COMPARE AND CONTRAST ESSAY

Compare and Contrast Essay: Ben Campbell and Frank Abagnale

Compare and Contrast Essay: Ben Campbell and Frank Abagnale

Introduction

Comparison two stories, characters, people have always resulted in finding similarities and distinction between two various things. Comparison of movies have been performed in numerous studies typically to prove which one is better; however, less focus been given on comparisons of character's characteristics. In this connection, this study will compare Ben Campbell (Jim Sturgess) from movie 21 and Frank Abagnale (Leonardo DiCaprio) and will answer the following questions: who is smarter? Socially confident, unpredictable and why?

Who is smarter?

Though, both Ben Campbell and Frank Abagnale have shown smartness in the movies, but analyzing both characters in this context, it can be claimed that Frank Abagnale was smarter than Ben. Ben Campbell, a person who while studying in M. I. T Boston strives to success and desire for a scholarship to transfer him to Harvard School of Medicine to become a doctor (Der, 2005). Though, he was unable to afford the expenses that are going to incur for pursing Medical related studies. The total amount Ben requires is $300,000, to complete his studies in masters, but was unable to afford the amount because of societal background. Meanwhile, he came in contact with a professor of math at M. I. T Mick Rosa, in a secretive and small club comprising of five people. Students Choi, Jill, Fisher and Kianna were under training of Professor Micky Rosa to learn the skills of counting cards in blackjack (Der, 2005a). They all fascinated by the hope to earn money, Campbell also joins the latest, secretive club after a small test.

Another reason why Frank can be considered smarter mentioned in the foregoing discussion, which clarifies that Ben is stealing for a purpose and have no such intentions (Der, 2005b). On the other hand, Frank's frauds are intentional, and his only purpose is to earn more and more money. This argument can be proved from the crime first committed by Frank. Abagnale's first serious cons were simple check frauds. Starting on his own, he would open bank accounts using fictitious names, write out checks for it after they were overdrawn and disappear before he could be caught. He eventually began using other methods to con money out of banks, such as placing checks with his bank account number written on them in the pile of remaining ones (Hayes & Lyons, 2002).

Franks started con at very young age, like Ben; however, probability of risk was much higher, although Frank smartness aids him in getting away with all his frauds. Frank learned to survive in the world very fast, which often termed as street smart, because he ran away from home when his parents divorced and learned everything from streets. In simple, Frank was smarter than Ben, because he has learned to con from the streets and Ben learn to count cards from Professor Rosa and the group.

Who is socially Confident?

In the movie, Frank has established contacts with many people and has ...