaki. Who help me a lot to
7. All my friends from English Letters Department as family for the writer
8. The writer’s sister, Salsa Chaerunisa and the writer’s brother, Fajar Reza
Pahlevi.
9. To all the writer friends who support the writer in any situation that
May Allah SWT always blesses and protects them. Finally, the writer
hopes this thesis will be useful for the writer himself and for all people who read
it.
The Writer
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TABLE OF CONTENT
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CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
A. Background of Study
and Dennis W. Petrie, film is recognized as a unique and powerful art form on a par
with painting, sculpture, music, literature, and drama (3). Literature presented in the
film explains to us that there is a strong relationship between film and literature
through our understanding of the idea of the film. Alison Booth said that literature
today generally encompasses oral and even visual form like film and video being
closely related to drama, and it takes in, as It did long ago, writing of diverse design
and purpose, including nonfiction (5). Just like other works of art, film can reflect a
social conditions, at a specific timeframe and place. The motifs in the films are
reflective of the state of mind of the entire society (Allan and Gomery. 160). On the
other side, the tremendous expense involved in producing motion pictures reminds us
that film is both an industry and an art form (Boggs and Petrie. 3).
The other thing that is strongly associated with the film is Hollywood. Along
with Hollywood, the film has become one entity. There are many actors and actresses
born on the Hollywood screen. Hollywood also produced many film genres such
as drama, comedy, horror, and many more. Along with its rapid progress, Hollywood
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power in the media industry from the early 20s on” (“The Commercial Film Industry:
There are many Hollywood movies that tell about the history or culture
related to American life, some depictions are telling about habit or achievement of the
1910 and 1940 shifted the racial landscape, and Hollywood began to reflect this
demographic change through the films. The movie like The Birth of Nation (1915)
and Gone with The Wind (1939) havr become a historical record of how the film
Media and Entertainment Industries”). Until the growing momentum of the Civil
Rights Movement, Hollywood, started more changes as in the 1950s seen the advent
of large productions featuring all-Black casts and the beginnings of a shift in the ways
in which Black and White actors shared screen time. (“From Black Face to
society, Hollywood, often seeks to preserve the value of American Dreams through
the films, as the national ethos of American society. American Dreams is a state view
American dreams is that dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and
fuller for every man. (Cullen 7). Movies like The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) and
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The Great Gatsby (2013) are produced by Hollywood, was containing by the values
struggle to achieve his share of the American dreams. Although he is a natural born
salesman, this African-American believes that he is destined for a better career path.
Meanwhile, The Great Gatsby is a story of Jay Gatsby, who worked hard to become
wealthy in the hopes of winning the heart of Daisy Buchanan and shows the
The Good Lie is one of the Hollywood films that showing the value of
According to Eric Patterson in Sudan: Race, and Religion in Civil War, the two civil
conflicts between the dominant Arab Muslim North and the less developed Christian
and traditional African South as well as America's role in giving asylum to southern
Sudan (4).
Margaret Nagle, filmed in Atlanta, Georgia and South Africa. It is Produced by Alcon
Entertainment, Black Label Media, Blue Sky Films (Kenya), Good Lie Productions,
This film told about the journey of a Sudanese character named Mamere,
Paul, and Jeremiah in pursuit of happiness in the United States. America is a place
where they won all dream to life; freedom to their own way of life. America is a place
for him to find an equality of opportunity to find a better life for all his family
members, after being a victim of the civil war in Sudan. Assisted by the American,
they eventually find that dreams. Including the unity of the family and a better life in
in Boston, while Mamere, Jeremiah, and Paul stayed Kansas City. This gives a new
problem for them, especially Paul were very disappointed in the inability of Mamere,
to preventing it. The journey continues with their meeting with Carrie Davis, Pamela
Lowi, and Jack Forrester, who will help them in America. This film told about, how
this two social group with deferent background and culture, learn and share about the
ignore it, as our understanding to discover the meaning behind the film. In this film,
there are many depictions of American States, as well as the depictions of the
American people that positioning themselves against Sudanese refugees and how the
America.
In The Good Lie movies, there are many depictions of America as a place that
can give life meaning for immigrant from Sudan, it was seen in the storyline by
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depicting the American characters cannot be separated from the success of Sudanese
role on understanding the concept, ideas, and feelings to others. Related to Hall’s
statements, the writer is interested to see how the Sudanese character and American
character constructed in the movie, and find the ideas of the film. Based on the
statement above, the writer tries to understand, analyze, and describe the manifest of
American Dreams value through depiction of each character in The Good Lie film.
This research argues how depiction of each character finally recognize his own
dreams through the theory of Representation from Stuart Hall and the concept of
B. Focus of Study
focuses on analyzing how The Good Lie film constructed the two social group and
how they reflect the value of American Dreams. This research is using the
representation of Stuart Hall with constructionist approach. Then, the writer also tries
C. Research Question
Based on the issues, the writer will try to analyze how Hollywood film like
The Good Lie movie construct two social group in America, with the question:
Lie film?
2. How The Good Lie film reflect the value of American Dreams?
D. Significance of Study
This research signifies how film like The Good Lie could be the reflection of
American Dreams. The results of this study are expected to provide a new
understanding of the way we look at a film. Indeed, the film can depict something
more than just a show. Furthermore, the writer also hoped that after reading this
study, the reader is able to be more critical in seeing a movie like The Good Lie.
E. Research Methodology
The Objective of this research is to know how each social group are
constructed in this film, which appeared through the Sudanese refugee and American
Base on the issues in the background of study above, the writer uses
descriptive analysis and qualitative method that give specific attention to the fact on
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the data, which have correlation with the context. The first step is collecting the data
from many library sources, then analyzing the data with the approach above, and
finally concluding the result. Ratna said, metode kualitatif memberikan perhatian
Through this method, the writer will do explaining, describing, and analyzing the
The writer uses The Good Lie film as a primary source in this research. In
addition, the secondary sources are from books, article, online journal, and others.
