Loyalty is a quality that binds people together in different walks of life. It is an indispensable attribute that promotes positive and healthy relationships. Loyalty is not just a feeling of support and love towards a person, but it is also respecting someone’s ideas, values and beliefs. In this context, Shattered Glass is an excellent movie that shows how loyalty can have a significant impact on relationships and careers.
Directed by Billy Ray, Shattered Glass is a biographical drama that revolves around the true-life scandal of journalist Stephen Glass, wherein he fabricated over half of his articles in The New Republic magazine. The film depicts the consequences of disloyalty and betrayal and shows how taking the wrong path can lead to catastrophic consequences.
Let’s take a closer look at what the movie Shattered Glass suggests about loyalty.
The role of Loyalty in Shattered Glass
In the movie Shattered Glass, the director portrays loyalty as a crucial factor that creates a sense of community and promotes trust between people. When Stephen Glass gets his editor job at ‘The New Republic,’ his seniors express immense trust and belief in him, and they readily offer him a huge salary hike. However, the moment his seniors catch him red-handed falsifying stories, they feel unexpected betrayal and mistrust towards him, which costs him his career.
On the other hand, Glass’ first editor, Michael Kelly, is shown to be an epitome of loyalty in the film. Even though it’s clear Glass is lying and is fraudulently misleading him, Kelly demonstrates complete loyalty towards his employees. He goes out of his way to protect his staff from any humiliation and stands up for them, which ultimately leads to him losing his job. Kelly’s actions speak volumes about the immense loyalty and respect he has for his team.
One of the critical aspects of loyalty is showing compassion towards others, and the movie Shattered Glass exhibits this beautifully. Even after Glass’s harmful deeds come to light, his friends continue to believe in his innocence blindly. Though it is clear that he is using them to spread lies, his friends remain by his side and defend his honor. Even when they realize the truth, they still choose to stand by him, which is an excellent example of loyalty and compassion.
The negative consequences of disloyalty in Shattered Glass
The movie Shattered Glass emphasizes the critical importance of loyalty and trust in relationships, especially in the professional arena. The moment the Glass’s employers realize that he has lied to them and knowingly fabricated articles, they show intense indignation and betrayal. His actions not only sully the reputation of the magazine, but also destroy the trust between him and his seniors, ultimately leading to his dismissal.
Moreover, it is critical to note that while Glass’s friends showed him blind loyalty, they too betrayed him when they realized that they had been lied to. The group’s leader understandably acted with anger and disappointment, which resulted in the group disbanding entirely. This example shows how disloyalty and deceit can cause irreparable damage to not just trust and relationships, but also to one’s peace of mind.
Loyalty and journalism
One of the most striking themes in Shattered Glass is the importance of loyalty in the field of journalism. The film’s central message is about the significance of truthful reporting and factual integrity- qualities that require absolute loyalty to the profession and its principles. When Glass resorts to using fake stories to achieve better recognition and name-dropping, he ultimately damages the reputation of The New Republic magazine irrevocably and betrays the fundamental values that the magazine and the journalism profession stand for.
It is crucial for journalists to remember that loyalty is a crucial pillar of journalism, and compromising it can lead to devastating consequences. The public can only trust a journalist who embodies loyalty and integrity while providing honest and factual information.
Conclusion
In conclusion, betrayal and deceit can have long-lasting consequences, especially in a professional environment such as journalism. Loyalty is one of the key virtues that one must embody to maintain healthy relationships with friends and colleagues. The crime that Glass committed in Shattered Glass wasn’t just against his employer, colleagues, and friends- it was against the very principles of journalism. The movie highlights how being disloyal or betraying can cause irreparable damage to one’s relationships, career, and reputation. It emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself, respectful towards others, and being loyal to the profession you represent.
FAQ
What is the message of shattered glass?
“Shattered Glass” is a movie that highlights the importance of integrity in the field of journalism. The film is based on the real-life story of Stephen Glass, a young journalist who fabricated stories published in major news publications, including The New Republic, Forbes, and Rolling Stone. Through the movie, the audience is shown how Glass’ lies and deception ultimately brought him down and questioned the credibility of journalism as a whole.
