Water in the Canyon
In the film Laurel Canyon by Lisa Cholodenko water is a major symbol and serves many uses. The body of water of course that is being refereed to is the pool in Jane’s house in Laurel Canyon. Throughout the film, the director manipulates the connotations and properties of water, depending on the situation and character. Water can distort images, making them appear different than they truly are. Water can also provide an escape, and isolate a character. In fact, the pool does literally separate and provide a middle ground between Jane’s house and the recording studio.
Jane’s son, the uptight and moral psychiatrist Sam uses the pool as an escape. While vigorously swimming laps in the pool Sam blocks out the world and isolates himself from the inhabitants of the house (including his own wife). Sam appears to use the pool as a way to diffuse his anger; his character in the film is decidedly passive aggressive.
The musicians, on the other hand use the pool as a place of relaxation, experimentation, and fun. The studious Alex is quickly drawn into this world. For Alex the pool acts as a liberating force, removing her from her ‘ivory tower’. Indeed, at first Alex won’t go near the pool, for fear of getting wet. Eventually Alex gives into the hedonistic pleasures offered by the pool and jumps in. The film’s first ‘threesome’ ensues.
The repeated uses of water in this film, especially the final scene where Sam goes underwater, seem to be a direct reference to the Graduate and its infamous pool scene. Like Sam, Benjamin in the Graduate uses water to isolate himself and escape his parents nags and concerns (what are you going to do with your life?). Also, Benjamin’s characters journey parallels that of Alex. Both characters in the onset of the film are wondering what to make of their lives and have not really ‘lived’. They are naïve and not quite experienced. Then, an older woman with lots of experience presents herself (Mrs. Robinson and Jane, respectively) and complications ensue. Both Benjamin and Alex learn about life, make mistakes, and gain experiences. They learn that you can’t plan your life and you can’t control your heart. Benjamin falls in love with Elaine against her mother’s wishes and Alex experiences attraction to Ian.
Jane’s son, the uptight and moral psychiatrist Sam uses the pool as an escape. While vigorously swimming laps in the pool Sam blocks out the world and isolates himself from the inhabitants of the house (including his own wife). Sam appears to use the pool as a way to diffuse his anger; his character in the film is decidedly passive aggressive.
The musicians, on the other hand use the pool as a place of relaxation, experimentation, and fun. The studious Alex is quickly drawn into this world. For Alex the pool acts as a liberating force, removing her from her ‘ivory tower’. Indeed, at first Alex won’t go near the pool, for fear of getting wet. Eventually Alex gives into the hedonistic pleasures offered by the pool and jumps in. The film’s first ‘threesome’ ensues.
The repeated uses of water in this film, especially the final scene where Sam goes underwater, seem to be a direct reference to the Graduate and its infamous pool scene. Like Sam, Benjamin in the Graduate uses water to isolate himself and escape his parents nags and concerns (what are you going to do with your life?). Also, Benjamin’s characters journey parallels that of Alex. Both characters in the onset of the film are wondering what to make of their lives and have not really ‘lived’. They are naïve and not quite experienced. Then, an older woman with lots of experience presents herself (Mrs. Robinson and Jane, respectively) and complications ensue. Both Benjamin and Alex learn about life, make mistakes, and gain experiences. They learn that you can’t plan your life and you can’t control your heart. Benjamin falls in love with Elaine against her mother’s wishes and Alex experiences attraction to Ian.
posted by Anonymous at 9:03 PM
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