Film Analysis: Hundert And Mr. Bell

1. A specific scene in the film that left a lasting impression was the argument in the men’s room between Professor William Hundert and Sedgewick Bell that occurred after the second Julius Caesar contest. The verbal exchange between both men was an example of the interpersonal conflict which occurs in interactions where there are real or perceived incompatible goals, scarce resources, or opposing viewpoints. The conflict arose when Professor Hundert was finally able to prove that Mr. Bell was cheating during the second Julius Caesar contest. For years, Professor Hundert had the suspicion that Mr. Bell had cheated during the first Julius Caesar contest; however, he was never able to prove it. As a result, Professor Hundert confronted Mr. Bell
The verbal exchange between Professor Hundert and Mr. Sedgewick Bell demonstrates the concept of interpersonal conflict since each character had opposing viewpoints regarding the cheating. Professor Hundert was disappointed in Mr. Bell because he knew that Mr. Bell had the ability to be a better person. Professor Hundert had at one time felt pride in how much Mr. Bell had improved both in his behavior and academic studies. Professor Hundert had taught Mr. Bell during his teenage years and had witnessed Mr. Bell change from a rebellious teen with below average grades to a hard-working student who began earning “A’s” in his studies. Therefore, Professor Hundert felt disappointed with Mr. Bell’s cheating and told him that “one day we’re forced to look at ourselves in the mirror and see who we really are, and when that day comes, Sedgewick, you will be confronted with a life lived without virtue, without principal….” To make matters worse, Mr. Bell did not show any remorse or embarrassment for his cheating. Instead, he questioned who even cared about the professor’s principals and virtues. Mr. Bell further made the argument that he “lived in the real world where people do what they want, and if its lying or cheating, then so be