The central message of the film is the importance of trust, transparency, and accountability in reporting. It portrays how journalists have a great responsibility to report the truth, regardless of the pressure from editors, publishers, or sources. Glass’ unethical conduct is a reminder that journalists must hold themselves to the highest of standards, uphold the truth, and never compromise their journalistic values.
The film highlights the consequences of dishonesty in reporting and the ripple effect it can cause. Glass’ deception caused widespread damage, not only to his reputation but also to the publications that published his work. Through his lies, he misled his readers, and the trust of the audience was broken. Shattered Glass shows us that trust in journalism is a fragile commodity and once lost, it can be challenging to regain.
Apart from the importance of reporting the truth, the movie also addresses the severe impact of unchecked ambition and the danger of blurring the lines between fact and fiction. Glass’ drive to become a successful journalist and his quest for fame blinded him to the moral implications of his actions. By bending the truth to further his career, he became his own worst enemy, ultimately destroying his professional and personal life.
Shattered Glass serves as a wake-up call to the journalistic profession and reminds us why honesty and integrity in journalism matter. As media continues to play an important role in impacting public perception, it is essential to value and maintain the trust that readers place in us. By sticking to the facts, verifying our sources, and adopting transparent and honest reporting practices, we can work towards restoring public trust in the media.
Is Shattered Glass appropriate?
Shattered Glass is a 2003 film that explores the real-life scandal of journalist Stephen Glass, who fabricated numerous stories for the magazine The New Republic. The film depicts the events leading up to Glass’s downfall and the damage caused by his deceit.
In terms of appropriateness, parents should be aware that this movie contains some strong language and references to drug use and prostitutes. While there is no graphic violence or explicit sexual content, some scenes may be upsetting or tense, particularly a suicide threat towards the end of the film. Therefore, it is not recommended for children under the age of 14.
That being said, for older teens and adults, Shattered Glass is a thought-provoking and compelling drama that raises important questions about journalistic ethics and the power of the media. It features strong performances by a talented cast, including Hayden Christensen, Peter Sarsgaard, and Chloë Sevigny.
Shattered Glass is a well-made film that tells an interesting and important story, but parents should exercise discretion before allowing their children to watch it due to the aforementioned content.
How is Stephen Glass portrayed in the movie?
In the movie “Shattered Glass,” Stephen Glass is portrayed as a young and bright-eyed journalist, full of promise and ambition. He is depicted as a charismatic and charming individual who quickly gains the trust and admiration of his fellow reporters, his editor, and even his readers.
The movie depicts how Glass managed to create captivating articles through his intricate and compelling storytelling techniques. However, as the plot unfolds, it becomes clear that Glass’ stories are not entirely accurate. Instead, he has fabricated or exaggerated many of the details in his articles.
Despite Glass’s professional and personal charm, he is eventually exposed as a fraud, which dramatically changes the way he is perceived in the movie. He is shown as being manipulative, deceitful, and narcissistic. His actions cause irreparable damage to his reputation and the reputation of his employer, The New Republic.
The movie shows how Stephen Glass was initially admired for his talent as a writer, but ultimately, his true colors were revealed as his fraudulent behavior was exposed. The movie portrays him as a complex character who is both gifted and flawed.
Why shouldn’t you touch broken glass?
Broken glass can be a serious physical and health hazard. When glass breaks, it can shatter into tiny, sharp pieces that can easily cut your skin. These cuts can range from minor surface wounds to serious lacerations that require medical attention. Not only can broken glass cause physical harm, but it can also be a health hazard if it is contaminated with toxic chemicals, blood, or infectious substances.
When glass is broken, it can create dangerous particles that can spread through the air. These particles can then enter the body through the nose or mouth, which can lead to respiratory problems. Broken glass can also be a health risk if it comes into contact with open wounds or cuts. This can lead to infection or the transmission of viruses and bacteria.
Furthermore, touching broken glass can also lead to further breakage. If you accidentally drop a piece of glass while handling broken pieces, it can cause further damage and shatter into even smaller pieces. This can create an even greater hazard and make it much harder to clean up.
It is important to avoid touching broken glass to prevent physical harm and reduce the risk of contamination. Always use caution when handling broken glass, wear protective gloves and other safety gear, and properly dispose of broken glass to prevent others from accidentally coming into contact with it.
Is it bad luck to smash a glass?
