This film shows how ugly and life crushing depression can be. It characterized everything I felt when I was going through terrible sadness and depression. In a way, you don't realize how wrapped up you are in your own ego -- and your ego becomes a prison you created. I had always thought I had died and was in hell. It was dark and ugly and I hope to never go back. If you feel this way, please seek help, life can be so much better..every day a blessing. Good luck.
The whole fire thing reminds me a lot of Kierkegaard's famous clown parable: "A fire broke out backstage in a theatre. The clown came out to warn the public; they thought it was a joke and applauded. He repeated it; the acclaim was even greater. I think that's just how the world will come to an end: to general applause from wits who believe it's a joke." There's the same kind of symbolism there.
Credit for this insight goes to Adam Johnston over at YourMovieSucksDOTorg. The house on fire could be a ode to the playwright Tennessee Williams who said "We all live in a house on fire, no fire department to call; no way out, just the upstairs window to look out of while the fire burns the house down with us trapped, locked in it." This would fit right in with a major theme of the movie being the relentless march of time against our lives.
She moves into a volatile (house on fire) situation willingly just like she moved into Caden Cotard's (Philip Seymour Hoffman) life knowing it was on fire. Choosing misery.
Both Olives tattoos and the house on fire ties into one of the themes of the funeral monologue near the end of the film: "There are a million little strings attached to every choice you make, that can destroy your life every time you choose, but maybe you wont know for 20 years, and you may never ever trace it to it's source". Throughout the film Caden Cotard is crippled by indecision, saying "I don't know what I'm doing", unable to commit to anything.
I drew similar conclusions as Chen did. But the Amy really captured something that had never occurred to me -- the perpetually burning house and Hazel's acceptance of 'the end.' For a long time, I've been preoccupied with the fleeting nature of time. How I sometimes find myself obsessing about time, even down to the moments, so much so that I am ultimately doing nothing more than counting off time. The anxiety stems largely from a desire for a coherent sense of self. I don't know if Kaufman was making a statement here. I don't doubt that he's grappling with the subject, but I would guess that he still leans more toward Caden's paralyzing view of life. I think the stronger theme here is the idea Chen brings up, of compartmentalizing people as we attempt direct our lives. It's unavoidable because, as he said, people are at the periphery of our subjective experience--a problem hinted at in the title. But, of course, this subconscious experience can become an obsession and lead to sad outcomes, as depicted in the impossible attempt to capture the totality of life within a play. I'm looking forward to part 2. I've seen this four times and I really enjoy the analysis of key scenes (well, that may be an odd thing to say about a Kaufman film). Again, well done!
I feel like the burning house is a metaphor for Caden suffering from depression. She clearly sees his issues and knows the relationship will strand eventually but she still loves him enough to take the bad with the good.
The review and analysis were both amazing, and brought to light a few things I had missed (despite seeing the film several times). I think perhaps the only thing stated incorrectly was that Olive was told false truths about Caden being gay and having an affair with a man named Eric. These things, in fact, did happen, when the woman playing Ellen took over as Caden. Since he is seen adopting her clothing styles and inheriting her memories, it stands to reason that he also inherited the relationship she has with Eric. To me, this all seems to suggest that Caden had been dating Eric, had those memories, and had been a maid-- even when he was a man married to Adel. The line in the film, "The end is built into the beginning", is very applicable here. And the mind-bending, impossibly complex nature of this is very in line with Caden's directorial style (to paraphrase Caden: "Try to remember that we the audience know that you, a young man, are only playing an old character, but that you will one day become just as old yourself", in reference to his production of "Death of a Salesman")
I feel like this also ties into Caden's existential dread where he feels like he is losing himself. His wife views him as an impotent failure who only parodies works of others, I feel like after she leaves him he is completely sent into a chaotic mess where he does not see the lines between oneself and everyone else anymore. Through making the play he creates an environment where strangers playing roles are communicating with other strangers as though they share much more, when in reality there is nothing real or substantial about what they are doing. In the final scene, Caden proclaims his love for a woman that does not exist, and she repeats it back to him. Despite the fact that they are nonexistent people, who dont know each other, they are still able to share these emotions. It's so layered and strange that words really cant describe the experience or how it makes you feel.
