What are the advanced symbolic expressions used by Robert Zemeckis in “Flight” for suspense? *Note! Contains spoilers.

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2020.06.20Samurai Isao

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The ending of a movie is the conclusion that says, ``A lot of things happened, but this is what happened in the end.''

The final scene of ``Flight'' is when Whip, imprisoned, is visited by his son. I came to see him because I wanted to write an essay for my university application on the theme of ``the best person I've ever met.'' Whip has a confused look on his son's face. In other words, the movie ends with Whip in prison being the "best guy."

He was a hero who saved many people, but he was also an alcoholic and addicted to cocaine. At the hearing, when his girlfriend said he had been drinking, he confessed his sins even though he could have spent the rest of his life as a ``pilot who saved many people's lives with his miraculous techniques,'' even giving up that glory.

Whip's son asks his father, "Who are you?" Whip seems to be in a good mood and smiles at his son, saying, ``That's a good question.'' Although it's not depicted in the movie, Whip's answer is probably this.

"I'm Whip Whitker. I'm a former airplane pilot and alcoholic."

AA, a self-help group for alcoholics, has a recovery program called ``12 Steps.'' Step 1 is admitting that you are powerless over alcohol. In ``Step 2'', believe that a ``power greater than yourself'' can make your mind healthy. ``Step 3'' is to entrust your life to ``God as you understand it.'' ``Step 5'' and ``Step 6'' are admitting your mistakes to yourself, others, and God. Prepare to have God correct that mistake. As such, it is basically a matter of ``relying on God.''

However, as mentioned above, expressions that can be interpreted as referring to a specific god are avoided, such as ``a great power beyond oneself,'' ``a god that one understands in one's own way,'' and ``a higher power.'' ``AA'' helps all religions and sects without discrimination, so they say, ``You can worship the god of your own sect. You can worship other gods as long as you approve of them.''

Considering these points, it can be seen that the movie ``Flight'' was designed not to deviate from the ``12 steps'' of ``AA''. Therefore, the existence of a ``god'' is hinted at, but whether it is the God of Doko is vague and remains symbolic. This gives the work a strange charm.

In ``Flight,'' ``alcohol,'' ``drugs,'' and ``lying'' appear as symbols for ``bad things,'' but the rationale for this is never explained. However, these are considered ``bad'' by many religions, sects, and morals. In the same way, ``honesty'' is symbolized as ``good'' without any basis. In addition, the term ``God'' remains vague.

As a result, the ``basis'' for ``bad'' and ``good'' is completely ignored, and Zemeckis's outstanding thrill and suspense production is depicted. So, you have this strange feeling of, ``I can intuitively understand why it would be bad if that happens, but there is no basis for it.But, if that happens, it would be bad!'' amidst the pleasant tension.

``Flight'' is a work with a wonderful balance, having a high level of symbolism that tends to be avant-garde, but also having a popular appeal and achieving box office success.

Text: Samurai Isao

Designer by profession, film writer by profession. He is working hard to promote Indian films in Japan.

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"Flight"

Blu-ray: 2,381 yen + tax / DVD: 1,429 yen + tax

Publisher: NBCUniversal Entertainment

*Information as of June 2020.

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