Nightmare Alley | Moral Of The Story (Film Analysis)

[@iansterling9150]

Another element about Stan's character I found tragic was his creativity that was desperately manifesting itself in different ways: the drawings and building a set for the carnival act. Its as though he was trying to express himself creatively which could have lead him towards a better fate, however chose to pursue more treacherous forms of validation.

[@yawhinne]

yeah, he didn’t use to reflect on himself, which the true art is believed to be, but rather to fool other people. One more sin one can say.

[@RK-ep8qy]

His mum also encouraged his artwork, so it was one of the more innocent parts of his character

[@hiebrantsify]

The movie is about choices, Trauma and life controlled by passions (Sins). There are multiple places where he is given choices to lead a better life a moral life However he always chose to follow his passions. The movie is filled with religious symbology. The carnival is the devils lair and he sold his soul. In the end. He gained fame, money, women however in the end he paid the full price of making the contract with devil. The movie analyzes not just the character himself but the show business too and what kind of people inhabit it. Great movies have many ways to be analyzed. I like this channels idea but i think it is incomplete.

[@mukulseth]

@hiebrantsify I would say desires rather than passion. but otherwise I agree with you. it could apply to any kind of business really. I thought it was more of a commentary on the greed for power (or the appearance of power).

[@minorityofone3045]

Spot on analysis! I love the line “people are dying inside to be seen” “they want to tell you who they are”.

[@leinaaguilar5083]

Those lines hit me too.

[@prestoncaprese7416]

Welcome to the internet. Just look around and you’ll see how much that’s true.

[@pinkfongbabyshark-kidssong8533]

@@prestoncaprese7416 like u?

[@prestoncaprese7416]

@@pinkfongbabyshark-kidssong8533 sure! And you, too!

[@83thechaz]

Those lines affected me too. We can all show or tell others about ourselves but are they-and I include our individual selves too-kind enough to accept what we see or hear with love? There’s an old saying about (my version) “we think we are free. Realistically we are all locked away inside our own individual cages”

[@TechnicJunglist]

we could all geek in life if we don't heed the warning signs. And I find that absolutely terrifying.

[@jcdenton4847]

@@jg11x11 I've known them dealing and being friends with tweakers. They served that whole purpose for me where I said atleast I'm not that guy. Now I'm an alcoholic who is like that for my friends. And honestly just a few bad weeks from being a full fledged one myself. It is terrifying

[@Galm02]

@@jcdenton4847 sorry to hear that, and thanks for sharing your experience, now I have something to think about

[@stephenphillips4609]

Top comment

[@OGStrijder]

@@jcdenton4847hope you’re well 💜

[@Catherine_Dana]

*already did but without my full conscious consent + all my foolishly good deeds have been properly punished and by the right cruel teachers yet truly selfish, ignorant, misogynistic, arrogant, incompetent, toxic, malicious & narcissistic or greedy rotten people so i forgave all my foolish trespassers but still wildly cuss them out while i keep detoxifying all of my recently acquired via this insane global foolish male ego centered unethical medical malpraxis cytotoxic mercurial nerdiness fo my previous full physiological health & divine quantum state of being unlike this devilish judicial unrest, pride & naturally lawful self-righteousness firstly for myself then true justice for all the legally victimised yet resilient organically feminine brave souls out here...*

[@CrimsinHavik]

This film does a wonderful job with it's portray of destructive inner demons. The line that Pete says to Stan is a thread that carried throughout the whole film, and it really resonates: "You know, if you're good at reading people, it's mostly because you learned as a child, trying to stay one step ahead of whatever tormented you. Now, if they really did a number on you, then that crack, it's a hollow. And there'll never be enough."

[@charlesheck6812]

THE key to the whole thing

[@theaverageglasses6197]

That line shook me to the core when he said it. It's so interesting to me that Stan couldn't bear Pete being there, when Pete clearly was a father figure capable of seeing him.

[@johnrivers3813]

I'm really good at reading people but just because I can read someone's body language and facial expressions it doesn't mean I'm going to interpret them correctly. It is a defense mechanism and 9 times out of 10 I assume it's related to me. "Oh that person's eye twitched, they must be annoyed, it must be something I did or said" and it can be exhausting.

