Movie Analysis: October Sky 1
Movie Analysis: October Sky
Brittany L. Thompson
School of Education, Liberty University
Movie Analysis: October Sky 2
October Sky Analysis
Summary Analysis
October Sky was an incredible movie that demonstrated adversities can be conquered if
an individual possesses the tenacity and determination to remain consistent. Homer Hickam was
from a small, poverty-stricken town (Coalwood, VA) where coal mining was the only option for
graduates who did not get accepted into a college or was determined to relocate and start from
scratch. “Only coal mining was more important in Coalwood than high-school football. Sputnik,
and anything else, was going to always come in a distant third” (October Sky, 1999). John who
was Homer’s father had a great passion for his job and believed that he would have the pleasure
of his sons joining him in the field of mining. However, he quickly discovered, that was a mere
imaginative desire that would not be fulfilled. The airing for the launch of “Sputnik” was the
beginning of a new change for the Hickam household. This rocket launch ignited more than a
fire for the rocket take off but a fire in Homer Hickman that led him to achieve great things later
in life.
Homer chose his dream of building a rocket and did not let anything or anyone hinder his
mission to successfully build the rocket. He was faced with opposition from his father,
classmates, and other individuals in the town of Coalwood; nevertheless, God will always make
provision for the purpose and promise over one’s life. Homer’s teacher, Mrs. Riley was an angel
in disguise along with his three classmates (Quentin, Roy, and O’Dell) who believed in his
dream and assisted him in launching a successful rocket. It reached a point to where Homer was
feeling so defeated, he gave up on the dream and joined his father in mine for a brief period.
Homer’s future seemingly looked like a dead end if he was to pursue his father’s path of coal
mining. The elevator to the mine seemed to be a cold and dreary one. It could serve as two
Movie Analysis: October Sky 3
purposes: one to motivate an individual to come out of that career or kill the dream on the inside
of the individual to believe that coal mining was all life had to offer. “In all its history, I think it
was Coalwood’s best moment, even though my dad lost to the union, and my mom was forced to
stay a little longer in the hills. Jake had it right. There’s a plan. If you’re willing to fight it hard
enough, you can make it detour for a while, but you’re still going to end up wherever God wants
you to be” (October Sky, 1999). However, the dream, the passion on the inside of Homer never
lost its flame for nudging him to pursue the rocket build. The book Mrs. Riley gifted him served
a major purpose to get him out of the distress he was facing with “allegedly” starting a fire with
one of his rockets. That book was a sign of her believing in Homer without ever having to say
the words. Everyone needs someone to believe in them.
Leadership Roles
Leaders are not just found in organizations or churches but rather right in individuals’
communities and family. In this film, leadership was portrayed from different angles and power
bases. “Power comes in many different forms, and leaders need to learn how to handle each
type” (Giang, 2013). Homer’s father, John was the head of their household as well as a
Superintendent of the coal mine. Then, there was Mrs. Riley, the teacher. These individuals held
influence in others lives. “Whether positively or not, leaders influence others. If that is true, then
certainly teachers are leaders, for teachers influence students cognitively, affectively, and
behaviorally. Moreover, it could be argued that the greatest of leaders are the teachers among us
and that any leader who truly desires to have an enduring impact must learn to teach" (Bredfedlt,
2006, p.18). Many times, teachers are not perceived as leaders, but they hold the qualities and
characteristics to lead, especially when it comes to influence.
The Head of the House
Movie Analysis: October Sky 4
John, Homer’s father, was the superintendent in the coal mine. He led a group of guys
who worked his shift and had to make decisions that were not always favorable. John was not the
same leader at home as he was at work. He was unsupportive of his son and not expressive in
his emotions regarding the decision Homer had made to pursue his dreams. In his household, he
seemed to have used legitimate power base. This power base from French and Raven can be
defined as, “the belief that a person has the formal right to make demands, and to expect others
to be compliant and obedient” (Mind Tools, 2021). This type of power drove his son to resent
him in a way. Just because he was Homer’s father did not mean he had the right to dictate or
belittle his dream. His heart was softened when he was informed of the trouble that Homer was
caused at the science fair. He did his part as a father and leader to contribute to the success of
Homer.
At the end, the father began to come around and was more accepting to the mission
Homer set out to do. One can also see forgiveness and grace being extending in the scene where
his father shows up to the final launch and Homer allows him the privilege to press the button for
the rocket to take off. “A rocket won’t fly unless somebody lights the fuse” (October Sky, 1999).
This act of kindness was commendable and his words during that moment to his father was
memorable.
Teacher as a Leader
Though Homer’s father maybe was a resistant force, he could seek refuge in Mrs. Riley.
She was the teacher who motivated and influenced the boys to enter the science fair. The support
of Mrs. Riley is what took Homer’s life to the next level. This teacher demonstrated love,
support, informational and reward power bases. She gifted Homer a book that would aid in
helping him calculate the trajectory of a rocket. This one gift assisted Homer and his friends to
Movie Analysis: October Sky 5
get out trouble with the legal authorities and thrusted him into his career as a rocket scientist.
Homer was so excited to have received the gift from his teacher. Even when she was trying to
explain to him that the information may be a bit challenging, he was up for the challenge. He
responded by saying, “I will learn. I will learn all of it” (October Sky, 1999). Though Mrs. Riley
took sick and was not present for the final launch, her contribution to get the boys to that had
made such an impact they named the rocket after her. It was symbolic at the same time because
due to her love and support, it caused the boys to take off and pursue the rocket even further and
win the science fair. She was able to see the manifestation of what supporting an individual
would do.
Conclusion
The movie started out with a boy and a dream and it demonstrated possible challenges
one may encounter when choosing to pursue a route that is not favorable among those familiar
with them. This movie will continue to serve as a constant reminder to the author that dreams
really do come true when you work at them and stay consistent. Though Homer had a moment
of defeat, he did not allow that moment to turn into giving up. The mental mindset and tenacity it
takes to persevere when no one in the family has done what you are trying to achieve, it seems
double challenging than someone who has a blueprint. However, Homer achieved the goal and
completed his mission. Several valuable lessons can be taken from this film, but one that the
researcher will always keep in mind is, “Defeat can only occur if you allow it access to your
mind.” This film has served a motivating factor to keep working toward the mission and goal of
completing the Ed. D. in Christian Leadership program.
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References
Bredfeldt, G. (2006). Great Leader, Great Teacher: Recovering the Biblical Vision for
Leadership (New ed.). Moody Publishers.
Film: October Sky. (1999). USA
Giang, V. (2013, August 1). The 7 Types Of Power That Shape The Workplace. Business Insider.
https://www.businessinsider.com/the-7-types-of-power-that-shape-the-workplace-2013-
7?international=true&r=US&IR=T
The Mind Tools. (2021). French and Raven’s Five Forms of Power: – Understanding Where
Power Comes From in the Workplace. Mind Tools.
https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newLDR_56.htm#:%7E:text=Legitimate
%20%E2%80%93%20This%20comes%20from%20the,to%20be%20compliant%20and
%20obedient.
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