Rock 'n' Roll High School - Essay Example

Assignment Rock ‘n’ Roll High School “Rock ‘n’ High School is systematic anarchy. Anarchyis not chaos.” The interpretation of the term anarchy is rather interesting in this context. Generally, the term anarchy describes the absence of some publicly recognized and organized government or some other kind of forceful political authority. However, political implications are not the only characteristics of anarchy. One may think of anarchy as a state of complete lawlessness or socio-political disorder, but it is not so always.

Anarchy might not imply an utter lack of political organization or authority. Rather, the term might describe a social situation of excessive libertarianism or direct democracy, as we find in the writings of John Cage. Thus, systematic anarchy would add more features to such a social situation. Systematic anarchy cannot lead to chaos, simply because it is systematic. The systemized social state of direct democracy or excessive libertarianism would definitely provide enough room for the individuals to express themselves.

The systematic anarchy would culminate at freedom of expression and action in a social state that would lack institutional rigidity but appreciate the good sides of human character. In the context of Rock ‘n’ Roll High School, this is the very social situation of a handful of hilarious students. They break conventions, do things that they should not, challenge our regular thinking, and explore a libertarian environment in the form of systematic anarchy. This systematic anarchy is not chaotic.

Rather it is expressionist, combined with the flavors of realism, surrealism, and satire. The very plot of Rock ‘n’ Roll High School sets the backdrop of this certain kind of anarchy. In the Vince Lombardi High School, principals suffer from nervous breakdowns as the students of the school completely disregard education and love rock ‘n’ roll whole heartedly. Through a sequence of exciting and sometimes, funny events, these students invite the ‘Ramones’ (a rock band) and take over the control of their school.

In response to this, they face criticism and pressure from their parents and teachers. The parents and teachers even move to police. Finally, in all this turmoil, the activities of the student lead to an explosive climax. Certain interesting scenes and sequences are created in the film. In the scene when the musical number “Do You Wanna Dance?” is set, we find the rock stars confused, even their instruments not plugged in, and the students jump and bounce all around in excitement and joy.

This is where the freedom of expression leads to a controlled chaos, and the anarchy exists, but in a systematic way. Again, there is a scene of gym class, where Riff Randal (performed by P.J. Soles) sings the title song “Rock ‘n’ Roll High School”, and the girls hilariously join her to dance, sing, and enjoy. Again this is a sequence of breaking the discipline and conventions, which adds meaning to the anarchic flavor. In the last scene, the school building is finally blown up. Apparently, this can be regarded as a natural part of the musical comedy.

However, this scene of explosion qualifies as a symbol of anti-institutional attitude, which accomplishes the environment of anarchy. Rock ‘n’ Roll High School can be described as a thought provoking phenomenon, which is apparently simplistic and provides ample comic relief. Issues like freedom of expression, rigidity of educational system, teenage dilemma, anti-institutionalism, and enthusiasm to break conventions are presented in random flow. The environment of systematic anarchy accompanied by occasional controlled chaos should be reflected on and enjoyed too.

Work CitedCage, John. Anarchy. Middletown CT: Wesleyan University Press. 2001. Print.