Wendy and Lucy

Recalling the list of movies we have discussed this semester, there is one that stands out as a suitable companion piece to Wendy and Lucy, and that is Killer of Sheep. Both films depict the protagonist struggling in society and both examine issues of poverty and class. In Killer of Sheep, the issue of race plays an added factor, whereas in Wendy and Lucy, the issue of class is related to gender. There are a few close parallels between the two films. In both, the issue of poverty and class is not resolved, the films end with the protagonist in much the same situation as they were when the film started. In Wendy and Lucy, Wendy almost seems to end up in a worse position than when she started. Initially, she had a car to sleep in and a dog to keep her company, but by the film's end, her car was sent to the shop and remains there since she can't pay for the repairs, and her dog is collected by the pound, where she gets adopted by another family. Wendy has plans for a brighter future however, as she promises to come back for the dog once she has made some money in Alaska. However, the fate of her journey remains a mystery. Her time in Alaska is not included in the story. In Stan's case, his plight does not necessarily end up worse off than before, but it does not improve. His friends try to involve him in a crime, which he manages to get out of, he unsuccessfully tries to replace his car's motor, and in general, society gives him a hard time with handling it all. In the end, he continues to work long, exhausting hours in the slaughterhouse while his family remains at home, by his side. Most importantly, he continues to be unable to alter the course of his life, no matter how hard he tries. Both movies paint dismal images of life in a world at or below the poverty line.


Interestingly, both of these films involve instances of damaged vehicles. Wendy's 1988 Honda Accord has a cracked engine and would cost $2000 to replace. Stan's vehicle also requires a new engine. In both cases, the characters are unsuccessful with replacing the part. Wendy can not afford a new engine and Stan's new engine fall out of his truck and cracks. These instances can be viewed as symbols of the lack of mobility each character faces in society. Both want desperately to improve their situation, but due to unfortunate circumstances, they are forced by society to remain where they are.


While each movie focuses on class and poverty, they present strikingly different scenarios. Wendy actually seems to face more hope and opportunities than Stan does. In her case, race doesn't play along side her struggle, if anything, her gender would factor in to the equation, but this doesn't seem to be the case. As a result of her race, Wendy is able to navigate society in a slightly easier manner than Stan. She is still scrutinized and is held accountable for her actions, such as shoplifting the dog food, but her race potentially softens the blow. After an initial run in with the Walgreens security guard, she gets along well with him, ultimately befriending him. Later on, he lets her borrow his phone to help her locate Lucy. If Stan were faced with a similar situation, the outcome may have been different on account of his race. One can not be certain, but it stands to reason, even on a small, almost unnoticeable level, the color of his skin would have affected the security guard's actions and feelings toward him. With Stan, as if being poor wasn't hard enough, his race plays against him when it comes to bettering his life. He is faced with stereotyping which prohibits him from exploring certain opportunities that would be inherently easier for Wendy.