On the Waterfront is a film that explores the story of a clumsy man, Terry Malloy, who suffers while trying to stop the forces who wish to destroy him and the woman he loves. Kazan uses this internal conflict to emphasize that understanding is possible, even in the darkest circumstances, using Edie Doyle and Father Barry to guide the protagonist in his quest for the truth. The deaths of a number of longshoremen as well as the harsh scenes in which Johnny Friendly is seen beating his union members or manhandling Terry are examples of moments where Terry suffers and learns from those who are supposed to guard them. Kazan uses these scenes to paint a bad picture of the union for Terry so he can form his own opinion. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essay Terry's understanding and perception of justice plays a key role in the film as Johnny Friendly appears to deny his immoral actions, but don't do it. I don't see this as a mistake. Terry says "He wasn't a bad boy, that Joey", to which a passerby says "He was a canary", illustrating the differences in understanding between them, further emphasizing the learning phase Terry is going through. After the murder of Joey Doyle, very few people in the community are willing to express their opinion on the murder. Terry waits to confess until the end of the film but is guided in his understanding by Edie and his father. Barry.Father. Barry is used by Kazan in the film as a representation of doing the right thing at all costs and he preaches this idea to Terry. Terry's view of the world and himself slowly changes and transforms throughout the film as he listens to the Father. Barry's teachings. When Father Barry stands by Dougan's body, we witness a moment of change for Terry, as Friendly's employees throw trash at the father. Barry Terry tells them to stop and even gets into a fight with a boss. Terry, at this point, goes from being hesitant about the union to understanding the treatment of his people and unites with his father. Barry to stop this from continuing. Terry's understanding after his moment with his brother Charley shows not his understanding of how the mob works but his understanding now that every part of the mob is corrupt and immoral, vowing to stop it. As he convinces his brother to join him, Charley says he can only lie to Friendly, but also gives Terry a gun to use, which he ends up not really using. After the scene in which Charley is seen murdered in an alley, Terry finally breaks down and wants to testify before the commission so that the union can be arrested. Terry's final moment after his court testimony is the scene in which he confronts Friendly for his crimes. . Terry approaches the building and, in discussion with Friendly, remarks that "I'm standing here now", signifying his new allegiance to the longshoremen and his understanding of how they were treated and the moral side he should adopt. After this, the fight scene ensues, leaving Terry broken physically but not spiritually while leaving Friendly worthless in the eyes of his union members. This happens with the union no longer controlling anyone and Terry leading the men as he stumbles into the boat, showing them he can beat the union. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Kazan's Film Helps Terry Understand Who He..