[@Tommy-wg7bq]

Molly's morality and innocence is also represented by her love for chocolate, almost like a child. A child's innocence

[@anthonycharles1185]

That’s really interesting. I didn’t catch it, but after reading your comment, I can’t unsee it. Even her behavior was child like.

[@phillyfan410]

Yea she was even a child as an adult, total dimwit

[@rayraythejet]

I believe the ash tray, with the beautiful women sculpture is a symbol of temptation and what temptation results in. Just as cigarettes are a temptation which results in ashes... Stanley can't resist alcohol, he can't resist being unfaithful, he can't resist the spook-show con. How about killing? Another temptation of Stanley's as well. All his temptations are irresistible and all bring him the same result, ashes of his life.

[@samsuidinski2702]

This is so good! I think this could definitely be the case! When I was saw it I thought it was a little boy for some reason lol

[@TechnicJunglist]

There are numerous biblical references throughout the film: Lilith, the book of Enoch, Cain & Abel (when the geek hits him with the rock) ect. Then we have the elements of Freud, Jung, and the Pavlov dog test. This film with it's multilayers was masterfully done. Everything comes full circle for Stan and it's well deserved.

[@pinkfongbabyshark-kidssong8533]

@@TechnicJunglist who are u to judge?

[@TechnicJunglist]

@@pinkfongbabyshark-kidssong8533 I'm Dr Manhattan.

[@Olsens13]

I believe the sunlight represents light

[@stephenleigh2530]

Anyone notice the amazing production design ? Especially Lilith's office walls that look like creepy rorschach tests ?

[@isoutoforbit]

Stan's inability to see himself, to figure out his unconscious as you pointed out, made me think of the purpose of the drawings. He says it's something he's always done to help him think, showing how he's always had trouble placing himself within the exterior world despite his amazing abilities to copy and decipher it.

[@jmn194]

We need more movies like this.

[@jacobchapman890]

Wow, great insights. I just watched it and was constantly shocked by it. The suffering of these characters is relentless and canyon-deep.

[@LifeIsAStory]

For sure. It’s too bad it kinda got over shadowed by Spider-Man this weekend. It’s one of the best of the year.

[@liquidsouldier4429]

The original movie was 3hr 20min I’m hoping we get the full experience upon home release

[@liquidsouldier4429]

Unfortunately I don’t think we will get the uncut version, del toro said it messes with pacing and character development, he doesn’t like to release uncut versions of his movies

[@yawhinne]