The writer begins with collecting some source of the data, and classified in to some
categories, then analyzing descriptively. Thus, the second step is the writer will
identify the data, after that the writer analyzed the data from the movie, especially
through the Sudanese refugees Character and American character. Then, for the last
by paying attention to the film carefully and then identifying all the things related to
depiction of Sudanese refugee and American Agent which shown in the movie. So,
5. Unit Analysis
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The unit analysis of this research is The Good Lie film directed by Philippe
Falardeau, written by Margaret Nagle, filmed in Atlanta, Georgia and South Africa. It
is Produced by Alcon Entertainment, Black Label Media, Blue Sky Films (Kenya),
Hidayatullah State Islamic University, Jakarta. To mention the time of the research,
In this chapter, the writer will explain some theories and fact used to analyze
the data and try to answer the research question in previous chapter. The writer will
divided the analysis in two parts. First, concept of representation through the
constructionist approach to see the each character from Sudan and America portrayed
in the film. And used the result as the reflection of the value of American Dreams.
And finally give the conclusion to this research. This chapter guides to analysis result
A. Previous Research
The Good Lie film had been analyzed by other researcher. The writer found
the other researcher who analyze The Good Lie film with the tittle “Sudanese
Refugees’ Identity in The Good Lie Film” which researched by Muhamad Adhi
Kurnia in 2015 at State Islamic University Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta. This research
focuses on analyzing how the Sudanese refugees know their own identity appeared in
The Good Lie film after the identity dynamics. The researcher used the concept of
identity to see the identity construction of Sudanese refugees. The researcher also
describes the identity dynamics of three main character and their identity
constructions through Stuart Hall’s basic identity concept and three very different
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The method that used in this research refer to Stuart Hall concept; as being
and as becoming concept of identity. The researcher used that concept to see the life
in Sudan as the past of the Sudanese identity and uses the American culture as the
future of Sudanese identity. Then, the researcher divide the Sudanese Refugee
identity into two types; essentialist and non-essentialist; by Woodward Essay. And
applied it to three very different conceptions of identity by Stuart Hall: those of the
(a) Enlightenment subject, (b) sociological subject, and (c) post-modern subject.
not always about change and development, there is also something that is fixed and
cannot be changed, Stuart Hall calls it with the words "the real me". This research
finds that the three main characters identity (Sudanese refugees) is included into the
sociological subject. They articulate their identity with their own way, which states
The writer also found another researcher and this research has a similar
discussion about American dreams. Named “Paradoks American Dreams pada Tokoh
Tony Montana dalam Film Scarface” which research by Dani Bramanti in 2011 at
Dreams.
In this research, the writer uses two approaches: exponential and socio-
behaviors are come from. The result of this research shown that the author finds
Association Theory) and the paradox of the American Dream in the character of Tony
In this sense, the writer is using the previous research as the guiding line for
this research. Furthermore, to make this research different and more detail from
previous research. The writer tries to give the explanations about the construction of
each character from Sudan and America. The writer uses the concept of
representation from Stuart Hall. The writer used the result as the reflection of
The difference of this study with previous research contained in the object of
study as well as the issues to be resolved. The first research discusses about the
identity dynamics of Sudanese identity. And the second one analyze the criminal
behavior to get the American Dreams. The most striking difference in this study, the
writer discusses the American Dreams value through the depiction from both social
group are present in the corpus. Although the writer does not deny there are some
B. Concept of Representation
The concept of representation has come to occupy a new and important place
is that of a set of processes by which signifying practice appear to stand for depict
another object or practice in the ‘real’ world (177). Stuart Hall used The Shorter
substitute (16).
our minds through language. It is link between concepts and language which enables
imaginary worlds of fictional object, people and events (17). There are two processes
in the system of representation. First, there is a system by which all sorts of object,
people and events are correlated with a set of concept or mental representations which
through language work. The reflective, the intentional, and the constructionist. The
reflective Approach, meaning is thought to lie in the object, person, idea, or event in
the real world, and language function like mirror, to reflect the true meaning as it
holds that it is the speaker, the author, who imposes his or her unique meaning on the
world through language. Words mean what the author intends they should mean. This
acknowledges that neither things in themselves nor the individual users of language
can fix meaning in language. Things do not mean: we construct meaning, using
perspective had the most significant impact on cultural studies in recent years (Hall.
15). Constructionist do not deny the existence of the material world. However, it is
not the material world which conveys meaning, it is the language system or whatever
system we are using to represent our concept. It is social actors who use the
conceptual system of their culture and the linguistic and other representational system
to construct meaning, to make the world meaningful and to communicate about that
the film is a system which designed by exclusively by the creator to show the world
through the screenplay. The film is made by director, and free to construct. This film
has a meaning which implied by the director in the pictures. Philippe Falardeau as the
director construct two social group involved in The Good Lie story Sudanese and
American people.
characterization and the theory is used to analyze the representation of Sudanes and
American character through the three character. Mamere, Jeremiah, and Paul.
Whereas America will be analyzed also by three character, Carrie Davies, Jack
Forrester, and Pamela Lowi. Afterward from this representation concept this research
C. Characterization
(DiYanni, 55). Characterization is the use of literary technique to reveal the nature of
Watching Film, Joseph Boggs and Petrie explained that are some ways of
People can make certain assumption of characters from their face value, dress,
physical appearance, and manner and gesture. Those features are revealed by
characters to show who they are and how important their roles in film. So, first visual
impression that a film is portrayed has a huge effect on the story progresses. In this
sense, to establish or to develop characters become the most important point, because
in film most actors show certain qualities of a character according to how long they
In film, characters show a great deal about themselves from what they say. It
can be revealed through their true thoughts, attitudes, and emotions. Usually, this
element is portrayed through dialogues. It includes the stress, pitch, and pause
patterns of their speech. Indeed, element of language in a film becomes the hint of
characters’ background and even mental process (Boggs and Petrie 62).
it for a purpose, but it does not include motives of their overall personality.
