The topic at hand is symbolism. Strap yourself in because this is going to be a symbolic ride. The Merriam-Webster's Dictionary defines symbolism as:
Symbolism (noun): representation of abstract or intangible things by means of symbols
Basically, symbolism in film is meant to represent or give more meaning to something. Symbolism can be presented in hundreds of ways, and every movie has symbolism. Something the symbolism is hidden and often it can have multiple meanings or interpretations.
Four films have been selected whose symbolism will be discussed: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Batman Returns, V for Vendetta, and The Departed.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is the sixth installment in the popular Harry Potter series. The movies are of course based on the novels by J.K. Rowling. The film was released in 2009 and was directed by David Yates. Yates directed the last four Potter films. This film stars Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint as Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley, respectively.
There is one scene in particular containing symbolism which involves Draco Malfoy (played by Tom Felton). This film is arguably one of the darkest in the franchise. The film has a subplot that depicts the conflict, struggle, and descent of Malfoy.
The specific scene is on where the camera angle is up high and point down. Malfoy can be seen below walking down the hallway. On the left side of the frame and in the foreground is a caged bird. The bird is in a cage within a cage.
This symbolism can be interpreted as representing Malfoy. He is like the bird. He is trapped within a small cage (his internal struggles) and also within a larger cage (his external struggles). What is he struggling with? Well, if you have seen the movie, you know that he is struggling with the order that was given to him by Voldemort. He has been given an order that he knows he must follow, but he knows he cannot. He is servery torn, and the movie portrays his descent into darkness wonderfully.
Batman Returns
Batman Returns is the sequel to the first Batman film (simply titled Batman). The film was released in 1992 and was directed by Tim Burton, who also directed the first movie. The film stars Michael Keaton who reprises his role as Batman/Bruce Wayne, Danny DeVito as The Penguin, and Michelle Pfeiffer as Catwoman/Selina Kyle.
The Tim Burton films were entertaining and handsome interpretations of the Batman comics, but they nothing compared to the new Christopher Nolan films, which brought life back into the Batman franchise.
Batman Returns does have one really great scene for symbolism, which is why it was selected. In the scene there is a costume party. Bruce Wayne (Batman) and Selina Kyle (Catwoman) are both in attendance, and at one point they dance together.
What makes this scene great is the fact that Wayne and Kyle are not wearing costumes. They go as themselves. This is symbolic because their alter egos both wear masks and by going to the party without a costume, they are in essence wearing a mask. Going as themselves is their costume. The other them (Batman and Catwoman) is essentially the real them. Bruce Wayne and Selina Kyle are their costume.
V for Vendetta
V for Vendetta is based on the graphic novel and takes place in an alternate future. The film was written and produced by the Wachowski brothers, who are known for The Matrix. V for Vendetta was released in 2006 and was directed by James McTeigue. The film stars Natalie Portman as Evey and Hugo Weaving as V.
This film also has a great scene for symbolism. Toward the end of the movie V's plan is coming together. There is a voice over by the character Finch (played by Stephen Rea) as he begins to put things together. Then V is seen by thousands of dominoes. They are laid out colorfully spelling his name. "V". V knocks the first domino over and they all begin to fall perfectly, but the final domino does not fall. V picks it up and examines it.
The dominoes are like V's plan. Everything was worked to perfection, except for one thing: Evey. Evey is that domino. She is the one thing V did not plan on. He realizes this and later professes everything to her.
The Departed
The Departed is a true modern classic. It is very vulgar but it is also captivating. The Departed was released in 2006 and was directed by the great Martin Scorsese. The Departed also won the 2006 Academy Award for Best Picture.
The film stars Leonard DiCapario as Billy, Matt Damon as Colin Sullivan, and Jack Nicholson as Frank Costello. The film also stars Mark Wahlberg, Martin Sheen, Ray Winstone, and Alec Baldwin.
The symbolism selected out of this film comes out of the last scene in the final seconds of the movie. If you've seen this movie you know how things go down in the end. If you haven't, go watch the movie (but not around the kids).
All the details to the powerful ending won't be given away, but a little must be said to set things up. At the very end of the movie the camera looks off the balcony onto the city. Just before the movie fades out, a rat comes running across the balcony railing. You may not have noticed this at first but if you look closely you can see it.
The rat is very symbolic because basically everyone in the whole movie was a rat (meaning they were snitches or informants).
If you have not seen these movies, you are highly encourage you to do so. They are all great in their own right.
