Explain how the closing of John Stahl’s 1934 version of Imitation of Life compare to Douglas Sirk’s?example:1. The closing of John Stahl’s 1934 version of “Imitation of Life” differs from Douglas Sirk’s version in a few distinct ways. One way is the obvious difference of color being used in Sirk’s version versus the 1934 version being in black and white. In addition to this visual difference, the tone of the funeral scene itself is much more somber and restrained (both in mood and performance) in comparison to the funeral scene in Sirk’s version, wherein the lively, emotional atmosphere continues throughout the procession. Another way is the daughter (Sarah Jane/Peola) is already at the funeral when her mother’s casket is being placed into the vehicle, versus Sirk’s version where Sarah Jane unexpectedly, and dramatically, rushes through the massive crowd to reach her mother’s casket. There is also a difference in the order of events of the narrative itself: 1) the funeral scene in the 1934 version is cut shorter than Sirk’s version which has more scenes prolonging the funeral procession, 2) the issue of Lora/Bea’s daughter being in love with Steve prevents them from being together as the major obstacle at the end of the story, versus Sirk’s version, where the love issue is resolved beforehand and 3) the emotional impact of Annie’s death and her daughter, Sarah Jane, is centered as the pivotal end of the story in Sirk’s version instead of being overshadowed by Lora and her daughter’s (Susie/Jessie) relationship.2. This weeks lecture referred to how 1950’s cinema was pressured to provide a happy ending, even as the directors strove to convey a message within the film. The 1958 version of Imitation of Life ends with the suggestion that everything will be fine from then on-everyone is back together, remorseful, lessons learned. Complete with an elaborate funeral procession, white horses, a marching band and a gospel chorus, the closing of Imitation of Life (Douglas Sirk, 1958) represents all of the final wishes of one of the main characters Annie. While sad, the ending is cathartic and hopeful.By contrast, the ending of Imitation of Life (John Stahl, 1934) is less concerned with the expected pat and happy ending. The film closes with the other main character Bea rejecting the marriage proposal of her lifelong love in order to protect the feelings of, and relationship with, her daughter. There is an overall lack of closure that more accurately reflects real life. The characters have all achieved some degree of insight and decision making volition. But with every choice comes a downside, and portraying this accurately doesn’t easily allow for a perfect, happy ending, which this film subtly resists.
