Trading Places, a film produced during the year of 1983, incorporated various myths through the use of many characters as well as relationships and significant lines, which caused it to be much more effective. Aside from being portrayed as a film that was quite comical, there were different topics that were revealed through the actions of the characters and their behaviors towards one another. The viewers were soon able to gain insight on how society was during this time period. Society’s view on the roles of women, the value of money, and racism, as well, were just some of the themes mentioned that shaped the film into what it was. The film’s message about the roles of women in society was clearly demonstrated. In Trading Places, Penelope, Louis’ girlfriend, appeared to the audience as a women who was quite dependent on his income and expected to be taken care of throughout her life. But, once he lost his job, including his fortune, Penelope did not last much longer with him. By her actions, the viewers were able to draw the conclusion that Penelope was not quite interested in him, but his fortune instead. The film also incorporated a scene that portrayed the message that women did not respect themselves. When Louis is finally released from jail, he is soon approached by a woman named, Ophelia, who is a prostitute. This also exemplified how society perceived women as individuals who were willing to do anything in order to make money, which seemed more important than protecting themselves. Trading Places also shows how money can often lead to the destruction of an individual or even society. In one particular scene, the Duke Brothers pay Clarence Beeks a large amount of money in order to commit terrible actions. Instead of Clarence turning down the offer, it appeared that money was more important than the life of a human being. In order to receive the ten thousand dollars, it was Beeks’ responsibility to frame Winthorpe of stealing money from the business, which soon caused him to be shunned from everyone who he was once acquainted with, lose his job, and also be put in a jail. Due to the value that money held, Clarence Beeks was willing to go to extreme measures to make someone’s life dreadful in order to receive ten thousand dollars. While this film attracted black audiences, it also clearly distinguished between the “black” and “white” culture. When the viewers were first introduced to Billy Ray Valentine, he was portrayed as a street hustler and was accused of trying to steal from Louis Winthrope when in fact, he was the one who bumped into Billy Ray Valentine. After trying to explain that he had no intention of stealing Mr. Winthrope’s briefcase, Bill is still arrested. This demonstrated the fact that due to Billy’s race, he was still blamed, even though it was accidental. Racism is also portrayed in the film when Mortimer Duke makes the assumption that Billy would never have the potential to hold such a high position in the firm. But, due to the dedication and effort he puts into the business, Bill proves them wrong and the business prospers.
The film,
Trading Places, clearly demonstrated the various myths portrayed by society, which were revealed after observing the actions of the characters and their behaviors towards one another. The viewers were soon able to gain insight on how society was during this time period and how it viewed the roles of women, the value of money, and racism, as well. These were just some of the various themes that were responsible for shaping the film into what is was.