Loss And Fear In Rob Reiner's Film Stand By Me

Introduction

Loss and fear are universal experiences; however, the cause remains individual to each and every person. Despite the differences in the causes of loss and fear, their impact is felt in profound and similar ways. The effects of loss and fear can be seen in physical, emotional, and psychological responses. Rob Reiner’s film Stand By Me, delves into the themes of loss and fear through the symbolic link between myth and reality to an extensive degree, as stated in Don Kaye’s review where he expresses that ‘the sense of loss overshadows the story’ and ‘one of the defining emotions of the story is that of fear.’ As four friends embark on a journey to find the body of a missing boy, they encounter the effects that the loss of innocence

It is seen continuously through Chris and Teddy’s insecurities stemming from an inescapable reality where they may never rid themselves of their family’s reputation or eventually turn into them, and Vern’s fear of being a joke and outcast for the rest of his life. In Gordie’s case, this is present through his father’s lack of interest in him, more so after the death of his brother, Danny, who was his parent’s pride and joy. Gordie is constantly at odds with his own thoughts of having been the one to die and not having to push himself to equate to the successful standards set by his brother. Gordie’s apprehension and fear around his ability to live up to his brother’s accomplishments due to the distant nature of his parents is supported by the quotes, “I wanted to share my friends’ enthusiasm, but I couldn’t. That summer at home I had become the invisible boy.” And “Four months had passed but my parents still hadn’t been able to put the pieces back together again. At this point of the movie screenplay is used to show Gordie solemnly following behind his friends on the train tracks, emphasising how unseen he truly feels. The courage Gordie shows through trying to conquer his inner demons, as he struggles with his personal life, highlights his mentality towards finding the strength to continue forward. The boys are forced to

As the movie progressed the boys had started to blur the lines between myth and reality, as they got caught up in the sense of adventure and not the reality that the adventure was to find a dead body. When the body of Ray Brower had finally been discovered by the boys, they could all come to terms with the reality and weight of the situation. For Gordie when the shock of seeing the body hit him, he was then able to make the connection as to why overtime he had become obsessed with the thought of seeing a dead body. Upon seeing Ray Brower’s body Gordie said, “The kid wasn’t sick, sleeping; the kid was dead … at the time, I didn’t know why I had to see that body so badly.” However now he does: “Why did you have to die? Why did Denny have to die, Chris?” Through confusing their time looking for the body as an adventure it showed how they valued adventured and making the most out of life. Gordie was able to use this experience as a way to accept his brother’s death once and for all. Through their journey, they learn that loss is an inevitable part of life, and that it is up to us to find meaning and purpose in the face of