STRUGGLE FOR LIFE OF KATE IN NICK CASSAVETES’S Struggle For Life Of Kate In Nick Cassavete's My Sister's Keeper Movie (2009) : A Humanistic Approach.

STRUGGLE FOR LIFE OF KATE IN NICK CASSAVETES’S
MY SISTER’S KEEPER MOVIE (2009):
A HUMANISTIC APPROACH

RESEARCH PAPER

Submitted as a Partial Fulfillment of Requirement
for Getting Bachelor Degree of Education
in English Department

by:
AJENG RIZA NURVITA
A.320 080 314

SCHOOL OF TEACHER TRAINING AND EDUCATION
MUHAMMADIYAH UNIVERSITY OF SURAKARTA
2012

APPROVAL
STRUGGLE FOR LIFE OF KATE IN NICK CASSAVETES’S
MY SISTER’S KEEPER MOVIE (2009):

A HUMANISTIC APPROACH

RESEARCH PAPER

by:
AJENG RIZA NURVITA
A.320 080 314

Approved to be Examined by the Consultant Team

First Consultant

Second Consultant

Dr. Phil. Dewi Candraningrum, M. Ed.
NIK.772

ii

Titis Setyabudi, S. S., M. Hum.

NIK.948

ACCEPTANCE
STRUGGLE FOR LIFE OF KATE IN NICK CASSAVETES’S
MY SISTER’S KEEPER MOVIE (2009):
A HUMANISTIC APPROACH
by

AJENG RIZA NURVITA
A. 320 080 314

Accepted by the Board of Examiners
School of Teacher Training and Education
Muhammadiyah University of Surakarta

Team of Examiners
1. Dr. Phil. Dewi Candraningrum, M. Ed.

(……………………..)

(Chair Person)

2. Titis Setyabudi, S.S., M. Hum.

(.…………………….)

(Member I)

3. Drs. Abdillah Nugroho, M.Hum.

(……………………..)

(Member II)

The Dean of Teacher Training and Education Faculty

Drs. H. Sofyan Anif, M. Si.
NIK: 547
iii

TESTIMONY

Herewith, I testify that in this research paper, there is no plagiarism of the
previous literature works which have been raised to obtain bachelor degree of a
university, nor there are opinions nor masterpieces which have been written or
published by others, except those which the writing are referred in the manuscript,
mentioned in literature review and bibliography.
In the next day, if it is proven that there are some untrue statements in this
testimony hence I will hold fully responsibility.

Surakarta, 24 January 2012

Ajeng Riza N

iv

MOTTO

 V erily AL L AH is the All Knower of Everything
(The W riter)

 D oa Seorang I bu adalah Kunci Pembuka Rahmat AL L AH
(The W riter)

v

DEDICATION

This research paper is proudly and t rut hfully dedicat ed t o:

M y beloved mot her “Sri Sugihast ut i”
M y beloved f at her “M akasin”
M y dearest sist er and brot her “Sint a” and “Kemal”
 “M y Guardian

vi

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarokatuh

First and foremost, the writer would like to express gratitude and say
Alhamdulillahirabbil’alamin to Allah SWT, the most gracious, most Merciful,
and compassionate so that the writer can finish the research paper as a partial
fulfillment of the requirement of getting a Bachelor degree of Education in
English Department.
The writer is fully aware that this research paper could not be finished without the
other people’s help. Therefore, the writer would like to express her gratitude and
appreciation to:
1. Drs. H. Sofyan Anif, M.Si, the Dean of School of Teacher Training and
Education of Muhammadiyah University of Surakarta.
2. Titis Setyabudi, S.S., M. Hum, the Chief of English Department in
Muhammadiyah University of Surakarta.
3. Dr. Phil. Dewi Candraningrum, M. Ed, the first consultant who has guided and
given advices during the arrangement of this research paper.
4. Titis Setyabudi, S.S., M. Hum, the second consultant who has corrected this
research paper and given suggestion for the writer and also as the Academic
Consultant who has guided and helped the writer during the study.
5. All lecturers in English Department of UMS for quenching her thirst of
English knowledge.
6. Her great parents, Sri Sugihastuti and Makasin, who never stop to give her

their love, prayer, and support in her life. They are her spirit and her reason to
be the best in everithing. She love them so much ever after.
7. Her Grandfather who always prayer for her. He is her idol.
8. Her lovely sister and brother, Sinta and Kemal, for their support and attention.
9. Her dearest one Hercules, who always accompanies her all the time, thank you
for all the sacrifices, patience, and loving her with his beautiful way.

vii

10. Her best friends Lala Sutinah, for her kindness, support, and prayer. Thank
you very much for everything. It’s very enjoyable to make a friendship with
you.
11. Her dearest friends in her boardinghouse, Falupi, Piky, Erna, Ninik, And Putri
for all beautiful moments we shared together, hopefully forever. It is very
wonderful to spend the time with you all.
12. All her friends in English Department, especially for class H, thank you guys.
13. All of people that cannot be mentioned one by one, for being part of the writer
life.

