Contestant #4

 

Literary Text Title: Contestant #4

Authors: Jared Joven & Kaj Palanca

 

Members:

Vianne Elaine M. Gozum

Ashley Faye M. Dela Rama

John Hill G. Labi

Dean Daniel G. Jabonero

 

Introduction:

In the short film "Contestant #4," Jared Joven and Kaj Palanca craft a knowledgeable exploration of identity. The film delves into the tension between personal and societal expectations, illustrating how struggle with their self-perception under the weight of pressures. Employing the philosophical characters’ concept of docta ignorantia, the film suggests that true self-knowledge arises from acknowledging one's limitations and the partiality of individual perspectives. The narrative employs multiple points of view, showcasing the varied experiences of the contestant and emphasizing how each individual’s understanding of identity is influenced by their unique context. Conversely, the film also strives for a holistic viewpoint, integrating diverse character experiences to present a comprehensive analysis of how societal constructs shape and sometimes distort personal authenticity.

 

Summary:

A 19-year-old boy frequently visits an old man, he always makes sure that he’s doing good and is keeping him company. One night when he was visiting him, he chanced upon the old man rewatching an old clip of him in a pageant. The old man was cross-dressing in that clip, that sparked a curiosity in him. He asked questions about it, but somehow, the old man always finds excuses to not answer them with all honesty. Eventually, they had the chance to talk about it and that made them understand each other more and their identity.

Biographical Context Analysis:

For a literary text or film to capture the interest of viewers and readers, it must possess a unique and interesting theme. In "Contestant #4", one of the central themes is the purpose of identity and personal significance in a world driven by social expectations and media. This theme deepens the reader's understanding of how individuals, particularly in the face of fame or competition, grapple with their sense of worth. The characters, especially the protagonist, are influenced by societal pressures to conform or stand out, which mirrors larger conflicts about self-worth and validation. The setting of a high-stakes competition serves as a microcosm of broader societal conflicts, amplifying personal struggles with societal judgment and identity.

Linguistic Context Analysis:

Language is an interactive phenomenon. It’s not merely a set of sounds, gestures, the way we speak, and their meanings; they are integrating with each other, and with our behavior, perspective, and context to what we are trying to say. The study of this wide field contains not just the examination of specific languages, but also the investigation of the standards involved in developing and using language, as well as the impact of language on culture and identity. Just like in the film, “Contestant #4”, they have their own way of communicating with each other, and it does not only affect the outcome of what they meant, but also the process. If you’re not using the right words or not the proper way of delivering your message, it can cause a misunderstanding. That’s why it’s necessary to consider every aspect and different kinds of perspectives within that conversation or topic. It’s important for us to remember that we not only value ourselves, but most especially others. We shouldn’t be against ourselves nor others.

Sociocultural Context Analysis:

The impact of different cultures and backgrounds on communication, thinking, beliefs, and body language cannot be understated. Additionally, growing up in different time periods can also significantly influence communication styles. In the short film "Contestant #4," the two main characters have a wide age gap, which sets them apart but also reveals their shared identity. Despite their differences, they both identify as gay, with the younger man coming out first and the older man initially ignoring it. However, over time, the older man comes to recognize the similarities in their human experiences. The film illustrates different conflicts arising from their communication styles and speech patterns, which sometimes lead to unintentional offense. The younger man often seems insensitive in his directness and is always speaking his mind, while the older man engages a more educational and nurturing approach, aiming to guide the younger man toward greater wisdom and self-improvement. Asking questions and getting the right answers will not only relieve our minds from all the curiosity, but it will also help us understand each other more. With different opinions and perspectives, it can be difficult, but if we have self-respect, respect for others, and being open-mindedness, that can surely make a difference.

 Conclusion:

The short film "Contestant #4" delves into the theme of identity, examining the struggles of two men as they struggle with self-understanding and societal acceptance. Despite their generational and perspective differences, their conversations lead to conflicts rooted in misunderstandings and misinterpretations of words and tones, creating tension and potential disrespect. These conflicts add depth and tension to the film, offering an intriguing exploration of identity complexities. To avoid these issues, mindfulness and awareness of our actions and words are crucial. Comprehensive consideration and thoughtful communication are essential for understanding and expressing feelings without causing harm, both physically and emotionally. This underscores the fundamental human decency of respecting and valuing others, as we are all created in the image and likeness of God.