Why did it rain frogs? And, why did everyone swear so much?
I think I need to watch Magnolia again. If I can spare an extra three hours. In hindsight, it would have been wise to read at least something about this movie before watching it. I didn't know much about the movie, other than Tom Cruise was in it (I really don't like Tom Cruise). I did expect that it would be an ordinary narrative film. When each of the characters started singing along with the soundtrack, I knew strange things were a foot. The frogs did me in though. It was about midnight when it began raining frogs, so it is entirely possible that I wasn't in the proper state of mind for frogs to be busting out windows. But still, why frogs? Poor things.
I've done some reading on Magnolia and have talked to two of my co-workers about it. Interestingly, my female co-worker and I were not offended by Frank and the "Seduce and Destroy" self-help parody. Somehow it just seemed appropriate for the person playing the character. We were both bothered by Lily and the waifish Claudia. You can probably guess that we have an aversion for weak female characters.
As for my other co-worker, he and I differed on our interpretation of the movie. My take on the theme of the movie was that fate was a strong influence in many of the character's lives. He thought that choice and the choices that people make in the past, present and future, was a strong theme in the movie. After listening to his explanation for why he thought that, I would agree slightly. There we also some reviews and other comments on the movie that alluded to his interpretation. A second viewing would be very helpful in actually figuring out if he was making a valid point and where exactly that theme is present in the film.
I can't say I was pleasantly surprised by this movie. I think I was more annoyed, but not in a bad way. It's like a splinter. It's under my skin, but not painful. It's just there, lingering, right below the surface.
at June 11, 2007 9:42 AMIf you watch it again, notice how many times the number 82 appears. It's shockingly everywhere. It's in reference to Exodus 8:2..
"But if you refuse to let them go, behold, I will smite your whole territory with frogs."
There is also a strong theme of forgiveness. What happens to the characters that learn to forgive (others/themselves)?
The swearing....P.T. Anderson. It's his schtick.
Posted by: Kate at June 13, 2007 11:23 AMIf you watch it again, notice how many times the number 82 appears. It's shockingly everywhere. It's in reference to Exodus 8:2..
"But if you refuse to let them go, behold, I will smite your whole territory with frogs."
There is also a strong theme of forgiveness. What happens to the characters that learn to forgive (others/themselves)?
The swearing....P.T. Anderson. It's his schtick.
Posted by: Kate at June 13, 2007 11:23 AMi will look for that. interesting.
forgiveness. okay, i agree that was a theme, too.
i guess i'm glad i haven't seen other movies by p.t. anderson. i was really offended by all the swearing. it just seemed like it was there because it could be. like a kid that first learns a swear word. they use it when it's not even effective. they do it because they can. i think that had a big influence on my impression of the film. if he's willing to throw in all that because he can - or because he likes to - what other garbage is he adding that is totally irrelevant?
Posted by: hope at June 13, 2007 11:40 AM