The Film “Californication”, Essay Example

There was one HBO series, which I was interested in seeing, and wish that we had screened this term. It addresses many of the ideas, theories, discourses, issues, and debates covered throughout the course. Every person who loves comedy-drama series may be aware of the unfolding of events in the series Californication. The film revolves around a couple of main characters, who include hank Moody (David Duchonvy), his lover Karen (Natascha McElhone), and Becca (Madeleine Martin), their daughter (Rabin 2). The most controversial instance in this film is episode 10 of season 1 (Turn the Page). The recurring themes in this episode are rock and roll, drugs, and sex (Lambert 10). The unfolding of main events in this episode represents reality in sub-urban regions. Apart from vices brought out such as sex and drugs, the episode also represents some virtues such as faithful and responsibility in marriage.

This series is a perfect choice for the subject matter of this course since it represents real events of general as well as marriage life. It discusses several ideas in life such as the roles of a man, a woman, and children in marriage. Hank is deployed in the plot to bring out the activities of a man in an effort to practice morality. Karen is included in the plot to bring out the role of responsible woman. Although Hank tries to live a faithful life, he always faces challenges and become a victim (Rabin 2). In this episode, two women seduce him in the rings and immediately becomes a victim of male abuse. His wife, Karen, arrives and meets him in the “act.” Although she is infuriated because of his actions, she attributes his behavior to alcohol abuse (Lambert 11). Alcohol and substance abuse have affected his life as a novelist to a point where Karen loses faith in him. From the above general outlook of the film, it is clear that this film relates to the ideas, issues, and discourse discussed in this course.

One of the main ideas brought out in this episode is immorality. This episode starts with a brief preview of Hank’s physical activities in his life out of writing (Californication). He is trying to be busy in order to destruct his mind from his inborn desires. He is so busy that he did notice a girl that approaches him. The girl, Laura, reminds him of his past on their once dysfunctional relationship that ended in a fight. Another girl, Marcy, also arrives and continues to seduce Hank. The aftermath of Laura and Marcy’s advances was a sexual intercourse in the ring (Rabin 3). Karen arrives at the same time and catches him in the “act.” Her reaction is what portrays the theme of immorality in the episode. Although everybody in the scene is dazed because of her arrival, she remains very calm and walks away. She is so used to Hank’s unfaithfulness that she accepted his immoral behavior. Many behavioral activists may criticize her actions that condone immorality at a time when there are so many risks associated with it.

This episode is also important for this course since it has several cultural references. In the conversation between Hank and Charlie in the right, Hank can be quoted saying, “Your shit is fucked up.” In the quotation he is referring to Warren Zevon’s song, “Life Will Kill You.” (Californication) He is aware of his actions and the dangers associated with it. He reflects on his drinking habit and is angered by his own actions. Additionally, he reflects on his adulterous life and cannot help but feel sorry for his faithful wife Karen. In the same episode, he goes to a bar for a drink with his friend Charlie. They change their names to Raoul Duke and Dr. Gonzo – some of the main characters in the Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas film (Lambert 12). This change of name is significant for Hank because he is always struggling to turn over a new leaf. Just like Raoul Duke in the film of reference, Hank wants to change to another character that would benefit his life and family.

This film is also significant in this course since the main character, Hank, has faith in family support. In the sofa at home, Hank says to Charlie, “Carry on my wayward sons.” In this quotation he refers to one of Kansa’s song called “Carry on Wayward Son.” This is a song was composed to build hope on people struggling with some of life challenges (Rabin 3). Hank has hopes that he life would transform although his wife has accepted it. Although his wife has given up, he believes that through efforts with his friend Charlie, his life would transform. In addition, he also quote saying, “Good Night and Good Luck” in his conversation with Charlie. He refers to journalist Edward Murrow film “Good Night, Good Luck.” (Californication) He believes in the concept of change that is brought out in the Edwards film. In this film, Senator Joe McCarthy transforms from his barbarous character to a responsible person in the state. Similarly, Hank believes that one day he will leave all and become a source of inspiration in his journalism work.

This film also fits the subject matter of this course since it portrays some elements of personal irresponsibility. Several characters such as Laura, Charlie, and Hank can be classified as irresponsible. When Laura recognizes Hank in the ring, she approaches him and tries to lure him into sex. She disregards the fact that he is married and has a teenage daughter. Additionally, Charlie is also an object of irresponsibility since he does not warn Hank about his irresponsible behavior (Californication). Actually, he flirts with one of the girls that approached Hank. He understands the efforts that Hank has put in his life to change his behavioral trend (Lambert 11). Hank also exhibits his irresponsibility while in the ring. As a married man, he understands the danger of involving in irresponsible behavior in public. That is why he is baffled when his wife arrives when he is in the “act” with the two girls.

At the end of the episode, Hank raises issues if religion and Christianity in the series. He is seen trying to design his blog called “Hank hates you all.” In this title he refers to one of his novels “God Hates us All.” (Californication) This novels revolves around several characters which a lot of iniquities. The protagonist in the novel, Lewis Southampton, is addicted to gambling. He spends more time in the casino that he spends with his wife and two sons (Lambert 13). Although is behavior can be considered as irresponsible according to moral standards, he recognizes the role of God in his life (Rabin 4). Similarly, Hank plays the role of God in his blog post. He is ready to retaliate against those criticizing since he is trying his best to change. According to Christians, this can be considered as blasphemy since he does not respect the role of God in his life.

The issue of “Male Gaze” is also brought out in the film. Throughout this episode, it can be noted that men are more advantaged than women are. For instance, the two women who met Hank in the gym agreed to have sex with right in the ring (Californication). Most gender activists would regard this as a male chauvinism since the two women operate on his orders. Later his wife decides to pay him a courtesy call and finds him in the act. It is morally right for a woman to resent to adulterous behavior of her husband (Lambert 10). Contrary to this, she watches the scene and decides to walk without saying a word. Back in the house, she does not show any signs of remorse contrary to viewers’ expectations (Rabin 4). All these scenes show the element of male dominance in the society.

From this discussion, Californication is a film that revolves around several issues in our society. Hank’s immorality is used to represent today’s family systems that are not governed by love and faithfulness. Some of the cultural references brought in the film such as the song “Life Will Kill You All” and the film “Good Night Good Luck” are used to represent personal efforts of individual trying to rectify on their behavior. The film also has some religion aspects when Hank decides to name his blog “Hank Hates You All” which reminds us of his novel “Good Hates You All.” Although he acknowledges God, this can be referred to as blasphemous.

Works Cited

Californication: Film. Dir. Tom Kapinos. USA: Totally Commercial Films, Aggressive Mediocrity, Twilight Time Films & Showtime Networks, 2007.

Lambert, David. Californication – Package Art, Bonus Showtime Episodes for Californication – The 1st Season. TV Shows on DVD. Retrieved July 28, 2014.

Rabin, Nathan. Californication: The First Season DVD Review. The A.V. Club. Retrieved July 28, 2014.