Brubaker: A Guide for Viewing, Understanding, and Applying the Film

8 Pages Posted: 17 Jun 2009

See all articles by James G. Clawson

James G. Clawson

University of Virginia - Darden School of Business

Abstract

This guide is an instructional packet for viewing the full-length feature film Brubaker, starring Robert Redford and based on a true story from a prison in Arkansas. The guide allows for stopping the film at certain spots and then answering questions in the guide. A short discussion of the students' answers and then continuing the film to see what happened permits students to compare their approaches with those taken by Brubaker. The film is powerful; some may find it a bit too violent in places, but most students will find its insight into managing change compelling.

Excerpt

UVA-OB-0354

BRUBAKER: A GUIDE FOR VIEWING, UNDERSTANDING,

AND APPLYING THE FILM

The movie Brubaker describes an actual event from 1971 and 1972, in which Henry Brubaker (Robert Redford) is appointed the new warden of Wakefield State Prison. In order to learn about the prison, Brubaker arranges to be admitted in disguise as a prisoner. The film depicts his attempts to reform the institution.

Brubaker provides an excellent vehicle for highlighting the factors that influence the success of organizational change efforts and examining the managerial role in those change efforts. We will stop the film at several points to ask questions and generate discussion on those topics and others. The pages that follow include discussion questions for some of the major stopping points in the film. Please do not read ahead, but wait until asked to turn to the next page.

Since the film attempts to depict prison life realistically, it includes very strong language, some graphic violence, and brief nudity. We hope that will not obstruct your ability to see the change processes at work in this situation and to learn from them.

. . .

Keywords: change, management of, leadership

Suggested Citation

Clawson, James G., Brubaker: A Guide for Viewing, Understanding, and Applying the Film. Darden Case No. UVA-OB-0354, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1421071 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1421071

James G. Clawson (Contact Author)

University of Virginia - Darden School of Business ( email )

P.O. Box 6550
Charlottesville, VA 22906-6550
United States

HOME PAGE: http://www.darden.virginia.edu/faculty/clawson.htm

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