Orpheus - Symbolism of Death
The movie Orpheus plays around with many different themes throughout the film. One of the most prominent theme being death. I think it was an interesting choice to make death into a women in the film. After reading the articles provided on the film, I thought they gave good insight into why death is the princess and why she's perceived elegantly. I definitely think this had many undertones to it.
Another piece to this theme involves the mirrors. Mirrors were used throughout the film as ways to go into other worlds, but I think that there's more to it than that. I think it also involves Orpheus to look at himself before he decides to continue. It's a moment where he stops and takes in what's happening and how he wants to proceed. In turn he ends up with his wife again and I think this symbolism had something todo with that.
Hey Emily, I found the use of mirrors to be quite an interesting use of symbolism in this film as well. I agree with you when you say you think the mirrors meant a bit more. I think the symbolize what they are exactly meant for which is reflection. Orpheus looking at himself is him momentarily reflecting on his life and everything he has done and what he needs to do.
ReplyDeleteHello Emily,
ReplyDeleteI also thought it was very interesting to make death be portrayed as a women in this film because that is not usually something that you would think of when you think of death. I like how you thought that the use of mirrors meant something more than it actually was and you described it as kind of a time for him to think and try to focus on what's going on before he proceeds
Hi Emily,
ReplyDeleteI think your perception of the mirrors in Orpheus is really cool and I could definitely see how that could be interpreted after watching those scenes! I thought of it as the characters having different sides to them. For example, the princess was cruel one minute, but the next minute she was trying to hide her love for Orpheus. But after reading your post, I think your interpretation is much more accurate than mine! Great idea! :)
Follow-Up Post:
ReplyDeleteAfter looking at everyones discussions I think that the use of mirrors have many interpretations. I didn't realize how many different ideas people could get out of it. Hearing everybody's ideas of orpheus has been very informative especially about mythology. I came into this movie knowing nothing about mythology and after learning from other peoples discussions I feel like I know more than before.
Another topic I mentioned in my post was the symbolism of death. I really enjoyed hearing what everyone else also thought about how death is handled in this movie. There seems to be a link of death being the princess or the women and how thats very transgressive. Even nowadays you don't see death represented that way and I thought it was a smart filmmaking choice.