The Absence of a Divine Presence in Cast Away
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- The Strange Ending of "Castaway"
- The Symbolism of Chuck's Time at Sea
- Chuck's Heartache and Toothache
- The Omission of Spirituality in the Film
- The Symbolism of the Crossroads Scene
- Coming to Terms with the Harsh Reality of the Universe
- The Irony of Fate in "Castaway"
- Challenging the Notion of Divine Goodness
- The Meaning of Wilson in Chuck's Life
- Conclusion
The Strange Ending of "Castaway" 👀
When it comes to survival stories, the ending of the movie "Castaway" might seem rather strange. Most survival stories, like "Robinson Crusoe," lead us to expect a happy ending - the protagonist's rescue and return to civilization. However, "Castaway" takes a different approach. Chuck, played by Tom Hanks, does return to his former life after four years spent on a deserted island, but instead of finding his happy ending, he discovers that his girlfriend, Kelly, has moved on and started a family without him.
The ending of "Castaway" starts to make sense when we delve into the symbolism woven throughout the film. Chuck's time on the island, amidst its relative silence and listless pace, symbolizes the introspective existence one typically experiences after a breakup. The island's calmness contrasts sharply with the speed and noise of his former life with Kelly, highlighting Chuck's loneliness and the stark reality of his situation.
The Symbolism of Chuck's Time at Sea
Chuck's time at sea is another crucial element in understanding the movie's ending. The flat Texas plains stretching to the horizon, which Chuck encounters after his return, serve as a visual representation of the vast ocean he left behind. Just as the ranch rising from the plains symbolizes the island, Chuck finds himself lost and directionless, much like the crossroads scene towards the end of the film.
Chuck's Heartache and Toothache
Throughout "Castaway," Chuck's heartache is symbolized by a persistent toothache. The toothache is first connected to his missed call to Kelly, as he expresses the pain to a friend, saying, "I miss you. The bad news is I gotta go to the dentist this week. I got something that's hurting." This dental pain becomes unbearable for Chuck while he is on the island. It's ironic that his toothache worsens at the same time that he discovers Kelly's marriage, as the dentist who performed a root canal on him reveals that he is Kelly's husband.
The Omission of Spirituality in the Film
One intriguing aspect of "Castaway" is the absence of any overt references to spirituality or prayer. Unlike "Robinson Crusoe," where faith in God plays a significant role, Chuck never once prays or expresses any spiritual beliefs. This omission represents the nature of the universe as depicted in the film - devoid of any superintending presence. Chuck's desperate calls for help, both at sea and in the crossroads scene, go unanswered, further emphasizing the harsh reality of a universe that often seems chaotic and indifferent.
The Symbolism of the Crossroads Scene
The crossroads scene towards the conclusion of "Castaway" carries profound symbolism. Chuck stops at this crossroads, where he is told, "You look lost." This directionless nature of the crossroads aptly symbolizes the chaos and meaninglessness of the universe, which, like the sea, has no sure direction but a clear tendency to disrupt our plans. Chuck's encounter at the crossroads serves as a metaphor for his struggle to find meaning and direction in his life after the island.
Coming to Terms with the Harsh Reality of the Universe
"Castaway" tackles the theme of coming to terms with the harsh reality of the universe. Chuck, as a systems analyst devoted to controlling chaos, finds himself ironically stranded on the island, where he must face the uncontrollable forces of nature. The watch, broken by the crash that leaves him stranded, and his pocket knife become symbols of his futile attempts to prepare and control his fate. The film highlights the contrast between his expectations and the unpredictability of life.
The Irony of Fate in "Castaway"
The irony of fate is another prominent element explored in "Castaway." Just as Chuck expects the knife to play a crucial role in his survival, it is given back to Kelly just before he's marooned on the island. The film breaks with the storytelling convention of Chekhov's gun, which states that any item introduced into a story must have a purpose, by intentionally leaving the knife behind. This irony reflects the nature of life, where expectations often go unfulfilled, promises are broken, and events unfold in unforeseen ways.
Challenging the Notion of Divine Goodness
"Castaway" challenges the notion of divine goodness as traditionally depicted in religious narratives. By omitting any explicit references to God or spirituality, the film invites us to contemplate the silence and chaos of the universe. Similar to the works of poet Wallace Stevens, who saw the world as a castaway island without divine intervention, the silence in "Castaway" suggests a world devoid of a superintending presence.
The Meaning of Wilson in Chuck's Life
In the film, Wilson, a volleyball with a face painted on it, becomes Chuck's only companion and confidant on the island. Wilson takes on a symbolic significance, representing Chuck's desperate need for human connection and the limitations of his isolation. The relationship between Chuck and Wilson serves as a metaphor for the alternative to religion that Wallace Stevens embraced - finding solace and meaning in the creations of the imagination.
Conclusion
"Castaway" invites us to explore the complexities of human existence and the inherent unpredictability of life. Through its symbolism and exploration of themes such as loneliness, control, and the absence of divine intervention, the film provokes thought about the nature of the universe and our place within it. Chuck's journey, though harrowing and disheartening, ultimately leads him to question, accept, and find solace in the reality of his circumstances.
