Interpreting the tiger's vision
This sequence is open to many interpretations. It is important to choose the ideas that fit best with your understanding of the whole film.
The camera zooms down into the depths of the ocean as Pi discovers life through the tiger's eyes. Spectacular CGI images of predators - a shark, a whale, a giant squid - suggest that Richard Parker's whole existence, both physical and imagined is predatory and wild. The zooming camera could suggest a range of ideas.
* Is Pi sinking into his more primal, predatory self and losing sight of his humanity?
* Is he trying to hide from his grief and the reality of his situation by sinking into a wilder, more primitive version of himself?
* Is it a metaphorical representation of a man 'drowning' in a harsh world where those around him lack humanity and soul?
* Is Pi sinking into his more primal, predatory self and losing sight of his humanity?
* Is he trying to hide from his grief and the reality of his situation by sinking into a wilder, more primitive version of himself?
* Is it a metaphorical representation of a man 'drowning' in a harsh world where those around him lack humanity and soul?
Lee uses magical realism to convey the magic and wonder of the universe in the bestiary that emerges from the body of the whale. The images are irrational, like the subconscious mind. They are both compelling and repulsive - much like our own wilder tendencies and thoughts.
The bioluminescent flower that emerges from the bubbles symbolises love and is a catalyst for Pi to rediscover his humanity. Lee's film suggests it is our emotions and feelings that connect us to our humanity. Pi sees his mothers face and the wreck of the Tsimtsim on the ocean floor. These objects symbolise his life before he became wild. A rapid pull-away shot back to the surface shows Pi's recognition of his humanity as he is depicted, in human form peering down into the water, just as Richard Parker had peered down. The identical shot composition suggests that his imagination went into the water a tiger, but emerged human having reconnected to his past.
Does it also suggest that he is not yet ready to confront the tragedy of the death of his family as he 'pulls away' from the images?
Does it also suggest that he is not yet ready to confront the tragedy of the death of his family as he 'pulls away' from the images?