Thanks a lot for the explanation. The quote about families being happy in similar ways but unhappy in different ways is not by Chekov. It is Tolstoy who begins Anna Karenina with that quote.
This is terrific, can't wait to see the second part. I didn't know it was intended as a horror film. I was so pleased to hear that because it absolutely is.
could the house on fire be a metaphor for Hazels relationship with Caden? Shes uncertain at first to buy it. Which is that she isn't certain on her emotions of Caden. But when they are first seen together in an almost relationship setting is in her house. So it could be that.
After watching this movie a few times I thought that maybe Olive's death scene was actually kind of nice. Yes, she has been poisoned and would rather believe the story she concocted for herself rather than the truth. However this is exactly how Caden lives his life. Even after being separated from for a lifetime, Olive still became her father's daughter.
bleak?...the whole film is bleak, this is quite the point. This is so close to what happens to so many people that you can hardly call it "film". It's whats so fantastic about being able to see all these layers transformed into the single little cosmic joke we get a fleeting glimpse of. One we can laugh or cry about.
Caden and Hazel get along like "a house on fire." That's the only relationship that seems to have a real connection, yet he is denying himself it, giving excuses for why it is wrong.
I realized.. all this movie is: the theatrical Visual interpretation of The Final Years of a Directors Life.. The Ending is Tied into the Beginning or how ever he says it.. think about... this Directors first Feature Length Film is About a Directors Last Project.. The women with the house on fire and His Wife Choosing Simplicity it's all How Directors Explain Life through Exaggerated Visual Metaphors.
It's like if we made a Movie About A Painter and Some people were All of a Sudden Paintings Or they instead of The Son Being a Boy He was a Goat because Seeing his son was the inspiration for a goat painting so every time He Saw him he was reminded. That's this Movie! His Wife Probably Wasn't in all reality an Artist that Made Micro Art.. that was probably a metaphor for how she always reminded him to think Small.. (which she was always Reminding him the power of Thinking Small).. The Guy Who Followed him was a Reminding him that His Actions DID effect Others.. Basically This movie is About a Man who Compartmentalizes Others lmaoo
The only helpful commentary on the film on youtube. Still, doesn't even notice the maid that became Cotard was the subject of the painting that must have been the painting of Cotard by Adele, and several other subtle bu key things. Alsos, Kaufman never explains his films. He's not giving hints when he says, "who cares." Of course he knows what he means. He also doesn't throw it "metajokes" or superfluity, as Amy for some reason suggests a couple times. And no King Lear connection? Still, the only good commentary on youtube. Thank you.
This movie always leaves me torn. On one hand, it's symbolism and clever tricks like the dates passing through breakfast, are pretty genius and fun to read into and pick apart. But on the other, the whole movie is so full of abstract and illogical bleakness, that there is no moment of respite that gives sympathy to this character you're watching. It lacks the charm that would make it re-watchable, which is a shame for me personally.
This film shows how ugly and life crushing depression can be. It characterized everything I felt when I was going through terrible sadness and depression. In a way, you don't realize how wrapped up you are in your own ego -- and your ego becomes a prison you created. I had always thought I had died and was in hell. It was dark and ugly and I hope to never go back. If you feel this way, please seek help, life can be so much better..every day a blessing. Good luck.
This says everything.
My friend has depression and tried to help him understand this but he doesn’t seem to budge :(
The whole fire thing reminds me a lot of Kierkegaard's famous clown parable: "A fire broke out backstage in a theatre. The clown came out to warn the public; they thought it was a joke and applauded. He repeated it; the acclaim was even greater. I think that's just how the world will come to an end: to general applause from wits who believe it's a joke." There's the same kind of symbolism there.
Seen this described as a comedy/drama, really needs to be a new category for this film - pure existential horror
Credit for this insight goes to Adam Johnston over at YourMovieSucksDOTorg.
