Secondary Research Post
Gooch, Joshua. “Making a Go of It: Paternity and Prohibition in the Films of Wes Anderson.” Cinema Journal 47.1 (2007): 26-28. Project Muse. Web. 1 Dec. 2009.
http://muse.jhu.edu/journals/cinema_journal/v047/47.1gooch.html “The Royal Tenenbaums”
Alteration of the Glove – How Wes Anderson’s film, The Royal Tenenbaums, uses Signification (symbolization) in order to structure the fatherly role, as seen by Margot Tenenbaum. This symbolization results in an increasing desire to have a relationship with her brother Richie.
Authors argument:
The authors argument states that Wes Anderson and his film, The Royal Tenenbaums, uses signification in order to show the disconnects and desires between the character Margot Tenenbaum.
Main Points:
The scene where Margot’s finger is accidentally chopped off symbolizes an irrevocable detachment with her biological father. Her father failed to fulfill his responsibility by giving her up for adoption, and cuts off any chance of future relations with this one incident. Margot’s ordeal with her biological father causes her to be very distant and secretive, as shown by her chronic lies and seclusion.
Margot and Richie’s incestuous relationship and how the signification through Margot’s dismemberment leads to her desire for Richie. The loss of Margot’s finger becomes a gap that must be filled and she looks to Richie.
Minor ideas/references:
The Idea that Margot’s wooden placeholder for her dismembered finger symbolizes its loss as well as the pain the lost caused.
The image of the dismembered glove as a defining symbol in which the narrative of the film relies upon.
How Royal’s run ins with the law and failure as a family legislator hinders Margot’s ability to see him in the role of her father.
Points that other writers may use for their papers:
The use of signification in “The Royal Tenenbaums” and how it relates to Margot as a character.
How the absence of a fatherly figure is symbolized through Margot’s dismembered finger and the Alteration of the glove.
The main cause for Margot’s ensuing desire for Richie being her dismembered finger.
