MovieChat Forums > Short Cuts (1993) Discussion > The Door Theme

The Door Theme

posted 16 years ago by Zombichi
4 replies | jump to latest

Anyone have any input on the none-too-subtle barage of door imagery and door interactions that occur? It's so obvious that it distracts me sometimes now that I've noticed it.

If you haven't noticed it, and you really enjoy this film (it's my second favorite movie of all time behind "Last Life in the Universe") just look for all the freakin' doors next time you see it.

The instances are overwhelming! So much as to not be denied. It has to be intentional! But what does it all mean?!

[–] Last_Entrance 15 years ago

Well I see everyone in the film having problems of a sort, yet the setting is idyllic and seemingly trouble free - could be a 'what goes on behind closed doors' type of symbolism?

"The task of art today is to bring chaos into order." - Theodor Adorno

[–] nitratestock35 14 years ago

Well there are at least two cuts from one story to another where people open doors and go through it. So I think the doors are rather "gates", leading from one story (or reality) into another. Since the main theme is building up the connections between the various small groups of people (mostly couples) I think the door theme (well thought BTW!) is rather: the film opens the doors for us.

[–] Oake 14 years ago

Good spot, doors as connections.

Sed quis custodiet ipsos Custodes?

[–] suebeer 14 years ago

I suppose a great work of art is different, or all things, to all men ... To me the obvious and continuing theme of water and fish was the main feature - fish; fish out of water? fish as a sacrifice? Fish caught and killed by men?

and don't even start me on the allegory involving clowns .....!