Leadership and Change

This last weekend, I re-watched the movie Pleasantville. I was interested to see how many different themes of leadership and change were illustrated in the movie. At first, there were issues of personal change presented in the movie. Watching Bud and Mary Sue shift from today's world into that of the 1950's illustrated a lot of personal change, and in doing that, Bud became much more of a leader. As the town of Pleasantville began to struggle with the changes that were occurring in their town brought on by two 'free thinkers" (Bud and Mary Sue), it is interesting to see how people react.

The people who are more willing to self-examine or accept "gray areas" in their lives are the ones that are "colored in"- it is no surprise that at first it is mostly young people (early adopters, flexible thinkers). As the color spreads, a societal change begins to take hold. More people are drawn to the vivid colors that emotion, passion, and reflection bring. Many people in Pleasantville are very threatened (i.e. the men in the bowling alley) and there are book burnings, the colored malt shoppe windows are smashed, and the "colored" people are discriminated against.

As this change is occurring in Pleasantville, Bud is the one leading the change. Because he has the "vision" of what society could be like in color, he is not afraid of what the change means. He helps others to see that out of the ordinary is okay and that truly living is what creates color in peoples' lives. Mary Sue also becomes a leader in her own life, as well as in the town. She tries to stop the book burning, as she has finally seen what books have to offer.

At the trial where Bud is accused of disturbing the peace by painting the mural, he leads by illustrating how change can occur in others. He helps people understand that change is a natural part of life and that there is more happiness to be had when you don't hide from change. Bud moves the town from fear to acceptance, and as this change is truly made, the whole town is in vivid color. When the change is completed and people ready to lead themselves, Bud is able to return to the present time...

Bud returns ready to lead in real life instead of wishing for a simpler time. While he was in Pleasantville he developed the tools with which to see the larger picture in full color. Although the movie is a bit simplistic, it speaks to the challenge of being a leader in the midst of change. It also illustrates that people can become leaders as they are seeking their own way through the change. Finally, it illustrates that in the best case scenario that new leaders can be developed by the best leaders and the most arduous times.

Any thoughts on this movie- or symbolism I might have missed? I am interested.