MovieChat Forums > To the Wonder (2013) Discussion > Anna doesn't exist

Anna doesn't exist

posted 9 years ago by nhoj441
2 replies | jump to latest

I'm convinced the "Anna" character doesn't exist other than as a figment of Marina's imagination, or an aspect of her personality. After all we've seen spirits or angels in TTRL, TNW, and TTOL. It's otherwise odd that Anna would be conversing with Marina in Italian, except for a brief French phrase (although not entirely impossible). But what seems to clinch it for me is the last scene with Anna, in a rooftop bar where we see Marina and Anna together, and then immediately Marina in the same location by herself. This as Anna is completing her plea to Marina to break chains, be free, be a dancer, an experiment (another Malick catchword). 1John4:4

[–] voided-1 9 years ago

Good observation. When I first watched the film, I thought that scene seemed a bit contrived due to the Anna character appearing out of nowhere in order to give perspective to Marina's dilemma, but I think you are right and I have no problem with that scene now.
I noticed on second viewing that Marina appears to pass Jane, late in the film when her relationship with Neil is deteriorating. She looks right at her, but we only see the back of Jane briefly. Interesting.

Just forget you ever saw it. It's better that way.

[–] kmags84 9 years ago

Although I disagree, I love the idea and it made me view the film a different way. Malick is known for what you mentioned, TTOL was very spiritual and I think even Sean Penn didn't understand that lol. Spirits are always talking in the distance, just very emotional and existential. Maybe she only existed in memory? Idk... But it's a great take on the film and people need to understand that with Malick, before using the word "Pretentious" as is usually the case, that he is on a deeper level than we can even try to imagine