Thursday, April 28, 2011
Water for Elephants
I was watching the movie Water for Elephants and thought of Kierkegaard. The main character Jacob works as a veterinarian for a traveling circus and finds himself in for a great adventure. I also read this book which gave me more insight to his character. Jacob reminds me of a religious man because he does what is best for the animals not matter the consequences. He does what's best for them because that's what he feels is right. One of the main horses in the show had an issue with it's leg and would not be able to recover. The ringleader ordered that the horse remain alive and performing in the show otherwise Jacob would be redlighted. (Redlighted meaning thrown off the train while it was moving.) Jacob chose to put down the horse anyway, even if it meant he would be killed. It's something Jacob felt was right. Through out the entire movie, Jacob stands by his love for the animals and it is very impressive.
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i was wondering if i was the only crazy man that would ponder philosophically upon a movie. especially one with reese witherspoon and robert pattinson.
ReplyDeletei think your comment is right. but i think you are missing much more. i think he stands up for freedom. freedom in the holistic sense of it. freedom for a woman who is captive by a dictator and oppressive husband, freedom for his friends, who are mistreated and abused, and of course freedom for the animals (even if it did not meant letting them loose).
the guy came as a savior to a train (which could be understood as the "train" of life). to show that there is more. there is freedom, and this oppressive system that is killing you, is not your only choice.
i think it is still kierkegaard but maybe the later kierkegaard.