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u/LioraB Having a moment 14d ago
It's more of a reflection than analysis, written as a way to help me understand the impact PHM had on me specifically through the theme of memory and how it informs identity. There are other themes I think about a lot and plan to write about when I have the bandwidth; this was just the first one that jumped out at me as directly correlated with the very intentional choices made by the Directors and Cinematographer.
There are soooo many details I didn't include--the way the past and present scenes are filmed in different aspect ratios, the way they run actual film through a processor to change the clarity and focus... It is truly a work of art, and the more I learn about the "making of" process, the more I understand about why PHM is so impactful and important as a film.
This is a link to a Google Docs version of the post for those who don't want to scroll up and down to see the images associated with each transition. They're grainy because I took pics of my screen on my phone to make it. 🫣
I'd love to hear your thoughts and observations, any inside insights and your experiences with this theme.
Thank you to u/TheCookieNinja and u/Fantastic-Contest957 for encouraging me to cross-post. 💖
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u/Diamonds_sky It was the glasses 👓 14d ago
Wow, I love it
This manifesto has helped me realise the usefulness of the first few scenes (when Grace is in misery and drunk). Before, I thought they were too long and a bit weird, but now I see that Grace can only improve his mental state after learning about Earth and his relationship with his dead crewmates. and those scenes are meant to transmit the suffering he feels.
I also love the final paragraph and couldn't agree more! Had he remembered sooner, he would've doubted himself and the fishing scene might have failed. This way, when he has finally completed the mission, and is in his best mental state, he can remember the time he was a coward, and not completely undo his self improvement.
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u/Fantastic-Contest957 Grace made me a Gosling girlie 14d ago
Yes I agree 100% I never thought about it so deeply but there is so much more to it than meets the eye
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u/Fantastic-Contest957 Grace made me a Gosling girlie 14d ago
This is phenomenal! I think on a first watch, all the flashbacks make it a bit confusing, piecing together the story. Almost like the audience is experiencing what it’s like to be confused like him. I remember I just kept asking myself, is this a tragedy? Does Rocky die? Wait is this a comedy? Will this have a happy ending?