Guillermo and nazis once again. Finally saw the movie and understood that I didn’t pay enough attention to the subplot because of my exceptions of more mass entertaining story. And I’m glad that it turned more complex. This video helped me to catch on couple clues I missed, appreciate it. But after checking couple reviews, this one including, one thing has left unnoticed in my opinion. The subtle relation to the nature of Fascism. Which would not be the first time for del Toro. Notably The Labyrinth of Faun, where psyche and nazi danger are also tied. Nightmare Alley has several scenes, emphasizing the WWll was about to begin. Safe to say the biggest common hell at the time. And there is obvious inference of how hero’s personal hell, which was marked by the fire in the opening scene, relates to the society in the whole. And it turned in one picture to me when I saw Carl Jung’s quote in the beginning of this review and remembered his thoughts on Hitler, as this one was also in relation to Fuhrer. Then it clicked when I saw other comment in this section about Stan’s talents but inability to express himself through it. I figure now that it can be literal reference to the origins of Adolph, who couldn’t make himself a successful artist, but became the utmost evil. I dug deeper in C.G. Jung’s texts on topic and will elaborate on them further to make this comment even heavier) Load of quotes here to reduce misinterpretations. Jung’s teaching were based on studying of unconscious. He claimed that meeting your own dark side is crucial in establishing healthy personality. Quoting here: “When we begin to develop a sense of our individual ego as children, we tend to project onto the external world all those aspects of ourselves that either we or society deem unfit for expression but because these traits are a part of each one of us and demand acknowledgement, we project them unconsciously, seeing in others what we refuse to see in ourselves. The confrontation with the shadow, if successful, brings us conscious awareness that we are made up of opposing forces of good and bad, light and dark.” And as Stan failed to meet his shadow, but rather decide to burry and burn it, his downfall was predetermined. He was great in drawing, creating sets and stories but didn’t use if for self-reflection or any other good purpose. Only for deception. He noticed the tiniest details of people behavior, but can’t see his own patterns, based on unresolved trauma. He became a master of lie to others, but mostly to himself. Add narcissistic traits, that could be seen by his desire of fame, demanding respect from Ezra’s guard and so on. That correlates with other Jung’s observation oh Hitler: “A more accurate diagnosis of Hitler’s condition would be pseudologia phantastica, that form of hysteria which is characterized by a peculiar talent for believing one’s own lies. For a short spell, such people usually meet with astounding success, and for that reason are socially dangerous. Nothing has such a convincing effect as a lie one invents and believes oneself, or an evil deed or intention whose righteousness one regards as self-evident.” And what happens, when one such man gains power over nation: “If this unconscious disposition should happen to be one which is common to the great majority of the nation, then a single one of these complex-ridden individuals, who at the same time sets himself up as a megaphone, is enough to precipitate a catastrophe.” resulting in: “His Voice(Hitler’s) is nothing other than his own unconscious, into which the German people have projected their own selves; that is, the unconscious of seventy-eight million Germans. That is what makes him powerful. Without the German people he would be nothing.” So all of that even, if stretched, I see not as direct comparison to Hitler, but as underlining of general danger having no real self-awareness as a person, as a society. Film characters with severe personal tragedy here do terrible things. Ezra, Lilith, Stan. All of them have no real trust but wish for it and the closure so desperately in secret. Heaving this significant layer in already masterfully written story, put this film on another level for me. The whole contemplating sends vibes of The Master by P.A. Anderson and Nolan’s The Prestige. Time will show if it is underrated classic, which how it feels now. Last one I promise: “Indeed, it is becoming ever more obvious, that it is not famine, not earthquakes, not microbes, not cancer but man himself who is man’s greatest danger to man, for the simple reason that there is no adequate protection against psychic epidemics, which are infinitely more devastating than the worst of natural catastrophes.” Carl Jung, The Symbolic Life

[@srajmar3579]

I'm curious to know if you see similar parallels with Trump and is past, current and future impact on the us

[@castlekirk7646]

the cinematography is maybe the best del toro has done so far. it's soothing, precise and subtle

[@noeldunsky]

Thank you so much for your interpretation. I believe that this story is about how people's unresolved childhood traumas make them seek paths in life in which they feel control over other people on which they project their past aggressors. Dr Ritter and Ezra are mirror images of Stanton who also hurt and kill other that remind them their past aggressors. It also may be criticizing psychologists as being a type of con artists themselves, being paralleled to mentalists. The road-side carnival is a metaphor for their lives, which is all about putting on masks of deceit in order to hide their frail self-esteem. As in the carnival guests come to entertain themselves with the dark side in the safe environment of being the audience but the people on stage are actually constantly reliving their past traumas. Those tortured souls who keep wandering in their own Alley of Nightmares, i.e. their repressed (or not) memories of past traumas entertain themselves by manipulating others BEYOND the show at the carnival similar to how those with personality disorders do, thus providing themselves with an illusion of control but in the end they symbolically and physically go back to the cage of their childhood traumas. Another thought is that when you look closely at the picture of Ezra's wife the carnival Ferris wheel is actually in the background. Any ideas on how this is connected? Did Ezra's wife abort the one-eyed baby in the jar? -- and also the ashtray is something to think about as well as part of the meaning of the whole sleek art-deco style in the big city, as opposed to the rural messy style of the carnival...

[@seanlaffey3633]

The ending felt like something out of The Twilight Zone.

[@scottt5181]

This is one of the best movies I’ve seen in a while. Kind of reminded me of Shutter Island the way Teddy Daniels comes to terms with who he is and his past in the end.

[@hugomiranda_]

There’s one shot I really liked where Stan is escaping the police and gets in the train, where he finally lays down there in the middle of chickens. The camera is bird’s-eye view and you can see Stan having the same position as the upside down hangman card, as foretold by Zeena. That upside down card apparently represents selfishness and this scene confirms his fate, where he finally lost it all due to his selfishness, starting his downwards path to becoming a geek.

