In the movie Swiss Army Man, featuring Daniel Radcliffe and a man named Hank (Paul Dano), Hank is found on a deserted island. On the brink of committing suicide he sees a man wash up on shore. Stopping his attempt, he goes over to see if he was still alive. After escaping the island with the help of the dead body he finds that the body was not very dead after all.
The movie follows Hank and Manny (Daniel Radcliffe), and their attempt for survival, and finding home. They come across many different challenges which they face together. Many people found that the movie itself was poorly made. On the day of the viewing people walked out, and it got terrible ratings. Most of those who walked out did not see the deeper meaning in the film. When really looked at, there are a lot of dimensions to the movie, with many underlying themes.
When watching the movie you will notice the various different concepts brought up. Many of which have to do with farts. The directors of the movie, Dan Kwan and Daniel Sheinert, were quoted saying “The first fart will make you laugh, the last fart will make you cry.” When watching the movie, you will see such significance in this statement. While at the beginning of the movie, it is seen as a comedy tactic, but the end there is a lot of mining behind the fart.
Although not much about Hank’s past was brought up, we know that he was not happy with the quality of his life. When he is about to commit suicide he tells Manny, “My life flashed before my eyes, and I didn’t see much of anything.” He continually mentions that he wants to go and find home, with Manny’s help. Manny, the dead body, comes to consciousness with little to know knowledge about anything. Hank, thinking he is there to save him, has to teach him about the outside world.
The symbolism in the film is very significant. Without it, the film would be a bunch of very confusing fart jokes. Manny is a representation of the natural curiosity a child has about the world. Since coming to consciousness, Manny just says what he thinks, while Hank tells him what is right and wrong to say, or act. Hank is constantly missing the freeness that a child has, even thought he is alone in the woods with Manny the zombie. Similar to flatulence, Hank found that he was holding back from life, and when with Manny, he could finally be himself. Farts are seen as gross, but as the movie progresses, the reoccurring theme of letting go shows up. Throughout the movie Hank is conscious of what he is doing all the time, like when he says, “You know what they would think of me back at home, if I dressed like this?” to Manny. Although still alone with out contact from another people, Hank continues to put other thoughts first. At the end of the movie Hank finally learns to let go, both as a person, and his bodily gasses.
Overall I think the the movie was amazing. A great comedic film, with many different themes, that not only relate to everyday life for the average person, but to the society that we live in. Swiss Army Man portrayed a great message about the world we live in. 10/10
Written by Sammi Whittall
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