Moreover, he or she is not only part of instruments in a film but his or her actions are
the most important part in understanding the whole story in a film. So, there must be
a clear relationship between a character and his or her actions (Boggs and Petrie 62).
Film is magic. It reveals inner world of action that might be unseen and
daydreams, aspirations, memories, fears, and fantasies (Boggs and Petrie 62).
The way other characters view a character often serves most adequate meaning of a
character. In this dimension, viewers can find a character background and know how
a character gives a huge effect on other character. In some films, certain information
about a character is already revealed through subtle ways before he or she first
D. American Dreams
Before the term American Dream popularized by Adams, the resiliency of the
the term of American Dream appeared in a book The Epic of America, by James
Truslow Adams in 1931. He said “that dream of a land in which life should be better
and richer and fuller for every man” (Cullen 7). For many historian of America, this
national state view has become a national identity of the American culture, and it hold
and define in various ways as relevant to their own life experiences. The endurance of
this concept as it was once so famously described, is remarkable, especially given the
depressions, recessions, economic contractions, and battles over civil rights, women’s
rights, and gender equality in the United States (1). Adam said that the necessities of
life is nothing but the chance to be themselves based on the wishes of each individual.
“It is not a dream of motor cars high wages merely, but a dream of social
order in which each man and each women shall be able to attain to the fullest
stature of which they are innately capable, and be recognized by others for
what there are, regardless of the fortuitous circumstances of their birth” (
Hanson and White 3).
American Dream uphold the principle of equality. This does not mean that
everyone is equal in every way, but everyone has an equal opportunity to achieve
their needs. Hanson and White believes the linking between American Dreams
historically associated the American Dream with the values of freedom and equality
of opportunity, these values have undergone various iterations over the years.
Remarkably, the very first survey concerning the American Dream was not
conducted until 1985, when CBS News and the New York Times asked a
question that explicitly tied the American Dream to the concept of home
ownership: “Do you think that people who may never own a house miss out
on an important part of the American Dream?” Not surprisingly, 76 percent
answered “yes” (Hanson and White 9)
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financially secure enough to have ample time for leisure pursuits, being able to start a
business on one’s own, being able to rise from clerk or worker to president of a
company (10).
American Dream is a great concept that produces the specific values of life.
dream of each, while the value of life and behavior is needed to convince the
American people that they have the opportunity to achieve the dream. Jim Cullen in
The value of life is not only defined in terms of that money. But there is
also; religious reform, political reform, educational attainment, sexual
expression; the list is endless (7).
According to Hanson and White in The American Dreams in the 21st Century,
in 2008, Americans voted in their first African American president. This dramatic
moment in American history combined with one of the most severe economic
downturns since the Great Depression provide the backdrop for this volume on the
American Dream (2). Hanson and White adding that, a survey conducted in 2008
were more spiritual and vast in emotional, rather than material; security and having a
good family life, having quality health care for myself and my family, having
educational opportunities for myself and my family, being able to speak your mind
regardless of the positions you take, being able to succeed regardless of your family
Base on the research question in chapter 1, the writer will reveal the findings
in this chapter. The first revelation is about how The Good Lie represent the
Immigrant character and the American character. And use the result to see the
Margaret Nagle, filmed in Atlanta, Georgia and South Africa. It Produced by Alcon
Entertainment, Black Label Media, Blue Sky Films (Kenya), Good Lie Productions,
Imagine Entertainment, Reliance and Reliance Entertainment. The film presents about
the immigrant of Sudan name Mamere, Jermiah, Paul and Abital who moved to the
United State. After becoming a victim of civil war in Sudan. They were helped by
Carrie Davies, Pamela Lowi, and Jack Forrester in adapting themselves to the new
environment in America.
with their three brothers. The journey continues at their meeting with Carrie Davies,
an agent in charge of finding them a job in America. The Relationships between the
immigrants with Carrie Davies continues with job hunt. Carrie and Jack helps
immigrants learn how they should get through an interview. Until Mamere and
Jermiah get a job in a shop while Paul with his skills, working at a factory.
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Nevertheless Jeremiah who felt that he could not do the work that was wrong
in his heart prefer to be a teacher in Sunday school at the church. Meanwhile, Paul,
who felt bereave of Abital, through the help of Carrie Davies and Pamela Lowi in the
end get it back. Abital's return also brought another good news about Theo's presence
at Kakuma Refugee Camp, which then made Mamere pick him up, and take him to
America.
The Good Lie film is a film that is inspired on based history about the civil
war in Sudan. Almost of all Sudanese immigrant in this film are the real characters of
that event. This shows the effort of The Good Lie film for the authenticity of the
The writer will discuss about the things, which have a role in the
carried out with the discussion about the construction of characterization. The
“Constructionist do not deny the existence of the material world. However, it is not
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the material world which conveys meaning, it is the language system or whatever
system we are using to represent our concept”. The emphasis in this section is the
explanation about the construction of Sudanese Immigrant in The Good Lie film.
Mamere is the main character of the The Good Lie movie. He sailed a new life
in the United States along with thousands of other Sudanese immigrants with dreams
to earn a better life. In film, Mamere is described as a leader for her family members
Mamere character is depicted with a personality that has courage and affection
for his family. Mamere is also described as an intelligent figure and wishes to become
a doctor. The first characterization of Mamere could be seen from this text below. His
The scene above, shows Mamere as courage person and a loving character,
especially to his family. It is shown that Mamere is able to remember all the
evidence the writer finds the depiction of Mamere characters as a loving character in
a text below.
The above dialogue appears when Mamere and the other immigrants arrive at
JFK Airport, New York City. After finding out from INS Boston that Abital was
about to be separated from him, Mamere did her best to find another official to
prevent it. This shows The Good Lie is very trying to describe Mamere as a figure
who is very keeping the integrity of his family members. The Good Lie film also
and aspires to become a doctor. The writer found in the two dialogue below.
