So a reflection on a screening in class. Well for my first blog I’ve decided to respond to Christopher Nolan’s, “DOODLEBUG”. Throwing us straight into the action, we follow the man scamper around his room chasing what we assume is a bug, but in usual Nolan style all is not what it seems. The ending isn’t particularly insane, but it is peculiar. The reveal that the man is chasing another smaller version of himself gives the short a whole new meaning. It could be a representation of his inner subconscious, working hard to squash something inside. It may also be commentary of a man’s psyche after being isolated for so long, having nothing but his own delusions to entertain himself (this is my mini theory). But all in all it could just be a good exercise in exploring the idea of having a small idea and the theme agitation and disappointment driving this man into essentially killing himself.

I think it’s a small window into Nolan’s mind, and his way to putting his thoughts and possibly fears into a visual medium. Everything seems slightly exaggerated, and the music makes everything else seem hyper-realistic. You are more aware of surroundings, and as the man grows weary and notices more and more distracting things, we too are introduced to more surrounding factors. Like the subtle ticking of the clock, or the abrupt intrusion of the phone ringing. All these sounds helped emphasize the man’s point of view and his reactions to everything in the environment at the same time and pace as him. He is essentially putting you in his shoes, and seeing the big cyclic reveal that there is more going on within the scene is also a present theme in Nolan’s other works. The concept of having a scene within a scene, or dreams within dreams is almost a trademark for Nolan, and seeing it occur here is almost like seeing the beginning of Nolan creating his own style.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WhKt_CkXD0