[@eddiejc1]

I read that the earlier version of this film had a happier ending where Molly finds him at the carnival and stops him from becoming a geek. I preferred this ending because I firmly believed that Stan DESERVED the horrific ending of Del Toro's film. However, this video makes me realize that as horrific as the ending is to ME, for STAN it truly is a happy ending. (Also for Molly who lives and presumedly finds somebody else.)

[@adamah6456]

The final scene with Stanton confirms your interpretation, with Bradley Cooper laughing maniacally and crying in relief after realizing he was BORN to play the role of a geek (vs saying he was MADE to play the role, as Tyrone Powers said in the original film). Cooper’s rendition is a GREAT example of a Greek tragedy literary device called “anagnorisis” - a tragic hero's experiencing an epiphany (tragic insight) of their fatal flaw (hamartia, usually hubris) so they experience a change of heart, but only after it comes too late for it to offer any hopes of redemption or salvation. The scene is very meta, serving as a warning to the audience to not make the same mistake he made. This ending jibes with themes raised earlier in the film of the general point of why people pay admission to attend a carnival or any other entertainment show (including a movie!), where audience pays money to be warned of the fates of sinners (eg that arcade mirror scene), or little children see a figure who was turned into a spider for disobeying their parents, etc. An experienced filmmaker like Del Toro would know and use classic tragedy literary devices.

[@agyflo286]

@Edward J. Cunningham I watched the first adaptation of 1947 before I watched this one, and the character of Stanton is depicted differently, still as corrupted, but in a more subtle and less obvious way. Hence why the end is sort of "happy", as if at the end he manage to redeem himself. In this version Stanton breaks completely bad, so he deserves the dark end he drives himself into.

[@panchopistolitas]

Moral of the story is never try to read Cate Blanchett in public, lol

[@instructivesilence359]

The way that she says her first line: May I? and her last line: I'll live. beyond brilliant. she is not to be toyed with.

[@simonf8902]

Lilith created the whole end game and made Stan murder Ezra to revenge herself. Ezra wounded her. She says Ezra is dangerous and disturbed early on. And in a biblical sense the first Lilith was cast out of the Garden of Eden for not obeying Adam. And Lilith in mythology is also a she devil. Lilith in the movie is a mind reader for money, like a Stan. But she is a mind reader cloaked by pseudo science. As well like Stan she is a fake. She admits she is not a real Doctor. However she is smarter and stronger than Stan. Lilith despises Stan for his weakness.

[@kirstyfairly4371]

That's exactly what i thought. And what more perfect way to get revenge on Ezra for scarring her, then setting it up so that the guy who she clearly hates for humiliating her in front of a large audience, winds up going down for the killing of Ezra while she gets rid of any evidence of her involvement in the crime.

[@simonf8902]

@@kirstyfairly4371 you are spot on. This adds another element to this tortured tale. Lilith is clearly intellectually the more powerful. She sizes him up , finds him wanting and then ruthlessly uses him for her own ends. Thus launching him into his inevitable decline to being the geek. As well he is a patricide which is a mortal sin. He is punished for his hubris. Full circle. Rather a Greek tragedy in some ways.

[@DotDot-mb2rn]

Name "Lilith" is a clue too.

[@TheCarlScharnberg]

Psychology isn't a "pseudo-science," it's an actual science based mostly in biology.

[@simonf8902]

@@TheCarlScharnberg she admits she is not a true psychologist.

[@britjay646]

You did a great job actually analyzing this movie. So many other KZbin channels say in the title that’s what they are doing but it turns out to be just a lazy recap. So thanks for actually providing true content.

[@simonf8902]

Lilith created the situation to make Stan murder Ezra. Ezra abused Lilith.

[@MCeManu]

I loved your analysis of this movie. Just watched it yesterday and you truly gave me a new perspective about it. Thank you!

[@vercingetorix9005]

There's a scene where Lilith purposefully kisses him after taking a sip of whiskey and you can see the change in his eyes after he gets a taste of it after the kiss. It was masterful.

[@WaddedBliss]

Ohhh! Of course! I missed why he took a drink after a lifetime of abstinence.

[@sciencefantastic]

I just realized, one could interpret Stan leaving the burning house as seemingly leaving Hell. He's escaping a horrible fate for a better life. But he ultimately is an evil soul who can outrun himself for so long, so he resigns himself to the same fate as the Geek, to live in the dark as a monster. He returns to Hell, as he was meant to. Just a thought.

