Identifying with the Audience

As seen in John Sayles' murder-mystery Lone Star, non-conformity is something that we all face in our daily lives. Conformity is merely fitting in with the "norm"; being, doing and acting like the people around us simply because we feel we have to. The film exhibits many situations where people were out of place or not in accordance with the way things work. It can also be said that a few of the examples given within the group discussion were a bit off-base.

A good example from the film to begin with is when Sheriff Sam Deeds visits Minnie Bledsoe to tie up some loose ends from the night that Sheriff Wade disappeared. He pulls up and introduces himself as Sheriff Deeds, Minnie looks straight at him, "Sheriff Deeds is dead honey. You just Sheriff Junior." That statement clearly displays the overall reaction from the community about him compared to his father, Buddy Deeds. The whole town loves Buddy Deeds, they call him a legend and as one "old timer" in the diner said, "There'll never be another one like 'em. Ya know that boy of his can't cut it." From the townspeople's perspective, Sam is non-confirmative to his family name.

A good example from group discussion was read in one of Kristen Birdsell's remarks, "I think Hollis is guilty to conforming to Charlie's ways of running the town..." In agreeance with this statement I point out each incident mentioned in the film where Hollis went the swing of things. From perspective, I'd say it's because he was afraid to stand up to Charlie Wade, as was the rest of the town. For instance when Charlie got up from the table and told Hollis to get the car, then there was a verbal altercation between Buddy and Charlie, Hollis could have easily stood up like Buddy did, but took the confirmative road and went with Charlie's orders.

For a final example, consider Sam's role. He's Sheriff of a town that clearly doesn't appreciate the work he does, much less him as a person. He is consistently told that his ideas of his parents are wrong and that he will never compare. Some have stated in the group discussion that Sam in investigating the murder is non-confirmative with the town based on their stories and beliefs. However, I cannot agree, based upon his actions throughout the film. He is Sheriff and it is his job to investigate crimes, granted the townsfolk think his theories through the investigation are completely off base he's confirmative with his job. If he hadn't investigated the crime then that would have been one more strike against him in the community's eyes. One level of conformity is your beliefs; those that stick by them are therefore not non-confirmative. An example is shown each time he clearly voiced his thoughts about the new jail and the possibility that Buddy Deeds was a murderer.

In conclusion the film has many instances where conformity can be debated, and each person clearly defines conformity and non-conformity differently. John Sayles' classic murder-mystery seems to have a lot of story lines going on, but the loose ends are all tied up eventually. You are granted a clear look at small town, inter-racial life, along with all of its non-conformities.