Monday, December 2, 2013

Rush #8

Similar to your (Chucks)comparison and analysis of Lacan's theory of a 'Feedback loop' in relation to, In the Mood for Love, by Hong Kar-Wai, "Two neighbors discover their spouses are involved with one another--and in order to prepare for their confrontations with their cheating partners, the two protagonists spend a series of meetings together imaging and reenacting the illicit lovers' words and actions (complete with references to themselves as the ignorant partners waiting at home... I find a similar correlation between Sunset Boulevard and the character of Joe and his overall arch in the film.


In the beginning, he hopes for a different identity at the same time running from his own. Perhaps because of extenuating circumstances, but in the end, Joe is just not grounded or comfortable within his own skin and his prestige and pride. The film takes its course and so does Joe. However, in the end of the film, with Joe's epic monologue towards Betty, he rediscovers his old self by presenting his new one. However, shortly after, Joe dies. He dies while trying to leave the state he is in by going back to his old self, almost. His meer attempt at running from his new self, seemed to be too much for his overall character and spirit.


Many things could be taken from this, perhaps more taoist ways of thinking, or accepting ones self, etc. However, in the end, what is merely actually stated, is that his two selves came into collision with one another hence his death. His feedback loop killed him in the end.  

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