[@fegsanchez7344]

Note lilith tells Stan to make Molly's hands bloody during the spook show to make Ezra les slikely to approach... Which had the opposite effect. So she set his death up

[@Makiaveli01]

I still can’t figure out Liliths motive she said herself it wasn’t about the money, the only thing I can think of is she wants to outdo him

[@samsuidinski2702]

I think you're right! I was confused at first but I think the thing about her is she always wants to be on top and powerful. He made her feel weak at the show so she got revenge.

[@clairematthews5797]

Erza says he hurt women. She has a scar on her chest. So, maybe she was using him to get revenge on Erza and she also felt resentful towards Stan when he humiliated her during the stage show?

[@simonf8902]

She was wounded by Ezra. She creates the situation so Stan will murder him. She hooked him with the Judge.

[@kimberlyhawkins]

@@simonf8902 exactly,: Lilith is the puppeteer, her master plan was to end Ezra and have someone else do it. Stan was the mark, not Lilith.

[@sarahannferrigan]

He humiliated her in public and I think she might be one of the women that Ezra hurt.

[@liquidsouldier4429]

There are many Noire movies Guillermo used as inspiration and paid homage too, recreating a set peace or scene from them, the ashtray may have been a item from one of these movies, Del toro loves to pay respect and homage to movies that inspire him. The movies for this film were •To late for tears •Strangers on a train •Fallen Angel •Born to Kill. If you would like the link to the interview were Guillermo explains many things from the movie I can post it if interested.

[@staciicats7330]

Yes please post the link if possible

[@klausfleishacker4756]

Excellent analysis. Best one on KZbin.

[@Wonder4625]

Guillermo Del Toro plays with mainly four colors in his films. Red, gold, blue, sepia...they all mean certain things. I read that in one of his books, his movies always have an amazing amount of detail and depth

[@BigfootU]

Wow this was a thought provoking commentary. Thanks!!

[@bev9708]

GREAT analysis, bravo!!!! I absolutely LOVED this movie, with style absolutely dripping off the screen like an old classic!!

[@MissLady83]

Great summary. You ending statement is so true.

[@WhytheBookWins]

Such a great analysis! This was such a great movie and your video has given me a whole new appreciation! I wondered why they kept showing that baby in the jar lol, and I think your explanation makes sense

[@unsure9166]

This made me look at my addiction in a whole new way and terrifies me .. Would my addiction turn me into someone I don’t recognize.

[@Notintheclub]

I think so.

[@petersharpe1164]

This is such a fantastic and deep analysis. Thank you. I saw the film last week and have been mulling it over ever since. It is full of depth and interesting themes. And your video has given me a lot more things to consider. One of the themes I picked up on from my viewing is that all the characters except maybe Molly are looking for the quick fix that will give them what they want. For Stan, it's money, by way of Pete's book of secrets which means Stan doesn't have to do the thinking for himself. For others, it's alcohol. For Stan's later marks, as you've said, it's peace, which they beleive they can get from the honeyed words of a medium. This may play into your observation that we have to confront the difficultities within our past and be willing to undergo the work of figuring things out for ourselves instead of relying on quick but ineffective cures. In any case, it's a great film and thank you for the amazing video.

[@dkarras]

After my first viewing, I suspect it will reward further screenings. I noted at the end that the carny boss (Tim Blake Nelson) was wearing a necklace that appeared to be the same one that the sherif was earlier in the film & I need to consider what to make of this by rewatching his reading of the sherif. Of course I could be mistaken but it stood out to me to such an extent that I believe we are meant to notice it. I suppose it could be as simple as adding to his comeuppance as a relation (or simple reminder/coincidence) of his first significant reading/con is the one who makes him the geek. Anybody else notice this / have any ideas ?

[@diegogonzalez1598]

Hi! I also noticed the necklace and agree with your observation

[@alfonsolopez5695]

The carny boss had a collection of artifacts from other traveling shows (baby in a jar) however Stan gave the angle from his recollection which was an angle the present owner enjoyed. To me, it showed that it may have been a different group but the stories were repackaged and recycled - keeping with the circular theme of the film.