American Man: So this is what winter in America feels like. This is frozen water. It’s
called ice. As all of you know, there are four season in America. Yes, Jacob?
Jacob: Will I have such cold where I’m going?
American Man: Where you going again?
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Jacob: Fargo.
American Man: Ohh. Yes. You will have such cold. Mamere?
Mamere: What about education? I want to go to college and then medical school.
American Man: I know education is important to all of you, and we’re gonna talk
about that tomorrow.
(Evidence 3, The Good Lie, 00:30:07-00.30.34)
Kakuma camp refugee are getting a briefing for the first time about the State of
America. When a character named Jacob asks about the weather where he lives,
Mamere just immediately asked the problem of education for himself who wishes to
become a doctor.
doctor, in a job interview in America. This shows that The Good Lie portrays
Mamere's character as an immigrant who is very concerned about his education and
character named Dr. Monyang. The Good Lie describes Mamere as a smart
immigrant and will listen to the opinions of others. The author finds this in evidence 5
below.
Doctor Monyang: Someday when you become a doctor and someone comes along as
smart as you, don’t be afraid to listen to them.
Mamere: I won’t.
(Evidence 5, The Good Lie, 00.26.18-00:27:00)
The above dialogue occurs when Mamere is examining a little girl at a clinic
in Kakuma Refugee Camp. Mamere suspects the little girl has a guinea worm in her
body, and conveys his assumption to Dr. Monyang. Then Dr. Monyang told Mamere
not to be afraid to listen to the other opinion. From Dr. Monyang's reaction to
Mamere's assumption shows The Good Lie portraying Mamere's character as a smart
man even before his education in America. In other evidence, Mamere's character is
Lecture: Having all read Huckleberry Finn, can anyone tell me what "the good lie"
means?
Student: Huck uses lies to survive in undesirable situations.
Lecture: Exactly. But later in the book, the lies change. How so?
Mamere: They change because Huck changes.
Lecure: Yes. Keep going.
Mamere: When he tells the slave hunters that he has no slaves, his lie is credible. So
he lies well. But what is more important... is that it is an unselfish lie, because it saves
Jim. Jim's freedom means more to Huck than the money he would get for turning him
in. So it is a good lie.
Lecture: Could not have said it better.
(Evidence 6, The Good Lie, 1:04:32-1:05:17)
The dialogue above appears when Mamere is answering a lecturer's question
about the changing lies meaning in the Huckleberry Finn story. The dialogue shows
that Mamere is a character who diligently read, so that he is able to answer questions
from the lecturer. This shows that The Good Lie constructed Mamere's character as a
smart person.
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works hard in reaching her dream of becoming a doctor. The characterization appears
Paul: Abital?
Abital: Yes, Paul?
Paul: You know, Mamere is going to go to school.
Abital: Great news!
Paul: Only one of us can go at a time. It is very expensive.
Mamere: I have two jobs now to help pay for it.
(Evidence 7, The Good Lie, 00:59:02-00:59:13)
The dialogue above (Evidence 7) came when Mamere, Jeremiah, and Paul
were communicating with Abital via a telephone, after so long they had not
communicated. In the dialogue Paul tells Abital about the attainment of Mamere who
can attend school as he wishes. Mamere added that he also did two jobs at once to
help finance of his school. And the picture above (Evidence 8) show how Mamere
sleep with a book when he becomes a security in another job. This shows that The
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Good Lie characterizes Mamere as a very hard working person in reaching his goal of
becoming a doctor.
war events in Sudan. In the storyline, Mamere meets with Jeremiah on their way to
Kenya. And from then on Mamere and Jeremiah live their righteous life. The Good
Lie construct Jeremiah character as a person who has faith and religious firmness. He
even opposes the work that is wrong in his heart. The first characterization of
The above dialogue appears when Jeremiah and Mamere meet for the first
time. To Mamere, Jeremiah explained that Paul did not believe his story about Moses.
He also knew the stories of Moses in the Bible. This shows Jeremiah is a very
believer in Bible. He even associates the events of Moses while crossing the ocean at
internal action of the characters on their news that will soon be sent to America, it is
The picture above appear, when all immigrant charcter are waiting for news of
their names in the bulletin boards of Sudanese immigrants to America. The internal
reaction of Jeremiah comes up when he get the news from Mamere that he and all of
his brother from Sudan will go to America. The Jeremiah's reaction to the news of
Mamere is to pray and thanks to the God, while other immigrants are deeply excited
over the news. This shows the first thing Jeremiah remembers for the news it is his
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gratitude to the God. In this part, The Good Lie really try to shows Jeremiah's
In further proof, the writer finds the character Jeremiah described as a figure
who always prayed to God for all the efforts he had made and his immigrant brothers.
In a scene he even led a prayer for other Sudanese immigrant figures, this is
Jeremaih: Let us pray. Dear God, let us give thanks to this miracle food, pizza... but
most important, look out after our sister, Abital... so that she's safe in this Boston,
where her brothers are not there to protect her. Amen.
(Evidence 12, The Good Lie, 00:53:02-00:53:18)
The above scenes appear when Jeremiah and the other immigrants sit together
in their dinner in the form of a pizza dish. In the storyline, the Pizza is the result of
their efforts in navigating life in America after previously Jeremiah and other
immigrants have found work. Once again, The Good Lie has constructed Jeremiah's
character as a very religious person through his internal action against all his efforts.
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The Good Lie also portrays Jeremiah's character as a loving immigrant. It is contained
Nick Costas: Mike? Jerry? Mike! Jerry! Grab these couple of carts. Push them out
back with me. Roll them down right here. Okay. This is where you throw the old food
so you can restock the shelves with the new food.
Mamere: Old food?