The house on fire could be a ode to the playwright Tennessee Williams who said
"We all live in a house on fire, no fire department to call; no way out, just the upstairs window to look out of while the fire burns the house down with us trapped, locked in it."
This would fit right in with a major theme of the movie being the relentless march of time against our lives.
Wow... I didn't even realize the dates were changing *within* the same scene!
IKRRR. one of the biggest and most important details I missed, I was blown.
She moves into a volatile (house on fire) situation willingly just like she moved into Caden Cotard's (Philip Seymour Hoffman) life knowing it was on fire. Choosing misery.
This is one of the greatest movies ever made, and I love the fact that this is only part one, hopefully of many. Keep it up, great stuff
Both Olives tattoos and the house on fire ties into one of the themes of the funeral monologue near the end of the film: "There are a million little strings attached to every choice you make, that can destroy your life every time you choose, but maybe you wont know for 20 years, and you may never ever trace it to it's source". Throughout the film Caden Cotard is crippled by indecision, saying "I don't know what I'm doing", unable to commit to anything.
I drew similar conclusions as Chen did. But the Amy really captured something that had never occurred to me -- the perpetually burning house and Hazel's acceptance of 'the end.'
For a long time, I've been preoccupied with the fleeting nature of time. How I sometimes find myself obsessing about time, even down to the moments, so much so that I am ultimately doing nothing more than counting off time. The anxiety stems largely from a desire for a coherent sense of self. I don't know if Kaufman was making a statement here. I don't doubt that he's grappling with the subject, but I would guess that he still leans more toward Caden's paralyzing view of life.
I think the stronger theme here is the idea Chen brings up, of compartmentalizing people as we attempt direct our lives. It's unavoidable because, as he said, people are at the periphery of our subjective experience--a problem hinted at in the title. But, of course, this subconscious experience can become an obsession and lead to sad outcomes, as depicted in the impossible attempt to capture the totality of life within a play.
I'm looking forward to part 2. I've seen this four times and I really enjoy the analysis of key scenes (well, that may be an odd thing to say about a Kaufman film).
Again, well done!
This is turning out to be a truly fantastic youtube channel. I am loving every single one of the videos being put out. great stuff
Great video, but Caden's daughter's name is Olive, not Violet.
Whoops! This was my fault. I wrote it as "Violet" in our notes. I've added an annotation that reflects this error.
5:21 where can I find this “intro to the script” by Kaufman?
I feel like the burning house is a metaphor for Caden suffering from depression. She clearly sees his issues and knows the relationship will strand eventually but she still loves him enough to take the bad with the good.
I know i’m late… but i think when the movie start and he is already dead, all the movie is the thougt about life of codard about life
Phenomenal analysis of my favorite movie of all time. Can't wait to see Part 2!
The review and analysis were both amazing, and brought to light a few things I had missed (despite seeing the film several times). I think perhaps the only thing stated incorrectly was that Olive was told false truths about Caden being gay and having an affair with a man named Eric. These things, in fact, did happen, when the woman playing Ellen took over as Caden. Since he is seen adopting her clothing styles and inheriting her memories, it stands to reason that he also inherited the relationship she has with Eric. To me, this all seems to suggest that Caden had been dating Eric, had those memories, and had been a maid-- even when he was a man married to Adel. The line in the film, "The end is built into the beginning", is very applicable here. And the mind-bending, impossibly complex nature of this is very in line with Caden's directorial style (to paraphrase Caden: "Try to remember that we the audience know that you, a young man, are only playing an old character, but that you will one day become just as old yourself", in reference to his production of "Death of a Salesman")
I feel like this also ties into Caden's existential dread where he feels like he is losing himself. His wife views him as an impotent failure who only parodies works of others, I feel like after she leaves him he is completely sent into a chaotic mess where he does not see the lines between oneself and everyone else anymore. Through making the play he creates an environment where strangers playing roles are communicating with other strangers as though they share much more, when in reality there is nothing real or substantial about what they are doing. In the final scene, Caden proclaims his love for a woman that does not exist, and she repeats it back to him. Despite the fact that they are nonexistent people, who dont know each other, they are still able to share these emotions. It's so layered and strange that words really cant describe the experience or how it makes you feel.
