Motifs, Symbols & Allusions
In American Beauty
A motif is an image, an idea or a word or phrase that is repeated several times in a text. It is a unifying device. Although motifs are used in literature, they are particularly common in film, where they are more often visual devices.
A symbol is an image, an idea or a word that represents both itself and something other than itself. Symbols may have universal significance (such as a love heart or a Christian cross) or meaning only in the work in which they are used. The meaning of a symbol can be generated within a text (often by becoming a motif, or being associated with a particular character).
Symbols are used in film, as they are in literature and painting, as short-cuts. Universally accepted symbols can carry a weight of meaning and thus save time for other developments. Symbolism requires a measure of knowledge or instant recognition on the part of the viewer.
The following are some motifs & symbols in the film. I have done the first one as an example. See if you can find meanings in the others.
Motifs
· Vertical and horizontal lines in the frame
These are used to generate an idea of entrapment, of characters trapped in a cage of their own making, or of someone else’s. Most commonly used in filming Lester Burnham, who feels trapped in his small, meaningless life. Also used for Frank Fitts (particularly through shadow & light) and Carolyn (framed in doors and window blinds).
· Doors (opening & closing)
· Empty rooms
· Windows and views through windows
· Nudity
· Mirrors and reflections
Symbols:
· Roses and rose petals
· The plastic bag
· Ricky’s camera
· Guns
· ‘freak’
· ‘ordinary’
· Photographs
· ‘beauty’
An allusion is a post-modern feature of films. Directors will sometimes make allusions (or homages) to other filmmakers or films they particularly admire or whom they feel have influenced them.
The purpose is usually to enrich the work by reminding the viewer of similar ideas or images in other films. Sometimes an allusion can add extra meaning for a film-literate viewer, as links can efficiently be made between two films.
Can you identify any allusions or homages in American Beauty?