The Carnivorous Island
There are many interpretations of the carnivorous island scene. Martel claims it is a test of faith. All the other incidents in the film, though at times odd, or far-fetched, seemed believable. We opened our minds and accepted the story. The island is different. It's where we say, "Hang on...a floating, carnivorous island crawling with meerkats? I don't think so." Throughout the story, we subconsciously choose to suspend our disbelief, but the text pushes the reader's limits. The carnivorous island is where we discover the story may not be/is not 'true'. In order to go on, we must make a conscious leap of faith to accept the story on its face value...and we do. As readers we discover that we can make such leaps of faith, leading us towards the final discovery of the text - that, without proof or rational argument, we can also choose faith.
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Click on the button to visit a blog where people discuss their interpretations of the scene. Remember, these are just opinions. Which seems most likely and 'true' to you and the film's key ideas?
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Firstly they're funny because they are very unlikely and unexpected. They are part of what makes the island difficult to believe. Secondly, they are intensely social animals, living in family groups and watching out for each other. Therefore, the meerkats, who thrive on the island, symbolise the ability of the individual to thrive in the company of his own kind. There are many other interpretations of the scene. What do you think? |
While the island promises much, in the high angle, extreme wide shot of the island with its abundant meerkats and the humorous long shot of the meerkats all looking quizzically at Pi, it has sinister undertones. The overhead shot of the meerkats looking up reveals the luminous white bones at their feet. This foreshadows Pi's discovery. In juxtaposing the shots, Lee shocks us as we realise that all is not perfect on the island.
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Pi has discovered a place that can sustain him with food and water and he ties Anandi's charm around the tree root to signify his intention to stay on the island. After so long going without, and after coming so close to death, we can understand his decision. The sunset, combined with the more sinister overhead shot of the meerkats earlier give the viewer an unsettled feeling. |
Simulated bioluminescence and a blue filter gives an eerie quality to Pi's next discovery. The cold blue light and tentative piano music create a sense of horror and aloneness. The undershot of Pi's face reveals his dismay at this new discovery. A final overhead shot of the fish flapping as they are dissolved by the pool's acid looks like the iris of an eye.
The idea here is that a life lived in isolation, no matter how materially perfect, eats away at your soul. They say eyes are the windows to the soul, and here the 'eye' reveals the acid of the soul. Pi has yet another epiphany - the island - its loneliness - will consume him. Food and water are not enough to sustain life. Human beings need the company of their own kind. Pi has already discovered that he is prepared for death so leaving the island's 'safety' is preferable to staying and living a half-life. |
The extreme close-up of the tooth inside the flower is a metaphor. The bud looks fresh, natural and beautiful on the surface, just like the island, but inside it reveals its rotten core. Pi discovers the true nature of the island, and the consequences of a life lived alone, separate from humanity.