The act of breaking a glass can be seen through various cultural lenses, with vastly different interpretations and beliefs. Some people believe that breaking a glass is a sign of good luck, while others view it as a harbinger of bad luck and misfortune.
According to popular folklore, breaking a glass is often associated with the coming of good fortune. In some cultures, it’s believed to indicate an incoming financial gain or an auspicious change in life’s circumstances. The sound of the shattering glass is believed to disperse any negativity or evil entities that might be lurking around, thus making room for positivity in one’s life.
On the flip side, many people believe that breaking a glass is a sign of bad luck. An old saying goes: “Break a mirror and recieve seven years bad luck.” This idea is based on the concept of negative energy getting released when you break a glass or mirror and this energy is thought to attach itself to whoever breaks the item. This belief has some roots in ancient Egypt where they believed that mirrors contained the soul of the person who used it. Additionally, breaking a glass on your wedding day may be interpreted as a sign of conflict that will arise in the marriage.
In some cultures, breaking a glass is viewed as an omen that a loved one or relative may soon meet their demise. This is particularly true in Jewish cultures, where the breaking of a glass cup during a wedding ceremony is a symbolic reminder of the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. This symbolic act aims to temper the joy and festivity of the occasion and mourn the loss of the Temple.
The interpretation of breaking a glass can vary significantly based on the cultural or personal beliefs of an individual. While some consider it a sign of good luck and others view it as a sign of bad luck, the act itself is rooted in superstitious and spiritual beliefs that have been passed down through generations.
Is glass movie appropriate for my child?
The answer to whether “Glass” movie is appropriate for your child largely depends on your child’s age, personality, and tolerance for violence and intense themes. “Glass” is a sequel to two another movies, “Unbreakable” and “Split” and it combines characters and storylines from both the movies. The movie features a group of individuals with superhuman abilities, and explores the consequences of their powers, as well as the themes of mental illness, abuse, and trauma.
The movie is rated PG-13 for violence including some bloody images, thematic elements, and language. These elements might make “Glass” a little too much for younger children. Some scenes in the movie are particularly intense, and might be too graphic or scary for younger viewers. Additionally, the themes explored in the movie can be complex, and might be difficult for younger children to understand.
That being said, if your child is mature and able to handle intense themes and some violence, “Glass” could be an interesting and thought-provoking movie to watch together and discuss afterwards. If you decide to watch the movie with your child, it’s a good idea to prepare them beforehand and talk to them about what they can expect to see and hear in the movie, so they’re not caught off-guard by any particularly intense scenes.
“Glass” is a movie that is clearly aimed at an adult audience and can be intense, violent and dark at times. Hence, parents should use their discretion based on their child’s personality, age, and ability to handle these themes before deciding whether to watch “Glass” with their child. It’s always a good idea to watch the movie beforehand or do some research, and then decide if it’s the right movie for your child, taking their sensitivities into account.
Is Unbreakable appropriate for kids?
Unbreakable is a superhero thriller movie directed by M. Night Shyamalan which was released in 2000. The storyline revolves around a security guard named David Dunn, played by Bruce Willis, who miraculously survives a deadly train crash without even a scratch. He later discovers that he has developed extraordinary physical abilities and sets out to explore the extent of his powers. The movie’s theme delves into ideas of destiny, identity, and supernatural abilities.
When it comes to the appropriateness of Unbreakable for kids, it is important to note that it has a PG-13 rating by the MPAA. This means that the movie contains mature themes, some disturbing violent content and a sexual reference. Therefore, it is not necessarily intended for young viewers without parental supervision.
Some of the violent contents portrayed in Unbreakable include a train crash scene which might be disturbing for some kids. Additionally, there is some physical violence that occurs in certain scenes. The movie’s theme and storyline focus on supernatural abilities that young children may struggle to understand or might find too intense.
The sexual reference mentioned in the movie is brief, but it might be troubling for younger kids. This might be further compounded by the fact that the movie’s storyline is not specifically designed for children. Therefore, it would be best to preview Unbreakable before deciding whether it is appropriate for your child.
Unbreakable is rated PG-13 for mature themes, some disturbing violent content and a sexual reference. It is not recommended for young children without parental guidance as it might contain some content that is too mature or intense for them. Parents should view the movie beforehand to determine if its content is suitable for their children to watch.
