MovieChat Forums > Brewster McCloud Discussion > Re: I wish I understood It

Re: I wish I understood It


I completely agree, victoria4504, you sum it all up very nicely. MASH worked because the audience understands that it is about something. What is Brewster McCloud about pray tell? Why is he living in the Houston Astrodome? Where are his parents or family? Is he an orphan? Could anybody really get away with living somewhere in the upper level of the Houston Astrodome completely undetected by the police or any security personnel circa 1970? Typical liberal filmmaking arrogance, we're all just suppose to suspend disbelief and enjoy the bizarreness. The only enjoyable things in the movie for me was a topless shot of Sally Kellerman and when birdboy plummets like a rock. I did enjoy that. At least Altman did that right. LOL

reply

OK. First, I feel sorry for those without a film studies education for this reason. If a film is not explained, in detail, it's "mindless" (where as Christopher Nolan is brilliant!! I mean, he not only explains, but he's sure his work is just family friendly enough to make millions!!!).

I digress.

Regardless, since this seems to be foreign to many, I will give a few insights onto the movie that will, perhaps, give perspective.

For starters:

Kelllerman, in the film, is Bud Cort's "guardian angel". Notice the sequence of events in the film....after alienating her, Brewster McCloud sets in motion a chain of events that leads to his death. Before then, he got away with murder. Literally. If I am remembering right, the pattern on Kelkerman's back were not to represent wings of a bird, but wings of an angel

Next....the astrodome. The astrodome represents a cage. Round and steel. The end flight and the angle the camera takes gives a clear indication of exactly how Brewster McCloud was "trapped" in his life and existence.

Beyond, the circus at the end was symbolic of the media circus that would surround him once his life and story was found out. It was a complete show and the bizzarre nature of his crimes and existence would draw said attention.

Consider the fallout shelter "the lowest point" while flying was "the highest". Just another example of a character seeking progress from the bottom to the top. This is why the narrative subplot of the Wizard of Oz is critical and written in through the film. It wasn't "just because", it was there for a reason.

The fantasy of the film comes when you stop taking everything literally and start taking it from a symbolic point if view. The Astrodome, the fallout shelter, the flying? It's all there suggesting Brewster McClouds desire to escape his cage, ascend to the top and be free from the world that bounds him.

I'm certainly no expert on this. However, this movie is FAR more intellectual and stimulating than you're suggesting. And they've not made a symbolic movie like this since the early 2000s. Unless there's an indie I missed. But, if you prefer Will Smith shooting robots and aliens, that's cool. Perhaps Captain America is more up your alley.


Lastly, by bringing politics into this, you sound pompous and immature and a bit foolish. Nobody cares about your political stance. Keep it about movies.

reply

Excellent post.

I am a French bitch 

reply

Why is he living in the Houston Astrodome? Where are his parents or family? Is he an orphan? Could anybody really get away with living somewhere in the upper level of the Houston Astrodome completely undetected by the police or any security personnel circa 1970?


Why does any of that really matter? Why be so literal-minded? IT'S A FANTASY.

Typical liberal filmmaking arrogance, we're all just suppose to suspend disbelief and enjoy the bizarreness.


You're right. That IS what you should do! You'd have more fun that way.

Dude. Every cinematic comedy and/or drama requires that you "suspend disbelief" to some extent, so that the film can pull you into its world and engage your imagination. Why is that "arrogant"-- or "liberal"? What scares you about accepting it?

Why do you feel oppressed by points of view-- artistic visions, if you will-- that have the audacity to be different from what you're used to? It's 1970 now. We don't have to be imprisoned by fearful conformity anymore. Free your mind, man! Dig it!

reply