Nick: When the food expires, it's not safe to eat. Plus it's a big headache with the
health department. Believe me, it is better this way.
Jeremiah: Isn't there someone who might want or need this food?
Nick: I don't sell the food inside the store to give it away outside. I'm a businessman.
Anyway, it's none of your concern. ahbfhabsc
(Evidence 13, The Good Lie, 00:51:14-00:52:00)
must throw all the food that has been outdated. Jeremiah's question about the
possibility of someone else who needed the food to Nick, is proof that Jeremiah is a
character who is portrayed as having a sense of caring for his fellow human beings.
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14. When a homeless person is trying to scavenge food from the disposal site.
Jeremiah just offered a better meal for the tramp, where he should also throw the food
away. This shows how The Good Lie constructs the character of Jeremiah as a loving
where he finally debate with Nick Costas for his deeds that have given food to others
who desperately need the food. After the debate, Jeremiah chose to quit his job as a
shopkeeper. Afterward to Carrie, Jeremiah explained that he could not do the work
that was wrong in his heart. This is contained in the text below.
Through the above dialogue (Evidence 15), Jeremiah figures are described as
an immigrant who highly upholds the religious values that he professes. He even
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dared to resign from the job he just got. This he did for his belief in what he felt was
wrong in his heart (Evidence 16). This shows that The Good Lie constructs Jeremiah
Paul is a character who is also involved in civil war events in Sudan. Just like
Jeremiah, since his encounter with Mamere, Paul continued his life with Mamere as a
brother. In the story, The Good Lie portrays the character of Paul as a very reliable
The above scene appears when the character named Theo asks Paul to prove
his words that he can find water. With the ability of hands that he had then Paul
managed to find water stored under the ground. Furthermore The Good Lie also
describes the character of Paul as a reliable immigrant in using his hands through the
Jack Forrester: Now, are any of you good with your hands? Great, I'll make some
calls.
(Evidence 18, The Good Lie, 00:48:39).
Donner: All right, training table's this way. Let's get you a little practice. This is the
faucet assembly. Look at all the different parts, okay? Go ahead. Hold it in your
hand, familiarize yourself with everything. Every part here is made and assembled in
the U.S. Something we're very proud of. Holy cow.
Paul: It work like this?
Donner: Yeah. You bet.
(Evidence 19, The Good Lie, 00:52:22-00:52:55)
The above scene (Evidence 17) comes when a character named Jack Forrester
asks immigrants about who among them are reliable in using hands, Mamere and
Jeremiah act on the question by appointing Paul. Then in proof of 18, Donner's
33
reaction to Paul's ability to just join his company proves that The Good Lie portrays
In addition to his portrayal as a reliable immigrant in the use of his hands, The
Good Lie also portrays Paul's character as an immigrant who has speed at work, this
is demonstrated through the reaction of another character named Dave in the text
below.
Dave: Hey, Paul? What's up, man? Um... Listen, you're always out of synch.
Paul: Out of synch?
Dave: Right. We're a unit, you know... so when you're on the line, you just gotta take
it easy.
Paul: Take it easy?
(Evidence 20, The Good Lie, 01:00:07-01:00:24)
The above dialogue came when Paul and Dave were doing their work, Dave
felt he could not keep up with Paul's speed at work. Dave's reaction to Paul's
However, The Good Lie also portrays the character of Paul as an immigrant
who has a sense of affection for his family. This is contained in the next dialogue
with them... to their family... and share them. Sometime I wonder... where is that lion
who ate my brother? Would I know him if I saw him? Would he know me?
(Evidence 21, The Good Lie, 01:08:13-01:09:37)
The above dialogue (Evidence 21) came when Karl and Dave inquired about
the cause of the wound on Paul's left arm. And Paul explains that the wound he got
when he tried to save his brother who was attacked by a lion. To Dave and Karl, Paul
explained that he often thought of the lion who had eaten his younger brother. In
other words, Paul often thinks of his dead sister. This is also shown in the following
pictures in Evidence 22. The picture above is a crying Paul's companion, shortly after
Paul told Dave and Karl about his brother's death. The appearance of the dialogue and
the image above shows The Good Lie construct the character of Paul as an immigrant
After analyzing the above data, the writer further concludes that The Good Lie
film has some concepts in constructing Sudanese characters in the story line. The
Good Lie shows the Sudanese immigrant characters with compassionate, hard-
working figure, upholding the truth, faithful, and reliable in doing his work.
35
In addition, the depiction of immigrant figures took place in sets in Sudan and
America. In this context, the author assumes that the pursuit of happiness of the lives
of the characters, along with their portrayals in America. This shows that The Good
America.
Furthermore, the writer also assumes that The Good Lie has constructed
America as a place for immigrants to find happiness through their own way, through
The Good Lie film is setting in America. There are many dominant portrayals
of Americans in the film. They are featured through both male and female characters,
as well as professions such as job seekers, volunteers, company owners, and more.
Similarly, in view of the depiction of immigrant figures, the writer also uses
Stuart Hall's constructive approach in viewing the depiction of American figures. The
character of America namely Carrie Davie, Jack Forrester, and Pamela Lowi.
36
Carrie Davies is one of the female characters in the movie The Good Lie. In
independent in everyday life. The description can be seen in the text below.
The dialogue above came when Mamere explains that he visited Carrie to say
thanks to Carrie for finding a job for him and all her brothers. Carrie then explained
to Mamere that it was her job, and when Mamere and his brothers got the job, Carrie's
job was done. Carrie's explanation of Mamere's duties and his boundaries in the
dialogue proves that The Good Lie constructed Carrie's character as a professional
dialogue with Mamere who asks about Carrie's daily life, in the text below.
Carrie Davies: No. I don't have any children. I'm not married. I provide for myself.
Mamere: Your survival skills are very impressive.
Carrie Davies: Thanks.
