Mrs. Robbins
Period 3 Film Analysis
10/30/14
The Royal Tenenbaums
A classmate said at one point that Richie looked "like Jesus." It seemed like a cool, but irrelevant comment at first, but after the film concluded, we see connections as to how he could be a symbol for Jesus. I would say the biggest way we see this is right after the "New Richie" scene where Richie attempts to commit suicide. Even though he cut his hair and no longer visually represents Jesus, this act brought he crumbling family together. Everyone came down to see him and came together at his bedside (besides Royal, but he at least put the effort in). He was always the one Tenenbaum child to stick out to Royal so there was always something unique about him, but his unifying of the family proved to be his most important action. In the picture below, we see Richie cutting his hair in a mostly low-key light shot. However, even with this immensely depressing subject and scene shown with the dimmer lights, there is still bright light coming in, foreshadowing the good that could (and would) come out of even a dark deed. I think Richie saved the family; do you think so? Also, if this was not the major turning point for the family, what was?
I definitely agree with all your points. The Jesus symbolism is a great discovery, as according to religion, Jesus died to save the rest of us (please nobody be angry if this is wrong, I'm no theologian). I also agree with what you said about the turning point. This was the final straw. It was the event that made everyone realize they had to work together.
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