Thanks a lot for the explanation. The quote about families being happy in similar ways but unhappy in different ways is not by Chekov. It is Tolstoy who begins Anna Karenina with that quote.
Who's Violet? You mean Olive?
This is terrific, can't wait to see the second part. I didn't know it was intended as a horror film. I was so pleased to hear that because it absolutely is.
I like the analysis. Would you talk about little winky in a later part?
could the house on fire be a metaphor for Hazels relationship with Caden? Shes uncertain at first to buy it. Which is that she isn't certain on her emotions of Caden. But when they are first seen together in an almost relationship setting is in her house. So it could be that.
The house on fire is both a metaphor for her relationship with Caden (unstable, volatile), and her acceptance of the inevitabillity of death.
Thanks for this great analysis. Helped me realize Charlie Kaufman is a genius.
Great work on this! Very insightful.
Thanks for this, I love this film.
Great points guys, glad I finally checked this out. Subscribed!
After watching this movie a few times I thought that maybe Olive's death scene was actually kind of nice. Yes, she has been poisoned and would rather believe the story she concocted for herself rather than the truth. However this is exactly how Caden lives his life. Even after being separated from for a lifetime, Olive still became her father's daughter.
Where is part 2???
I don't even know how many times I've seen this.
wheres part 2?
WOW!!!!! Sorry but I would be so lost trying to watch this movie. I'm confused just watching the trailer.
bleak?...the whole film is bleak, this is quite the point. This is so close to what happens to so many people that you can hardly call it "film". It's whats so fantastic about being able to see all these layers transformed into the single little cosmic joke we get a fleeting glimpse of. One we can laugh or cry about.
Caden and Hazel get along like "a house on fire." That's the only relationship that seems to have a real connection, yet he is denying himself it, giving excuses for why it is wrong.
Brilliant and spot on
You keep calling the daughter character "Violet" but her name was Olive.
I realized.. all this movie is:
the theatrical Visual interpretation of The Final Years of a Directors Life..
The Ending is Tied into the Beginning or how ever he says it.. think about... this Directors first Feature Length Film is About a Directors Last Project..
The women with the house on fire and His Wife Choosing Simplicity it's all How Directors Explain Life through Exaggerated Visual Metaphors.
It's like if we made a Movie About A Painter and Some people were All of a Sudden Paintings Or they instead of The Son Being a Boy He was a Goat because Seeing his son was the inspiration for a goat painting so every time He Saw him he was reminded. That's this Movie! His Wife Probably Wasn't in all reality an Artist that Made Micro Art.. that was probably a metaphor for how she always reminded him to think Small.. (which she was always Reminding him the power of Thinking Small)..
The Guy Who Followed him was a Reminding him that His Actions DID effect Others.. Basically This movie is About a Man who Compartmentalizes Others lmaoo
SOZZYLAND ... Jaden?
So beautifully ignited by the flame of life tragedy and its beautiful sweetness. I’ll buy that house on 🔥
Now I can sleep better at night. Well maybe not considering how desperate this movie is.
Hello E100 class. I have been waiting for you.
The only helpful commentary on the film on youtube. Still, doesn't even notice the maid that became Cotard was the subject of the painting that must have been the painting of Cotard by Adele, and several other subtle bu key things. Alsos, Kaufman never explains his films. He's not giving hints when he says, "who cares." Of course he knows what he means. He also doesn't throw it "metajokes" or superfluity, as Amy for some reason suggests a couple times. And no King Lear connection? Still, the only good commentary on youtube. Thank you.
Um maybe watch yourmoviesucks videos in the film he understands the filmva little better and goes more in depth .
V I O L E T
This movie always leaves me torn. On one hand, it's symbolism and clever tricks like the dates passing through breakfast, are pretty genius and fun to read into and pick apart.
But on the other, the whole movie is so full of abstract and illogical bleakness, that there is no moment of respite that gives sympathy to this character you're watching. It lacks the charm that would make it re-watchable, which is a shame for me personally.
This "interpretation" is so far off it's not even funny.