It is often challenging to assert a sense of individualism in life. Despite our biological makeup what emphasizes a notion of physiological and psychological individuality, culture has dictated that humans, like many other species of the animal world, have to survive in a communal setting. While one feels the demand of meeting up to one’s potential, is that often consistent with the expectations from the group one finds himself in? In 1970, Richard Bach has written a novella which would eventually become the classic of self-help literature in the 20th century. ‘Jonathan Livingston Seagull’ is an allegory of one’s striving towards self-actualization. Though the protagonist of the novella is merely a seagull, many readers can easily identify with this ‘outsider’ of the flock. The bird’s unique experience has proved to be inspiring for many and the novella has become a bestseller. In 1973, the film version of ‘Jonathan Livingston Seagull’ was released. The film’s style is very representative of its era – with the daring spirit, and much of the film focused only on the protagonist – remember that is a seagull - and the natural world it has travelled through. Maybe due to the lack of human characters and the austere style, the film received mixed review, unlike the overwhelming positive response to the novella. Nevertheless, the film has received 2 Oscar nominations in the technical categories and it was also memorable for the song ‘Be’, performed by Neil Diamond.
Jonathan is no ordinary seagull. While most seagulls’ purpose of life is to be well-fed and be an early bird for the next meal deal, Jonathan wished to go further with his own ambitions. Having such an idiosyncratic worldview certainly made him a bit of a loner and a pain-in-the-ass in his group. Jonathan really enjoyed flying – and in particular he felt a ‘need for the speed’, and always tried hard to improve his flying speed. When he has finally reached a speed of 100 km / hour, he was elated by his achievement. His peers were not that impressed, though – and found his actions rather heretical. The leader of the clan advised Jonathan to conform to being a normal seagull, as his antics suggested that he did not belong. Jonathan stood firm on his beliefs, and was soon expelled from the group. Now an outsider, Jonathan was free to pursue his interest and explore the world. It turned out that being an outcast might not be the worst thing in life – throughout his journey he would find other seagulls who also enjoyed the pleasure of flight, and would learn from them to improve himself. The seagull would eventually inspire the other similar-minded birds, who needed a reason to motivate themselves to achieve their own aims…
Does my life end here?
I can't believe that.
I wasn't born to drown in this ocean.
I can die here or I can force myself to fly.
It's in me.
I've got to try.
I've got to get back home.
At last I can stop thinking, for once in my life.
Just stop thinking and fly towards the lights in the dark.
-Jonathan, 'Dear Father'
We can often find someone with a character like Jonathan the seagull around us. They often take a non-conformist attitude to the things around them (which is why the film addresses the spirit of the New Hollywood Cinema of the 1970s), and they love to challenge the status quo of the day. They are born to be misfits, and the peer pressure will often be exerted to force them back in the line. Yet it is often the maverick that can lead the other members to new frontiers they have never been able to conceive of. These are the very individuals who reveal new possibilities of existence. Throughout the story, Jonathan strived very hard to realize his dream of being a speedy flyer. He would rather end up in a state of solitude to perfect his craft. He has encountered numerous obstacles, and even was stranded and wounded at some point. When he was about to be swept away into oblivion in a broken raft, his insatiable drive towards his dream got the better of him, and motivated him to get through the hardship to a higher state. While Jonathan was a unique and intelligent member of his species, he has not let his hubris to divert his focus. He was willing to be humble and learnt from the other seagulls who could fly higher and faster than him, in order to develop his skills. That was the instance when Jonathan found true company, and no longer be alone.
Be
As a page that aches for a word
Which speaks on a theme that is timeless
While the one God will make for your day
Sing
As a song in search of a voice that is silent
And the one God will make for your way
-Neil Diamond, 'Be'
The allegorical narrative of Jonathan’s experience is very humanistic and that reminds us of Maslow’s psychological theories. The American psychologist has proposed a hierarchy of needs of human existence, from the lowest, elemental needs such as food and warmth; to the higher ultimate purpose of self-actualization. When Jonathan was with the members of his clans, it was quite certain that the basic survival needs have already been fulfilled – that was why Jonathan was bored with the mundane life in the first place. His peers, satisfied by the sensual and physical pleasure of abundant food, were willing to conform to that comfort zone. That serve as a metaphor for the laymen who are willing to stick to a regular pattern in their lives and are not willing to look for alternatives to define themselves. Jonathan, by contrast, has discovered an aim for self-actualization through his love of flying. By having a strong commitment to his interest, he has found a purpose of his existence. Indeed, this perspective also finds resonance with Neil Diamond’s theme song, ‘Be’. The poetic lyrics of this great song explore the theme of being in the world. As Jonathan has been able to counteract against herd behavior and crowd psychology, he found himself closer to the nature of things, finally achieving a sense of transcendence.
by Ed Law
Film Analysis