[@leinaaguilar5083]

I didn’t pick up on that (necklace detail) but will pay attention upon rewatch. I think you’re on to something there though. Perhaps it foreshadows the beginning of the end, his first major con (a no-no, taboo to do the spook act and mess with other people’s emotions) that is the catalyst for Stanton’s descent which ultimately leads him to hit rock bottom, ie. becoming the geek. His reencounter with the necklace symbolizes he has come full circle.

[@h0tdice]

I took that as the carny boss wearing it on his sleeve, something so free and open that it couldn't be used against him, the piece holds no meaning or purpose, something that Stan could never twist. For the sheriff it was a live round of ammunition, to the carny boss it was nothing more than a blank. Although I don't feel literally that there was a moment where Stan looked at the necklace and struggled to make a connection but at this point in the story it showed how powerless he was, even with a prior success dangling right in front of his face.

[@dkarras]

@@h0tdice interesting, I hadn’t quite thought of it in that way before but you’re right it is being dangled right in front of him as if to taunt him. The con was conned so bad that he lost everything, especially his own confidence & thus his power.

[@singram]

Brilliant analysis. Thanks for sharing.

[@JoseMolina-jz9hh]

Noticed the ashtray also, all I could think of, was a siren calling in a ship towards the rocks. Similarly the themes of Sam and his relationship with alchohol. But not sure, found it cool you threw that in. Great analysis, fantastic film..!

[@kareemlane7126]

Good break down!!

[@Bamgeutcutiepie]

i just finished this movie - now on disney. i can not believe he ended up as the geek!!!!! oh my gosh what a fate. this movie did a number on me.

[@jasonkesser]

that was excellent sir.

[@25eightallday]

Bro....you gotta do more of these....that was very interesting and thought provoking

[@curiousworld7912]

I'm really looking forward to this, as I love del Toro's work, and I loved the original version of this film. I believe it came out in 1947, and it starred Tyrone Power. Power was amazing in the role of Stan, and I've read that he fought for both the film and for the starring role, as it went against the 'romantic hero' parts he was known for. He gave a stellar performance, so it will be interesting to see what Bradley Cooper does with it.

[@noelkinz]

I loved the carnival scenes, I wish they had extended those visuals at the carnival they were amazing., but I understand it wasn't about the carnival but about greed and hate. I also loved the karmatic ending.

[@Limastudent]

The 1947 original with Tyrone Power is one of my top loves in movies.

[@BrainFitnessHawaii]

The best review with substance , also discussing about war veteran who have PTSD & drug/alcohol are only medicines to escape nightmare alley caused by war .. this movie has so many metaphors like riddles in Japanese Zen’ Koans: you trace down that rabbit role & discover what’s going on in this dark underworld of human psyche

[@maksimnikiforovski2034]

Great analysis! I also noticed that 'clocks' and 'watches' figure as symbols in other Del Torro films as well.

[@c.h.a.s.i.n.g.l.i.g.h.t]

I think Lilith didn’t plan to make Stan kill Ezra, coz Stan is just an ordinary person who doesn’t have what it takes to kill someone who is heavily guarded by body guard. I think she did it coz she got humiliated during his show. She’s the one who asked the guy to call Stan after the show for a private session. And maybe the guy was the one who introduced her to Ezra after his session. So she kinda knew that the guy would introduce Stan to Ezra down the line. Maybe her first meeting with Stan was not intended to trick him but just to know how he knew about the pistol but when he started to humiliate her, she planned to take revenge. I think she helped her for Ezra’s first session coz she knew he would ask for more sessions and if Stan was not able to please him, Ezra would torture him just like how he tortured Lilith. I think that’s the reason why she gave her inside info the first time and was not willing to help him for the second session. But she got best of both worlds coz Stan ended up killing Ezra. I think Lilith had a happy ending coz she accepted that she was not a real doc and tricked people. Stan never had that realization until the very end of the movie. Just my point of view …

[@JoeNaeem]

Great vid !!

