But that aside, I noticed that the prosthetic served as a symbol of different things for different people. For Vitorio, the leg was him gaining back his freedom that he lost in the war, his way of feeling like a normal person, not just a cripple. Similarly, for Manu it was a symbol oh hope that his father would return. This reminded me of how in Saving Face, the women did not want to show their faces until after they had reconstructive surgery because they felt like less than normal. Likewise, in The Black Girl, the mask represents Diouana's freedom and because she gives it the family, it is symbolically saying she gave away her freedom. I think ultimately what the real theme is in these films is what actually makes us free? And what do we do when that freedom which makes us who we are is taken away? Do we fight for it like the women in Saving Face, become stronger from it like Vitorio, or take drastic measures like Diouana?
Friday, November 1, 2013
O Heroi - Gabby Propato
I'm not quite sure how I feel about O Heroi, but I do know I liked it much better than the last few films. Some of the characters really just made me annoyed, which I'm sure is to be expected. For example, that rotten kid who beats up Manu and steals Vitorio's prosthetic. I just wanted to punch him in the face; while I am sure he had some underlying problem from the war, we never learn of it. So, he just comes off as this little punk with no respect. Then there's Manu, who even though was suffering from not having his parents around, annoyed me because of his stealing/bargaining. When he got that knife I was like "oh no something bad is going to happen." Vitorio bothered me a little bit too because of the way he acted so into Judite but then was all flirty with Joana. That bothered me because I felt like, okay he's a "war here" but that doesn't mean he can just mess around all he wants.
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Gabby,
ReplyDeleteI love your synthesis of what these films ask. I like that you present the plots as presenting characters with problems that they then respond to, and that it is the response that ultimately teaches us what it might mean to have to free one's self from neocolonialist oppressions. I also was saddened by Vitorio's flirtation with Joana, although I understood it as a human response. Often we fall in love with those who are "unreachable" and want to disregard those who love us, no? Ugh.
Spring
I love how your abilities as an English major were concentrated in this post! Unfortunately I wasn't able to view the majority of the film, since I was out the first day it was shown. But, even with only seeing a small portion of O Heroi, I completely agree with your opinion on the symbolism of the prosthetic.
ReplyDeleteYour question of what actually makes us free is almost disturbing, because I cannot possibly come up with an answer for that. Even personally, I cannot say what makes me free. Is it the fact that I am in a supposedly democratic country? Is it that I live away from home, and pay my own bills? Is it because I try not to let others take control of my life or my opinions? Incredibly thought-provoking. Thanks for sharing, Gabby! See you in Film & Lit and 296!