When I saw this opening night I knew it was gonna be messed up after seeing the fantastic opening credits.
TurtleInJersey
2021-04-26 16:07:09 +0000 UTC
To me, the meaning of the metronome is symbolic of Somerset's view on life. As he nears retirement, he's seen enough crazy stuff that, while he may not "understand" the world (I think he makes a statement along those lines), he's kind of used to the chaos and it doesn't really phase him any more.
So the metronome being a very steady, constant noise that helps him fall asleep is symbolic of how he's a very steady, consistent person. He's a rock, unmoving, unphased by life while Mills is full of emotion and excitement and drive.
But now he's on this case that upends his view of the world. There are still things that can surprise and shock him, so just as John Doe is breaking down the world Somerset thought he knew, he breaks the metronome, because it's steady rhythm is no longer helping him sleep.
Murf
2021-03-03 07:14:34 +0000 UTC
One of Brad Pitt's many movies that may be promising could be "Legends of the Fall" (also has Anthony Hopkins)... "Fight Club" is an interesting piece.
As to the metronome: I saw it as a sign of Sommerset's emotional/spiritual state. Also note that after breaking the device, he started doing target practice by throwing a switchblade at a dartboard. One of the proposed endings for the script was actually Sommerset killing John Doe. However that would not have fit the story as well considering Mills was much more susceptable to John Doe's goading... something that Sommerset in his advanced state and generally calmer and more mature demeanor would have not fallen prey to.
Both men were certain to be angered with the activities of John Doe and the metronome and target practice would indicate that. However, Sommerset was more disciplined in his actions overall (if not necessarily his thoughts) as well as having mental/emotional/spiritual tools to handle the stress of events.
Michael Labs
2021-03-03 03:32:31 +0000 UTC
Luckily - knowing what was in store for me, and Cass' virtual company, made the film far more tolerable the second time around. All the same, I think I'll watch a few videos like this to cheer myself up: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCm9Ng0bbEQ The world is worth fighting for.
Jay Kawala
2021-03-03 02:03:25 +0000 UTC
I hope Insomnia's one of the Nolan movies you might check out.. they filmed that movie like 7 or 8 hours away from where I live, also it's really good.
Mister Lou
2021-03-03 00:25:37 +0000 UTC
Before I start watching this, my stomach is filled with butterflies. I remember watching this in the theatres and feeling physically ill during many of the scenes. I'm almost too scared to push the play button. Yikes!
Jay Kawala
2021-03-02 23:38:16 +0000 UTC
Great choice, the ending is insane !
Danny (Icarus)
2021-03-02 17:47:20 +0000 UTC
Love this movie. Direction, cast, script, set design. Everything done to perfection.
John Colson
2021-03-02 17:43:55 +0000 UTC
Yes love this movie, thank you Cass.
have you ever seen the movie Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind? (Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet, Mark Ruffalo, Kirsten Dunst, Elijah Wood).