In the Heat of the Night - Movie

My class watched the film " In the Heat of the Night" directed by Norman Jewison. While watching the movie I was left with many different emotions. 

Watching this movie kept leading me back to another film, The Green Mile directed by Frank Darabont. Although two different films they touch on the same issues and conflicts in their own way. 

Both movies shed light on the painful realities of discrimination, racism, and stereotypes. 

Although tough,"In the Heat of the Night" directly shows how important it is to always have the ability to stand up for yourself no matter what. 

Virgil Tibbs is the main character in the movie, and although he is faced with discrimination and inequality, the same people treating him as less are expecting him to help. 

He was immediately treated unfairly and disrespected due to the color of his skin, even facing closed minded and white southern oppression he stays calm and collected. 

He is continuously showing intelligence and maintaining confidence within himself, even when no other person will. 

Many things stood out to me when watching this film, but what stood out to me most was the way he did not allow peoples negative mindset towards to determine who he was and the work he was there to do. 

Throughout the entire movie, Virgil stays calm and determined, it is almost uncanny at times. 

In my opinion, one of the most crucial parts within the movie is when I saw the situation that Virgil is in.

 He is an experienced detective from the North, and now he finds himself in a southern town where the systems and ideals are completely different from the north. 

Everywhere he turns there are people constantly judging him, he can't even be confident and comfortable with "his own people"... the local police department and officials. 

Watching the movie, made me think deeply about what I would have done if I were to be in Virgils position. 

I don't think I would have been able to handle the situation as well as Virgil did. I would directly challenge the treatments that are unfolding in front of me. 

Throughout the film, Virgil is constantly making differences but not giving into the pressure and accepting the hate and disrespect that is thrown at him. 

He uses his knowledge and experiences to prove himself. He doesn't not stoop down to anyones level which is crucial in character development and standing up for ones self. 

He sheds light on the fact that physical violence is not always the answer, being the bigger person and showing that the hate does not affect you, is. 

Being calm and collected is always the best way to prove your worth. 

This film shows that changing something can mean more than changing the views and ideas that others may have. 

Towards the end of the movie, the chief and Virgil become closer and more confident in one another. 

We see this when the chief decides to sit in the back seat, letting Virgil sit in the front seat with the deputy. 

Even though no words were exchanged, all respect was. 

Real and true change, takes time. 

In all, In the Heat of the Night, has opened my eyes to different perspectives and fights for freedom.