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Textual Analysis Of Life Of Pi

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Life of Pi Film Analysis
Introduction
Life of Pi was introduced to movie goers November 23rd, 2012 with the bold claim that once one hears protagonist Pi Patel’s story that one would believe in God. Audiences around the world were captivated by the visual eye-candy and an unbelievable story, directed by Oscar winning director Ang Lee. Dazzling the senses, Life of Pi won the Academy Award for Best Cinematography, Best Achievement in Music and Best Achievement in Visual Effects. The film adaptation of Yann Martel’s 2001 novel went on to win 46 awards and collect 73 nominations in the film industry. Grossing nearly $23 Million dollars opening weekend, Life of Pi went on to gross nearly $125 Million in the United States alone as of late April 2013 …show more content…

Essentially the film is killing two birds with one stone. So categorize this analysis under cultural context verses theological analysis is difficult to do. The very question “which story do you prefer,” is not only directed towards the writer but the audience as well, and thus hits the message home. Writer for the New York Magazine David Edlestein remarked that “the movie has a sting in its tail that puts what you’ve seen in a startlingly harsh context.” (qtd. in Kushigemachi par. 8).
Many viewers mistook Pi’s alternative story as a plot twist which was not the intention of either Martel or Lee. There is no “correct” answer as to which story is true (Kendrick par. 1). “The question is intended to serve as a moment of theological reflection” (Kendrick par. 3). At the end of the film the audience must now wrestle with this new disturbing story. “But one is also forced to grapple with the equally stunning revelation that beauty, hope, and love have the capacity to rise up and conquer the most horrific realities” (Scheller …show more content…

Audiences are left to ponder the final question left by Martel, “which story do you prefer?” Through powerful uses of imagery, audiences are drawn to the first “better” story and thus realize the beauty and power of faith. Due to Pi Patel’s pluralistic view on religions, the debate over the “one true religion” is set aside, allowing Martel’s message to impress on all audiences. Life of Pi as left many in a sea of their own thoughts. Each viewer finds their own conclusion as to which story they prefer, and it’s that impact that makes Life of Pi a successful

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