(Evidence 24, The Good Lie, 00:38:17-00:38:39)
Mamere asks about who cares for Carrie in everyday life. Carrie then told her
that she was dependent on herself. The above dialogue explains Carrie's character
through the reaction of another character of Jack in a dialogue with Jeremiah, in the
text below.
The above dialogue appeared when Jack Forrester offered to take Jeremiah
home. In her short conversation, Jeremiah tries to confirm that Jack is the boss of
Carrie, then Jack answers it and explains that no one is boss to Carrie. This explains
in doing his job as a job seeker agent, as well as independent in everyday life. On the
other side Carrie Davies are also described as women who care to the others. This is
Carrie Davies: Yes? Hello, this is Carrie. Pick up who? I am sorry. That is not my
problem. I'm not the Welcome Wagon. Can't they take a cab? Isn't there anybody else
that can do this? Right now? All right. What airline? Okay, I'll be there.
Carrie Davies: I gotta go.
Math: God, I feel so cheap. Hey. I think you're forgetting something.
(Evidence 26, The Good Lie, 00:35:35-00:36:06)
The text above is a dialogue of Carrie with others via telephone. In the story,
Carrie was asked to pick up the immigrants at the airport. Although initially he
refused to perform the task, but in the end Carrie received a request that is not his
In the next proof, the writer found some other texts as arguments Carrie
characterization who really care about others. This is contained in the picture below.
The picture above appears when Jeremiah are enjoying the food and drinks
provided by Carrie. In the story, Jeremiah was suddenly ill on the way to the home.
Carrie's reaction to Mamere's explanation by asking when was the last time they all
ate something after the airport and then Carrie serving food for all of them was proof
character. This can be seen in the storyline where Carrie besides helping immigrants
find work she also tries to bring in a separate Abital character from her immigrant
brothers. In fact, he does not hesitate to defend immigrants when declared failed
through the interview process, or cursed immigrant officers who obstruct the way to
Matt: You really want me to hire these guys, Carrie? They have no experience.
They're too strange.
Carrie Davies: If you can't take all of them, just take one of them.
Matt: We don't have any space right now. Check back in six months. Maybe
something will open up.
Carrie Davies: You're giving me that speech? No. I know that speech. You're blowing
me off.
Matt: I'm not!
Carrie Davies: You're seriously trying to tell me that these rocket scientists… are
more qualified than those guys?
Matt: Yes!
Carrie Davies: You're out of your mind.
(Evidence 28, The Good Lie 00:46:45-00:47:07)
The above dialogue appears when the immigrants finish their interview
process at a Matt's restaurant. Matt felt that the immigrants could not get through the
interview process, in other words he refused Carrie's request to employ them. Carrie
40
reacted by comparing Matt's employees who were no better than the immigrants as
her disappointment with Matt. Carrie's efforts in arguing for the immigrants are
evidence of Carrie's concern for immigrants who must get jobs soon.
Another evidence is that after Carrie learned that Abital was separated from
his immigrant siblings, Carrie further showed his concern by coming to the
immigration office as his aim to reunite Abital alongside his brothers. It is contained
The above dialogue occurred before Carrie finally met with an immigration
supervisor. In the story, Carrie, who had waited for 2 hours, was only given the
answer that she had not made an appointment beforehand by the receptionist. Carrie
insisted not to move from her place before she went to the immigration Supervisor.
He did not even hesitate to swear at the receptionist because he was annoyed at the
treatment the officer deemed to be holding him back. Carrie's reaction to this dialogue
Jack Forrester is one of the American male characters in The Good Lie. In the
story, Jack is the owner of the company where Carrie Davies works. In the story, Jack
text below.
The above dialogue appeared when Carrie came to Jack. Carrie felt that she
could not help immigrants to get through a job interview, so she took the immigrants
to meet Jack. In the above dialogue Carrie explains to Jack that there is no other place
that can make someone smile but herself, in other words Carrie feels that only Jack is
able to help her out of her current trouble. Through Carrie's statement above, The
Furthermore, the characterization of Jack's character in the The Good Lie film
is described as a company owner who wants to share, it is seen in the picture and
dialogue below.
The picture and dialogue above came up when Jeremiah was about to go
home. Jack offers to drive her home. Jeremiah next complimented Jack's car and
asked what conditions were needed to drive the car. Jeremiah's question was then
answered by Jack and gave him a chance to drive the car he has. Jack's reaction to
Jeremiah proves that The Good Lie constructed the character of Jack as a willing to
share.
43
Furthermore, Jack is also described as a company owner who cares about the
The above dialogue appeared when Jack got word about Theo's whereabouts
at Kakuma camp refugee. Jack declared ready to sponsor Theo, pay for his flight,
even offering Theo to stay in his home. Jack's attitude in the dialogue above is proof
of the depiction of the character of Jack who has a sense of concern for the
difficulties of others.
Pamela Lowi is one of the other American female characters in The Good Lie
film. Pamela is a volunteer of Faith Base Charity. In the story, Pamela is portrayed as
a character who helps immigrant familiarize themselves with their equipment and
homes in America. And helped Carrie to bring in Abital apart from her immigrant
for coming.
Pamela: Uh-huh.
Carrie Davies: I need your help.
Pamela: Yeah. You do.
(Evidence 33, The Good Lie, 01:20:25-01:21:08)
The above dialogue appeared when Pamela visited Carrie's home, Carrie
deeply appreciated Pamela's arrival, which she knew was busy on Sunday in church.
Through Carrie's statement, the author assumes the depiction of Pamela as a figure
who will help others while busy at the same time. Further characterization of
who is described as a volunteer of Faith Base Charity and an active in church activity,
gets questions about the number of children she has in Carrie. Pamela answered it
After analyzing the data above, the author further concluded that The Good
Lie has some of concepts in constructing American characters in the story of the film.
