Swiss Army Man

Swiss Army Man  

Story  

   

    Hank Thompson is stranded on an island without any help. He discovers a body wash ashore that has capabilities which are superhuman and very resourceful. Together, Hank teaches the corpse named Manny humanity and what the meaning of life is. Meanwhile, Manny helps Hank survive and make it back home.  

    This movie can be taken in one of two ways: either Manny is a real living corpse or Hank has made Manny up in his head to not be alone. Hank suffers from hiding his authentic self because he fears rejection. This has led him to admiring a woman on the bus but won’t start anything because he doesn't want to come off as weird. As a result, Hank is unhappy with his life, being distant from his own father, and having no friends. It is implied that at the start of the movie when Hank is stranded on a small island that he attempted to kill himself and that is how he ended up there. Further, when Manny, the corpse, shows up, he tries to hang himself. Manny saved him, because of his farting, drawing him away from the noose. This can be interpreted as his mind giving him a reason to live or Manny just happening to be in the right place at the right time.  

    Lasty, Manny is unfiltered by social life and what is expected of him. This is shown when he farts without care, asks very personal questions, and says what is on his mind. Hank on the other hand is suppressed by society's expectations; this is representative of how he acts around Manny and how he talks about the girl he is interested in. Hank won't fart in front of others because it's considered disgusting, and Manny thinks that is stupid. By the end of the movie Manny teaches Hank how to be his true self and be happy with it. Regardless if Manny was real or not the idea of Manny is the other, suppressed side of Hank.

    

Cinematography   

  

    The bus scene, recreating Hank's photo of Sarah, has multiple great moments. It starts with harsh daytime light, but as the scene progresses, we have a close-up shot of Manny, who starts singing. The music swells as the surroundings have a warmer tone and then it switches to a wide short of Sarah. The light follows her as she walks to take her seat and it mystifies Manny. The same way it did with Hank.  

    As the scene continues Hank encourages Manny to talk to Sarah but Manny is hesitant because of his insecurities of not being good enough too. This is Hanks fears being portrayed onto Manny because Manny has learned everything from him. In result the music picks up again and Hank gives Manny glasses to feel cool and give him confidence. In this scene Hank is helping Manny do what he couldn’t do. Talk to Sarah.  

  

Cultural relevance  

    This movie is relevant in today's culture as many people are isolated and alone. While the internet makes us more interconnected it leaves many people unable or unwilling to make friends or connections in real life. Often, they are alone entertained by their phones to bridge a gap of loneliness. Further, in society people want to be accepted so they conform to social values despite how they truly feel. This is illustrated with Hank and how he goes about his everyday life. He would rather watch than interact, which has made him suffer in silence.