Happy Gilmore (1996) Analysis

World Building:

How is this world establish? 

Happy Gilmore world is established by showing a montage Gilmore's upbringing, wearing Hockey clothes clothes, showing us he's good at that sport, while showing credits. This establishes Gilmore's anger issues and his love for Hockey. This is shown through a medium shot of Gilmore after the credits and upbringing, where Gilmore slams the rival team onto the plastic screen at the side of the Hockey court. The camera is placed behind the plastic screen, which shows us the director intention was to grab the audience attention, as the film is starting. This also sets up Gilmore's character and what he is going to be like. 

How does Happy Gilmore establish rules or backstory?

The backstory of Happy Gilmore is established at the start of the film, showcasing the anger issues of the main character. This shows us that the writer and director is following the rule of a realistic film category. The second scene is between Gilmore and his girlfriend arguing about Hockey. This shows us Gilmore relationships are taking a backseat, whereas Hockey is front and centre. This conveys Gilmore passion for Hockey and goals in life, that he wants to make something of himself, then date and focus on family at his age of 30 years old. Gilmore then looses his right to play Hockey competitively, which creates a emotion and metal state to be low and drives his determination to be paused. 

What happens in Happy Gilmore that develops/changes the world?

Gilmore finds out his Mother's house is being reprocessed by the bank, which puts his Mother into a home. This creates a change in the development of Gilmore by wanting to buy back his Grandmother's house back of the bank before the auction, which means he needs to create a source of income fast. At this point Happy is leaving the care home and finds two men playing golf  that are bad at that sport. In this scene, the camera is facing up to Gilmore, while the two men have the camera facing down (medium shots). This could tease the audience into Gilmore being a pro golf, without even knowing himself. This technique is often used to separate the Protagonists and the Antagonist. 

What is happening Happy Gilmore? (Main Storyline).

In Happy Gilmore the main storyline is about a guy, who is at the peak of his life, using lots of low angle shots to portrait the highlight of his life. This shows the audience, Gilmore is living life to the fullest. However, this changes when happy is at his Mother's house, getting told her house is being reprocessed by the bank. At this point Gilmore's camera angle changes to a high angle shot, to show the audience his life is about to change and creates a new determination to buy back her house. during these first few scenes the camera shots are mainly medium shots, this is could represent Gilmore's insecurities and him feeling overwhelmed by the multiple characters in one shot. Gilmore would then find these two men, who are bad at golf, which the two men bet he couldn't hit the ball past the first man's ball. This then shows the audience a new found hobby that could potentially buy back his Mother's house, which it does. In scenes where Gilmore and his Mother are in, they show their relationship as close. This shown through shots being medium shots and them being in the same shot. While Gilmore goes from tournament to tournament, he finds a coach, who gets Gilmore to channel his anger into golf, which makes a name for Gilmore in the golfing industry. 

Are there any forces trying to STOP change?

Shooter McGavin,  who is played by Christopher McDonald. McGavin is a pro golfer that would eventually play against Gilmore. McGavin creates hatred for Gilmore's unorthodox methods. This is shown through keeping enemies closer by inviting him to expensive dinners to see what his angle is to stop Gilmore from winning and playing any competitive golf. 

How do the characters change?

• Happy Gilmore (Protagonist)

• Shooter McGavin and Donald (Antagonists)

Gilmore (Protagonist) starts out as I angry, failed Hockey player, who would learn to control his anger by playing golf. However, Shooter McGavin (Antagonist) did not like that Gilmore was using techniques that are not traditional methods. McGavin would pay Donald to engagement bait Gilmore as McGavin found that Gilmore has anger issues. Gilmore would use the built up anger to power his powerful swing in golf. By the end of 'Happy Gilmore.' Gilmore becomes successful and calmer and happier with his new found girlfriend Virginia Venit. However, McGavin is arrogant, who wants to protect the Traditions of golf boosted by his big ego, who foils for Gilmore (Protagonists). His character does not change throughout the film and would face a humiliating defeat by Gilmore multiple times. Although, McGavin could of been less egotistical, before Gilmore debut in competitive golf.