45
The Good Lie shows American characters as independent, care to the others, and high
writer assumes that The Good Lie has constructed America through the portrayal of
Basically, film have an in-depth message that the filmmaker wants to convey
to his audience. Film convey the message either implicitly or explicitly through
characterization of the characters or the story of the film itself. This is caused by the
movie as an object, used as a medium for delivering the message. Likewise with The
Good Lie film. The depiction of the characters and the storyline in the The Good Lie,
has some of messages to be conveyed. This can be seen either directly in each scene
In this section, the writer will deliver the values of American Dreams
contained in the The Good Lie. And this time refers to the values of the American
Dreams that have been presented in chapter II “It is not a dream of motor cars high
wages merely, but a dream of social order in which each man and each women shall
be able to attain to the fullest stature of which they are innately capable, and be
recognized by others for what there are, regardless of the fortuitous circumstances of
their birth. The emphasis in this section is the explanation about the manifest of
The Good Lie film depicts the immigrant character with some concepts. The
freedom. As well as determining the life they want in their own defined way. In the
story, the arrival of Sudanese immigrant characters to America is not without cause.
The immigrant characters who were previously described as living the victims of the
civil war, wanted the life they dreams. The dreams is seen in Jeremiah's revelation as
Jeremiah: The promise of a better life in the camp had long come and gone since our
arrival. Weeks became months, and months became years. We found strength in
sticking together. But our hope of ever leaving was fading.
(Evidence 35, The Good Lie, 00:27:58-00:28:14)
The text appears after immigrants lived for 13 years in the Kakuma refugee
camp. The lives of immigrant characters during the camp were not answered in their
quest for the life they wanted. Until the news of their names in the list of departures
to America became a new hope for the life they desire. In the text below.
The above dialogue (Evidence 36) concludes with Paul's passionate remark
"Really? We are going to America! "This indicates that they really hope America will
47
be a new place, for the life they desire. In accordance with their wishes, the journeys
of immigrant characters in America have given meaning to the true meaning of life.
This is contained at the end of the story, which is contained in the text below.
Mamere: Theo. When you get on the plane, a helpful person will take you to your
seat.
Theo: You will show me these things.
Mamere: Theo. From this moment on... it is very important that you only answer to
the name Mamere.
Theo: What are you saying?
Mamere: I could not get you any papers.
Theo: No, Mamere. I cannot.
Mamere: Yes, but you must.
Theo: But it is a lie.
Mamere: Yes, I know. But it is a good lie.
Theo: But you...? I will go to Kakuma.
Mamere: I can work at the hospital. Theo, you gave me life. That day in the elephant
grass, you gave us all life. I give it back to you. You are chief now. Now, go. Go. Go.
(Evidence 37, The Good Lie, 01:39:00-01:40:05)
The above dialogue appears when Mamere and Theo are at Kakuma airport.
To Theo, Mamere explains that Theo has given himself and all his brothers a chance
to live, until he can go to America. Mamere reiterated his statement by saying "You
gave me life. That day in the elephant grass. You gave us all life. I give it back to you
"it indicates that he and his brothers have interpreted "America" as "life" they are
looking for. The above dialogue becomes a proof that life in America has had an
In this sense, the writer assumes that The Good Lie film has constructed the
immigrant characters who achieve the freedom and determine the life they want in
48
their own way. Furthermore, The Good Lie film also constructed America as a
Besides described as an immigrant who achieve freedom. The Good Lie film
they desire. This refers to the attainment of immigrant characters during life in
The text above appears when immigrant leaders deliver a farewell greeting to
Abital, who must head for Boston. To his brothers, Abital advised them to promise to
go to school and work hard. The separation of the characters with Abital and the
effort to realize their dream in America in the dialogue above, is the main problem
evidenced by the achievement of the figures in fulfilling their desires, and the
reuniting of the characters Abital beside his siblings, this is contained in the series of
text below.
49
were interacting with Abital for the first time since they separated, via telephone. To
Abital, Jeremiah explained that he had become a teacher in the Church. Paul also
recounted that Mamere had gone to school. Then on the next dialogue (Evidence 40)
occurred when the figure of Abital who re-united side of his brothers after getting
help from Carrie Davies. The occurrence of the above dialogue (Evidence 39 and 40)
In the findings, the writer also found other evidence as an argument that the
film The Good Lie is a film depicting the success of Sudanese immigrants during
their life in America. This is contained in the early narrative and the end of The Good
The Good Lie: In 1983, a brutal civil war broke out in Sudan between the North and
the South over religion and resources. Leaving villages destroyed by northern
government armies and militia. By 1987, thousands of orphaned children began to
50
The Good Lie: In 2000, thousands of Lost Boys and Girls were transported to the
United State. Almost all have become American citizens. Many have gone to college
and graduate school. They have become teachers, social workers, engineers and
some joined the Armed Forces. “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go
far, go together.” –African Proverb.
The text above is the opening and closing narration of The Good Lie film. It
said in 2000, there were thousands of civil war victims in Sudan sent to America.
Many of them have become American citizens and are educated or have decent jobs.
The Good Lie effort, in depicting the success of immigrant characters in the film, is
Then, the writer assumes that The Good Lie film has constructed the
success for their dreams. And seen through the depiction of Sudanese attainment of
their living in America. Furthermore, The Good Lie film has also constructed
The Good Lie film describes America as a place that can accommodate
individual motive and collective motive in reaching meaning for life. The success can
51
be seen through the success of immigrant and American characters, in solving the
problems they experience in their own way. This is contained in the text below.
Mamere: You make our hearts throb for your many kind assists today.
Jeremiah: Would you be so kind to tell us your name?
Carrie Davies: Oh, sorry. Didn't I? My name's Carrie Davis. I'll call you tomorrow
morning and we'll start the job hunt.
Mamere: May you find a husband to fill your empty house.
Carrie Davies: I'll work on that.
(Evidence, The Good Lie, 00:40:57-00:41:17)
Mamere: Carrie?
