How Did Spellbound Break The American Dream

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America is viewed as the land of the free. Free and unlimited chances to strive for a dream. The American Dream consist of working hard in order to obtain one’s true desire in life. However if you fail, all is not lost because in America there is no limit to how many times someone can try again. Although not all will succeed, it is difficult to break the American Spirit. Jeffrey Blitz, director of the documentary Spellbound, focuses on the reality that all Americans have the ability to chase their ambition by using the title, soundtrack, and contestants of the documentary. Blitz centers his film around the 1999 National Spelling Bee and uses the Spelling Bee to symbolize the American Dream. Not everyone can succeed in life but everyone gets a chance. …show more content…

Spellbound is defined as being so mystified, intrigued, and focused by a single concept or object that a person forgets everything around them. The title of the documentary describes the goal for the competitors in the National Spelling Bee and American citizens. Mystified by the inclination to win, the contestants are spellbound. The eight children all have different circumstances and work ethic, but they all have one goal in mind- to win the National Spelling Bee. Similarly, Americans are spellbound by their dream to work hard and try to achieve what they desire. The American Dream instills that equal opportunity for everyone is guaranteed even if success is not. Spelling competitors and their desire to watch as their studying and dedication is rewarded, along with the whole American population, work hard in hopes of finally being able to grasp their dream in life and cling to it. The title appropriately reflects the film’s purpose and is eye catching. Once the viewer's gaze decided on the documentary, the film begins and warmly embraces the