Finally, the writer entirely realizes that her paper is far from being perfect.

Therefore, the writer is very pleased to accept suggestions and criticism, for
progress of this research paper.

Wassalamualaikum Wr. Wb.

Surakarta, 24 January 2012
Ajeng Riza N

viii

TABLE OF CONTENT

COVER……………………………………………………………………......

i

APPROVAL…………………………………………………………...….......

ii

ACCEPTANCE…...…………………………………………………….........

iii

TESTIMONY…………………..…………………………………….............

iv

MOTTO...………………………………………………………......................

v

DEDICATION…………………...……………………………………...........

vi

ACKNOWLEDGMENT..………………………………………………........ vii
TABLE OF CONTENT………………..………………………………….....

ix

TABLE OF FIGURES..……………………………………………………... xiii
SUMMARY…….........…………………………………………….................. xvi
CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION
A. Background of the Study................................................

1

B. Literature Riview............................................................

6

C. Problem Statement..........................................................

8

D. Limitation of the Study...................................................

8

E. Objective of the Study....................................................

8

F. Benefit of the Study........................................................

9

G. Research Method............................................................

9

H. Research Paper Organization.......................................... 11
CHAPTER II UNDERLYING THEORY
A. Notion of Human Psychology......................................... 12

ix

B. Basic Concept of Humanistic Psychology...................... 14
1. Physiological Needs.................................................... 14
2. Safety Needs............................................................... 14
3. Belongingness and Love Needs.................................. 14
4. Esteem Needs.............................................................. 15
5. Self-Actualization Needs............................................ 15
C. Structure Element of the Movie.....................................

20

1. Narrative Elements.....................................................

20

a. Character and Characterization........................... 20
b. Casting................................................................ 21
c. Plot...................................................................... 22
d. Setting................................................................. 23
e. Point of View...................................................... 23
f.

Theme................................................................. 24

g. Intent of Message................................................ 24
2. Technical Element...................................................... 25
a. Mise-en-Scene..................................................... 25
b. Cinematography.................................................. 27
c. Sound.................................................................. 29
d. Editing................................................................. 29
D. Theoretical Application.................................................. 30
CHAPTER III STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS
A. Structural Element of My Sister’s Keeper Movie........... 31

x

1. Narrative Element....................................................... 31
a. Character and Characterization........................... 31
b. Casting................................................................ 47
c. Plot...................................................................... 48
d. Setting................................................................. 52
e. Point of View...................................................... 55
f.

Theme................................................................. 57

g. Intent of Message................................................ 57
2. Technical Elements................................................... 58
a. Mise-en-Scene..................................................... 58
b. Cinematography.................................................. 65
c. Sound.................................................................. 69
d. Editing................................................................. 69
B. Discussion....................................................................... 71
CHAPTER IV HUMANISTIC PSYCHOLOGYCAL ANALYSIS
A. Humanistic Psychology of Kate.....................................

75

1. Physiological Needs...................................................

75

2. Safety Needs............................................................... 78
3. Belongingness and Love Needs.................................. 79
4. Self-Esteem Needs...................................................... 80
5. Self-Actualization Needs............................................ 82
B. Discussion....................................................................... 88

xi

CHAPTER V CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTION
A. Conclusion...................................................................... 91
B. Suggestion....................................................................... 92
BIBLIOGRAPHY
VIRTUAL REFERENCES
APPENDIX

xii

TABLE OF FIGURES

Figure 1. Kate Fitzgerald.................................................................................... 32
Figure 2. Anna Fitzgerald................................................................................... 34
Figure 3. Sara Fitzgerald..................................................................................... 36
Figure 4. Brian Fitzgerald................................................................................... 38
Figure 5. Jesse Fitzgerald...................................................................................

39

Figure 6. Aunt Kelly........................................................................................... 40
Figure 7. Taylor Ambrose..................................................................................

41

Figure 8. Campbell Alexander...........................................................................

42

Figure 9. Joan De Salvo..................................................................................... . 43
Figure 10. dr. Chance......................................................................................... . 44
Figure 11. dr. Wayne.......................................................................................... 45
Figure 12. dr. Elleana Farquad...........................................................................