Carrie Davies: Holy crap! Are you crazy?
Mamere: There is a reason you do not have a husband.
(Evidence, The Good Lie 00:55:27-00:56:06)
The above dialogue comes when Carrie will be separated from immigrants
after arriving at their home. To Carrie, Mamere prayed that Carrie had a husband to
fill the void of her home. Furthermore, Mamere again questioned Carrie's unmarried
status when Mamere cleared Carrie's very messy house by saying "there is a reason
you do not have a husband". The statement is an issue that arises in Carrie's character.
problem by bringing Abital home as part of helping immigrant figures and helping
Carrie Davies: Mm. This reminds me of when I was a little girl. My sister and I used
to sneak downstairs when our parents were asleep... and we'd steal all the ice cream
and eat all of it.
Abital: Is she like you, your sister?
Carrie Davies: No. She was nice. My mom used to say that I was born pissed off and
Kelly was born chipper.
Abital: Chipper?
52
Carrie Davies: Happy. She was always happy. I used to tease her. I used to call her
Chipper. She hated it.
Abital: Where is she?
Carrie Davies: Oh, she got cancer two years ago, and, uh... It just ripped through her
like a firestorm. And then, ahem, one day she was just gone.
Abital: And you wonder why it was her and not you?
(Carrie nodding his head)
(Evidence, The Good Lie, 01:26:41-01:27:36)
The above dialogue appeared when Carrie was in a conversation with Abital
who had just arrived at her home. Carrie explains that Abital reminds herself of her
sister who died two years ago from cancer. Abital then asks if Carrie imagines herself
supposed to experience it is not her sister. Then Carrie answered her, bowed sadly.
The appearance of this dialogue explains the portrayal of Carrie's characters who is
depicted as an independent, able to solve her problems over the emptiness of her
In another proof, the writer finds additional evidence that The Good Lie film
collective motive, through Jeremiah's remarks at the end of the film. In the text
below.
Jeremiah: This is the story of my brothers and sisters. When we were children, our
fathers said, "Let something of me survive." We did not even know what does it
means. But then we saw our family murdered... and our villages destroyed, and then
we understood. We held inside ourselves the memories of our forefathers and their
teachings... so that we could move forward in the world. Like an invisible bridge their
memory connects our old life with our new. They say we were saved by coming to the
United States. But we also saved each other. And although our differences may divide
us... our common humanity unites us. For we are brothers and sisters, all of us. We
53
try to share this wonderful world we call home. They call us the Lost Boys of Sudan. I
don't think we are lost. I think we are found.
(Evidence 46, The Good Lie, 01:41:07-01:42:11)
church in America. The statement was presented as a closing remark for The Good
Lie, so the writer sees it as a closing remark from a narrator. Jeremiah's emphasis in
the above statement is seen in the phrase "They say we are saved by coming to the
United State. But we also saved each other. And although our difference may divide
us, our common humanity unites us. For we are brothers and sisters, all of us ".
Jeremiah's statements above prove that The Good Lie film constructs America as a
After analyzing the above data, the authors further conclude that there is a
manifestation of the value of American Dreams in the story of The Good Lie Film.
freedom, the achievement of the characters in achieving success, and the success of
All the results of the analysis in these findings can be understood as evidence
of the theory used by the writer. The writer identifies the construction of Sudanese
constructive approach to describe the depiction of the characters in the film. Then put
Dreams of James Truslow Adams to assess the depiction and storytelling of the
characters in getting the life meaning in America in The Good Lie film,
CHAPTER IV
CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTION
A. Conclusion
The writer in this research analyze The Good Lie film using representation
theory and American Dreams concept. Through the representation theory, the writer
see how The Good Lie constructed the three main Sudanese Immigrant and American
characters in the film. This research also reveals the manifest of American Dreams
value of the film. The writer uses qualitative descriptive method with The Good Lie
film as the unit of analysis. The writer answers the research questions through the
explanation of the pictures and the text of the film. And the other sources outside the
From the findings, the authors conclude that there are several concepts in the
depiction of Sudanese and American characters in the story of The Good Lie film.
internal and external action and also the reaction of other characters.
The portrayal of Sudanese and American characters in this film is in line with
the concept of the American Dreams, it is seen with the achievement of Sudanese and
freedom, the success of Sudanese figures in realizing their own dreams, as well as the
Therefore, The Good Lie film can be summarized as a film that reflects
54
55
B. Suggestion
The Good Lie film is based on true history. This film presents the America as
the biggest life effect of Sudanese Immigrant in hold they dreams. The writer suggest
to the other researcher to see the other issue for analyzing The Good Lie film, because
this film could be analyze trough other theories and concept to get another findings in
it. For example, this film could be seen through White Savior concept. Thus, the
writer hopes this research gives more contribution to the next researchers who want to
Allan, Robert Clyde., and Gomery Douglas. Film History: Theory and Practice. New
Barker, Chris. Cultural Studies, Theory and Practice. London: Sage Publications,
2000. Print.
Boggs, Joseph M., and Petrie Dennis W. The Art of Watching Films: Seventh Edition.
Cullen, Jim. The American Dreams: A Short History of an Idea That Shape Nation.
Hanson, Sandra L., and Kenneth John White. The American Dreams in the 21st
Patterson, Eric. Sudan: Race and Religion in Civil War. Barkley Center: Georgetown
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57
Ratna, Nyoman Kutha. Teori, Metode, dan Teknik Penelitian Sastra. Yogyakarta:
Harton, Yurii et al. “Portrayal of Minorities in the Film Media and Entertainment
Mozaffar, Omer M. Happiness is a Good Father. 9 Juni 2011. Web. 28 Juni. 2016.
<http://www.rogerebert.com>
<http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/document/index.html>
<http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2652092/awards>
Falardeau, Philippe, The Good Lie. Alcon Entertainment, 2014. Softcopy mp4 (720p)
format file.
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APPENDIX