The symbolism of the storm
Spectacular CGI and stereo-vision create a magnificent picture of the wild violence of the natural world. It is a violence and unpredictability that Pi must come to accept if he is to discover true meaning in his life. His possessions, his tiger's fearlessness and his life-raft are all taken from him, forcing him to discover the frailty of the human condition. Absorbed in the scene, the audience is swept away on the journey of discovery and forced to reflect on the metaphorical significance of the scene and its relevance to their real lives. The loss of the raft suggests that our home and comfort zones are frail compared to fate and nature. The tiger's fear suggests that even our bravery can't protect us. Ultimately, like Pi, we discover that true peace comes when we accept our own mortality and suffering as part of the bigger picture and majesty of life - when we accept and make peace with the discovery that we are not in control.
The storm represents great suffering for Pi. It is also the catalyst for discovery. At first he believes he sees God, crying: "He's come to us! It's a miracle!" So, in his suffering, he finds spirituality. The sunlight symbolises the guiding light that gives him hope and he feels wonder at it's discovery as we can see from his awed facial expression in the head and shoulders shot.
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The computer generated lightning strike is spectacular, creating a sense of wonder and magic in the viewer and in Pi. Again, like the magical sky shots, and other stunning aerial shots, we get a sense of the magnificence of the world in which Pi's suffering takes place. It is grand and beautiful and horrific and wild. The idea here may well be that personal suffering is part of a much bigger and majestic world. It makes Pi's suffering more 'poetic' and moving.
In this scene, the storm acts as a catalyst to Pi's total submission to his faith. It strips him of everything. If one considers Richard Parker as Pi's braver, wild self, the storm has even conquered that as high angle shots depict Richard Parker struggling to stay afloat and an extreme close-up of his face illustrates his fear. The storm also carries off his raft, a symbol of safety and security.
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Pi realises the toll the storm is taking on Richard Parker and his great joy turns instantly to despair. In a long shot filled with Christian imagery, Pi stands on the boat, arms outstretched like Christ and cries, "Why are you scaring him? I've lost my family. I've lost everything. I surrender. What more do you want?" Rousing orchestral music and the sound of crashing waves accompany his surrender and then fade to a sadder tones and choral voices that convey a sense of Pi's intense suffering during this part of the ideal
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When it appears that Pi's suffering can get no worse, sustained shots of him wedging himself between the walls of the lifeboat and fast paced, awkwardly framed cuts of Richard Parker and Pi being swamped by waves reveal the interminable (unending) nature of his ordeal. The scene is protracted (longer than usual) to emphasise this idea..
Finally the storm clears, symbolising change and rebirth. Ironically, it is Pi's acceptance of his own mortality and death that leads to his next discovery. In a long shot of the boat, on calm seas we are again reminded of his vulnerability in the much wider world. His dialogue, "Thank you for giving me my life. I'm ready now," is followed by a fade to black, signifying an ending and change of direction in the film. Pi, at this time, discovers that death is not to be feared. His rage and fear are gone and his dialogue shows his humility and newfound acceptance.
The calm ocean symbolises the peace that comes with Pi's discovery.
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