46

Figure 13. Nurse Adele....................................................................................... 47
Figure 14. In Front of Hospital........................................................................... 52
Figure 15. Inside of Hospital.............................................................................. 52
Figure 16. In Front of Stanley Mosk................................................................... 52
Figure 17. Inside of Stanley Mosk...................................................................... 53
Figure 18. Festival.............................................................................................. 53
Figure 19. Los Angeles Department.................................................................. 53
Figure 20. Kitchen in Fire Department............................................................... 54
Figure 21. Fitzgerald’s Car 1.............................................................................. 54

xiii

Figure 22. Fitzgerald’s Car 2.............................................................................. 54
Figure 23. Anna Looks at Kate..........................................................................

55

Figure 24. Kate as an Object..............................................................................

55

Figure 25. Anna in Though................................................................................

56

Figure 26. Kate’s Scrapbook..............................................................................

56

Figure 27. In Front of Fitzgerald’s House.......................................................... 58
Figure 28. Fitzgerald’s Dinning House..............................................................

58

Figure 29. Doctor Uniform................................................................................. 61
Figure 30. Fireman Uniform.............................................................................. . 61
Figure 31. De Salvo’s Costume.......................................................................... 61
Figure 32. Nurse Uniform..................................................................................

61

Figure 33. Make-up for Major Character...........................................................

62

Figure 34. Make-up for Minor Character........................................................... 62
Figure 35. Kate is Bleeding................................................................................ 63
Figure 36. Kate is Pale.......................................................................................

63

Figure 37. Hard Lighting...................................................................................

63

Figure 38. Soft Lighting.....................................................................................

64

Figure 39. Dark Lighting...................................................................................

64

Figure 40. Bright Lighting.................................................................................

64

Figure 41. Straight in Angle..............................................................................

66

Figure 42. High Angle.......................................................................................

66

Figure 43. Low Angle........................................................................................

66

Figure 44. Extreme Long Shot...........................................................................

67

xiv

Figure 45. Long Shot.........................................................................................

67

Figure 46. Medium Long Shot..........................................................................

67

Figure 47. Medium Shot....................................................................................

68

Figure 48. Medium Close-up.............................................................................

68

Figure 49. Extreme Long Shot...........................................................................

68

Figure 50. Axis of Action................................................................................... 69
Figure 51. Establishing Shot..............................................................................

70

Figure 52. Reverse Shot.....................................................................................

70

Figure 53. Eyeline Match...................................................................................

70

Figure 54. Match Action....................................................................................

71

Figure 55. Cross Cutting....................................................................................

71

Figure 56. Kate eating........................................................................................

76

Figure 57. Kate Sleeping....................................................................................

77

Figure 58. Kate Wear a Dress............................................................................

77

Figure 59. Kate Kissing.....................................................................................

84

Figure 60. Kate in the Beach..............................................................................

85

Figure 61. Scrapbook.........................................................................................

87

xv

SUMMARY
AJENG RIZA NURVITA. A320 080 314. STRUGGLE FOR LIFE OF KATE
IN NICK CASSAVETES’S MY SISTER’S KEEPER MOVIE (2009): A
HUMANISTIC APPROACH. MUHAMMADIYAH UNIVERSITY OF
SURAKARTA. RESEARCH PAPER. 2012.
This study concerns with the movie entitled My Sister’s Keeper which is
directed by Nick Cassavetes. The Analysis of this research paper is focused on the
major character, Kate Fitzgerald, based on structural elements and humanistic
perspective.
This research is conducted by using qualitative method. The object of this
study is My Sister’s Keeper movie by Nick Cassavetes. In this method, the writer
uses two data sources, namely primary and secondary data source. The primary
data is the movie itsefl and the secondary data are the other data which have
relationship with the study, such as the articles from internet, the books and other
relevant information.
The outcome of the study shows the following conclusions. Firstly, based
on the structural analysis, it is indicated that each of narrative and technical
element present a unity. Secondly, the humanistic approach shows that basic
needs are the needs owned by every human being that are urgent to be fulfilled.
The basic needs appear in inner sense as a motivation of human activities to
struggle.

First Consultant

Second Consultant

Dr. Phil. Dewi Candraningrum, M.Ed.
NIK.948

Titis Setyabudi, S. S., M. Hum.
NIK.772

The Dean of Teacher Training and Education Faculty

Drs. H. Sofyan Anif, M. Si.
NIK. 547

xvi