Ragtime

'Ragtime', released in 1981, is an epic drama film loosely based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name by E.L. Doctorow. Directed by Miloš Forman, this thought-provoking and visually enchanting movie is set against the backdrop of America in the early 20th century. At that time, the country was in turmoil due to racial tensions, social change, Mother Nature's ferocity, and the growing gap between the wealthy elite and the lower classes. The story revolves around three primary protagonists -Coalhouse Walker Jr., Mother, and Tateh - who are drawn into an intricate web of relationships that will forever change their lives. Coalhouse (played by Howard E. Rollins Jr.), the young black pianist and ragtime player, returns to New York City after serving in the Spanish-American War with aspirations of opening his own jazz club. Mother (played by Elizabeth McGovern), the beautiful and naive young daughter of an upper-class family, catches the attention of Tateh (played by Jimmy Scott), a charismatic and cunning Jewish artist. Mother has been feeling suffocated by her family's expectations and the constraints of their privileged lifestyle. She becomes enamored with Tateh and sees an opportunity to escape her mundane life. In contrast, their affair becomes a defining moment in Tateh's life, for he has come to the United States with his daughter from Eastern Europe to seek a brighter future. Tateh's primary objective is to become successful enough to secure a better life for him and his daughter, but this opportunity with Mother brings both hope and desperation. The lives of these three individuals eventually intertwine with that of Coalhouse, leading to significant consequences. Coalhouse's passion for jazz and his desire for respectability and recognition bring him into a confrontation with the white society that had always relegated black people to a lower status. His relationship with Sarah, the daughter of a family of wealthy oil tycoons, only serves to further entrench the racial and social divides. As the story unfolds, 'Ragtime' paints a picture of America in chaos and at a crossroads. The film delves into themes of love, racism, violence, infidelity, and the devastating consequences of unchecked ambition. The film's portrayal of the darker side of America's past provides a poignant reminder of how far the country has come since that tumultuous period. Throughout the movie, Coalhouse's music provides a poignant backdrop to the unfolding drama. 'The Entertainer', 'Mahagonny' – 'Overture', and 'Ragtime' – 'Introduction' are just a few of the notable songs included. Each character's struggle, from Coalhouse fighting against injustice and racism to Sarah being torn between love, loyalty, and social obligations, adds depth to the narrative. The movie's climax culminates in a tragic confrontation that highlights the brutal racial tensions and the deep-seated divisions within the American society at that time. The confrontation brings an end to Coalhouse's aspirations of owning his own jazz club, as well as leaving a long-lasting impact on the lives of Mother, Tateh, and Sarah. Although the film has garnered some criticism for its lack of character development, many have praised its visually striking portrayal of early 20th-century America. Through the lens of 'Ragtime', Forman paints a vivid picture of a nation grappling with the consequences of rapid social and cultural change. Ultimately, 'Ragtime' is a testament to the power of art - in this case, ragtime music - to bring people together and transcend the boundaries of social class and racial divide.