Little Miss Sunshine

It isn't too often that a film lacks a main character. I mean, what is a story without a main character? Who is the audience supposed to relate to? While the film Little Miss Sunshine might not have a main character, viewers will not have trouble finding someone to relate to in this cast.

The acting in this film was not overshadowed by any one character. There were multiple characters that each contributed equally through the use of an ensemble cast. This was a unique way to represent the story and that is why I feel that many viewers would be able to relate to this film. It was so realistic; all the actors in the ensemble cast represented a typical family. For example, each person in this film had a dream that they were completely dedicated to fulfilling. The father in Little Miss Sunshine wanted success for an inspirational program that he created, the son in this film took a vow of silence to show his dedication in becoming a pilot, and the daughter was focused on winning the Little Miss Sunshine pageant. The use of an ensemble cast provided many connections that viewers can make with each character.

Again, the reality of this film definitely made it a success. Most viewers will be able to relate to a at least one character in some way. Standing in the way of each character's dream was a struggle or challenge that had to be overcome. However, not all of the dreams in Little Miss Sunshine were fulfilled, just as people fail to fulfill dreams in real life. As seen in this film, there were financial burdens and even death that complicated life for the family.  In the end, the family pulled together despite their struggles and became one unit. It served as a message of hope during a rough period and many viewers can appreciate that.

As for the use of sound in this movie, there was only one part that actually stood out to me: the car horn that did not stop beeping. It took me some time to realize the significance and purpose that the car horn played in Little Miss Sunshine. It was almost a constantly nagging sound that represented the families constant conflict and just how dysfunctional they are. This reiterates the point that the family in Little Miss Sunshine was very similar to normal families in today's society.

In conclusion, the casting and acting in this film is what made it great. Each character was unique, but able to relate to viewers in some way. There was not any overshadowing of characters by a main or central character, which allowed viewers to view the characters as equals. Little Miss Sunshine proves that movies can have great success without superstar actors or a single main character.