Think people think....

Rating: Null/10 (18 June 2004)

I find, too often, that the average American movie watcher does not open his/her mind to the possibility that todays screen writers and directors may actually intend for their movies to possess some sort of meaning. Think people, seriously. When I first viewed Vanilla Sky I was blown away; shortly after the final scene I quickly realized its meaning, which was apparently, so "poorly" portrayed to the rest of the American public. Ever hear of symbolism? If only we didn't take everything for face value maybe we would be enlightened more often.
Lets get started and stop me if you think anything I have to say is inaccurate or illogical. Warning MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD!
What do most believe heaven is like? Most people have expressed that heaven is different for everyone; that every individual who is fortunate to reach gods kingdom has the ability to create his/her own version of heaven. The individual can do whatever he/she chooses, create their own desired environment, surround themselves with whomever they choose. Now what in the movie parallels this meaning of heaven? LUCID DREAMS! David Aames is not dreaming the whole movie, he is in his own heaven, the one he created for himself. One where he can be surrounded by people that comfort him such as Dr. McCabe, walk down a street which he enjoys such as the one pictured on his favorite album cover, live the rest of his life with the woman of his dreams, etc...And the reason he is haunted by images of Julie is because his self conscious, which is filled with guilt has created for him a sort of purgatory where he must face his demons and resolve his internal conflicts. Any of this making sense??
Secondly, Life Extension or LE, was the most obvious to me. The corporation which allows people to "extend" their lives, represents the fact that many feel that life is ETERNAL! that our soul and spirit live on forever. So, Life Extension equals Life ETERNAL or eternal life.
Next, Tech support, simple, a guardian angel, assigned to assist Davis in times of need.
Lastly, we come to the finale of the movie, where David must choose to either "wake up" or continue his "lucid dream". Again, symbolism right in front of you. Would David rather take a chance and live life again, (REINCARNATION anyone?) or continue his lucid dream (stay in heaven) and live out his eternal fantasy . In addition David's plunge off the side of the infinitely tall building, was simply portraying the act of falling back to earth.
I hope that you now have a new outlook on the movie, and can enjoy it the way I did. Re-watch it please and you'll see that what I have put together makes perfect sense. Do you think its just a coincidence that a vanilla sky (the TITLE of the movie!) looks so damn angelic and heavenly...I think not! Anyone feeling enlightened yet? :)