MYST post #5: Stand and Deliver

Stand and Deliver is an inspiring film that takes viewers on a journey with the students and staff of Garfield High School. Unfortunately, the school is in a bit of trouble. Because of bad student performance and a lack of resources to accommodate them, they find themselves in a downward spiral that seems to lead to the decertification of the school. Most of the teachers and administrators have given up. However, the addition of Jaime Escalante to the school changes everything. Unlike the other teachers, Jaime refuses to believe that these students are a lost cause. He begins to teach them basic math using innovative methods to keep them not only in school, but on a track that can lead them out of the poverty stricken neighborhood that they come from. He teaches them about “ganas” (the desire to want to do better and achieve more.) As time progresses, Jaime decides that he should teach the students calculus. Most other teachers in the department laugh directly in Mr. Escalante’s face. They do not think that it is possible claiming that you cannot teach someone who cannot read to do calculus. Yet, Jaime believes in his students and their abilities. The rest of the film delves into the struggles and triumphs of this class of 18 students as they embark to take the AP Calculus exam to receive college credit.

This empowering film takes on many themes such as the importance of believing in yourself, the unbound promise that comes with education, and the troublesome fight against racism. All in this cast were incredible in their roles. So much so, that Edward James Olmos, who played Jaime Escalante, received a best actor nomination in the 61^st Academy Awards. Other standout performances include Lou Diamond Phillips as the rebellious yet bright Angel Guzman and Vanessa Marquez as the timid Ana Delgado.  

Although not a strong force, there was one scene in particular that stuck out to me in terms of the cinematography. In this scene, Jaime Escalante is in the midst of teaching a class of older individuals English so that they could better communicate with others in the community as well as their developing students. In the midst of this lesson, Jaime experiences a terrible pain and stumbles out of the room only to find himself grappling hopelessly along the hallway as his condition gets worse. In this scene, the lighting is much more dark and dramatic. Also, I noticed that it was filmed so that it was difficult for the viewer to see what was approaching. For example, in one instance Jaime is continually staggering down the hall when he all of the sudden falls head first down a flight of stairs. However, this was all the more shocking seeing as the stairs were never in the shot until Mr. Escalante is seen falling down them.

I also thought that it was interesting that this film was made in 1988. Thus, I found that it indeed followed many of the criteria of 80’s films. Unlike films from the 70’s, this film is definitely an escapist film with clear-cut lines of good and evil and a happy Hollywood ending.  That being said, I truly enjoyed watching this film. Although the ending might seem cheesy, it is inspiring nonetheless. Also, the fact that it is a true story only accentuates the sense of pride and accomplishment evident at the end. In all, I would recommend this movie to anyone in the mood for a bit of encouragement and real life success. I give Stand and Deliver an 83%.