The relationship between a father and son is a particularly unique one. It is interesting for a number of reasons, the main one right now is the realization that I will never have a son. I am the father of two beautiful girls. I am, however blessed to have a father who loves me and a very good relationship with him. I also have a grandfather that provides support and a model for which I can observe.
The biggest reason is because of the seeming lack of interest by the society at large. All human beings need to be nurtured, valued, loved and that is not diminished based on gender. A son, needs love just like a daughter and because it seems to be ignored and not as easily expressed, that need becomes even more acute. When the human body is deprived of air, then a pure form of oxygen is needed for recovery. In the same manner sons need a pure form of love to make up for the emotional asphyxiation they experience on a daily basis. The relationship between a father and son is vitally important because a son is seeking approval, validation, praise, and most importantly love. When those things aren't there (or even perceived to be lacking) it often leads to problems. Hollywood seems to be very good at exploiting this fact in plot line after plot line.
In "Gladiator" Maximus is favored by Caesar over his own birth son. Caesar selects Maximus as the next Emperor and not his son. A son already jealous of a bond that his father has is moved to rage when his birthright is taken from him. Caesar does not provide the support and approval that his son begs for. His son kills him for it and is forever poisoned by it. He becomes emperor, a corrupt and evil one and the nemesis of Maximus, still resentful of the relationship he had with his father.
In the "Road to Perdition", the plot successfully juggles three relationships: one between a father and a young boy, one between a father and a grown man and one between a father-figure and surrogate son.
In the movie a Michale Sullivan, father of sinister means struggles to keep his son from becoming the monster he has become. He has come to realize that his young son worships him as a hero despite the villainous things he has done. He also realizes that the man that he looks to as his mentor and father-figure John Rooney, is directly responsible for making him a monster. Meanwhile, Connor, John's birth son is jealous of the bond between Mike and John and seeks revenge on both of them.
These are just two recent movies that demonstrate the importance of the father-son relationship. This theme is recurrent in several others as well as a significant amount of literature. Ironically it seems to be not nearly as important in the real world. I sometimes wonder why. Is it that men are so emotionally closed off that an effective examination can only take place on the silver screen, a place of superheros, magic and other fictional devices? I would like to think that I would be a very good father to a young boy and would provide the support, and love that he would need. God however had different ideas. I am blessed with two girls and my calling is to support, guide and love them so that they become successful adults. It is a big job that I have to do and for that I am thankful.
