In Reply to: I agree she used him posted by PhilJ on March 23, 2009 at 05:32:33:
...when we see the partial face of the girl over the shoulder of the boy while they're alone in her apartment. For a short two or three seconds we see her youthful face transform into an older woman's visage and return. There's also the complication of the short visual presentation of the scars from a surgically removed (male?) sexual organ on the girl. These things actually stand in opposition, don't they?Is "she" male or female? Or, as vampire, neither? Can non-humans (extra-humans) love?
This film raises serious questions about what love is. In the context of the film it is certainly far more complex than the feeling of a twelve year boy for a girl/boy of his own age.
Is the immense loneliness of the ageless vampire being living in a threatening and foreign human world from which it once came legitimate foundation for love?
Love is a selfless condition. A state of complete humility from which one is willing to sacrifice for the other, for the loved. How can one love in a world where survival is all?
Is love possible for a vampire? Does "allowing" another to live so that one can benefit from the allowance, constitute love? Does selective killing - only to nourish oneself - constitute sympathy in any respect? Or is it always a means to an end?
What is there in the girl that motivates her to live - and let live - in spite of a profound will to death displayed so quickly by the infected woman (on fire).
A substantial part of this large question is derived from - and transcends - the "shortcomings" of the film. Exclusive, I believe, of the direct intention of the director. Genuine art is always resilient enough to endure it's own failings.
This is a very fine film, worth many visits, I believe.
Edits: 03/23/09
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Follow Ups
- This came clear to me .... - afilado 15:37:08 03/23/09 (3)
- Indeed... - Harmonia 15:50:58 03/24/09 (1)
- What's your take on the.. - afilado 16:22:40 03/24/09 (0)
- Agree all the way. Art doesn't answer all the - tinear 17:03:35 03/23/09 (0)