[@deionroulhac3245]

***SPOILERS*** I have watched a few reviews /breakdown of this movie, and I haven't seen anybody mentioned the the position Bradley Cooper's character is in on the train mimicking the position of the tarot card he flipped over in the scene with Zelda. Beautiful callback. I like your explanation of the tricylops baby's parallel to Stan, and I was thinking of the Greek sisters of fate with the one eye (granted, that's coming from remembering Disney's Hercules portrayal of the characters so...yeah lol). But the fact that it kept popping up in his head and they "reunite" at the end, it felt like another symbol of him being unable to escape his fate, or God as Pete put it

[@monetpetals86]

AMAZING JOB! You gave me so much food for thought!

[@chump1971]

Loved your analysis, and the movie (I saw it last weekend). I’m shocked that this movie currently has a 79% on rotten tomatoes. This film is far greater than the aggregate critics score would imply. This is one of my top five films of 2021

[@giraffe1219]

A perspective of someone who really disliked this movie - it seemed nonsensical. It could be I'm just not smart enough to read between the lines, but I feel I was engaged by the story. The story felt like it had no backbone. Even after watching this video I really struggle to see the point, the true story. It seemed like 2 hours were spent giving what was supposed to be a backstory, but it just fell flat. It seemed despite sitting through that we still were not given enough. It feels like there were massive gaps. I had so many questions that went unanswered - I know they don't always have to be - but I also was deeply captivated by things that were kind of just left alone. Which I get that's likely intentional. It's not objectively bad, obviously, and I respect that others seem to find this movie fantastic. It was just lacking for my tastes. I wish I found it as great as others.

[@staciicats7330]

What are the other 4 films?

[@ronaldokhalifa8603]

For the average viewer I can see why 79% makes sense. Cause when I finished I wondered why so much time was taken in the backstory. But after some thought, it's clear that this was very intentional by del Toro, he packed a lot of themes and layers into the story and he let them all breathe. Like shutter island this is a movie you need to watch multiple times too see just how much the director was revealing even at the very start of the film. Masterful.

[@themoonstonemystic]

The person on the top of the ashtray is *very* reminiscent of the Hanged Man in reverse card, right down to the leg tucked behind the other. I could be reading it wrong but I wouldn't be surprised if there's more like this littered throughout the film. Loved this analysis and now I have to subscribe. Thank you.

[@chadcognac5626]

Does anyone know why the rabbit was in the hallway? What’s it’s meaning?

[@leinaaguilar5083]

I think it was to show Stanton that his past has revisited him. The rabbit came with his old carnie friends from the traveling circus. The rabbit may also symbolize you can’t escape your past.

[@chadcognac5626]

@@leinaaguilar5083 thanks for replying. I thought it might highlight how he is separate from everyone else.

[@lettersandliterature5454]

This was fantastic. Thank you.

[@shiantimusic2363]

This isn’t the first full circle movie. Bradley has been in, a place beyond the pines has the same taste to it👏🏼👏🏼 truly loves these type of movies

[@evanovak279]

the symbol from the ashtray at the end is that hanged man from that tarot card the one he fliped upside down to "fix it" aaaaand zeena told him the last card would be his downfall

[@rakbhogal3293]

Brilliant analysis, Buddy. Great movie.

[@KuriVaiM]

Great analysis!

[@paulwells4203]

Thanks for your thoughtful analysis of Nightmare Alley. Subscribed. This is a movie that I will watch again, more closely. There is an interesting interview with Guillermo Del Toro on Marc Maron's WTF? podcast. They do a deep dive on many things including this movie. The director is a very interesting person and Marc as usual comes at him with questions from odd angles. Thanks again for this interesting look a Nightmare Alley

[@simonf8902]

This film will win the Academy Award for Best Picture. Bradley Cooper will win Best Actor. Plus many other awards.

[@clairematthews5797]

This video deserves more likes.

[@freddynuffsaid7564]

I thought Stan running into the fun house searching for the geek who escaped was interesting. One of the workers told Stan he would around d and if Stan found him to push him through. Almost hitting to his end. And just before he finds the geek he stands in front of a mirror that said "look at yourself sinner". Basically warning him.

[@Maikyl.]

I need help. How did Lilith knew that Stan killed Pete with the wood alcohol?

[@judyclay7942]

Excellent deconstruction

[@rossbooth4635]

It was such a huge error for Stan to think he would be able to command Ezra to kneel and pray. In just a few scenes, it's clear to the viewer that Ezra is a powerful man with violent impulses. Did he just get cocky?

[@ASageCalledQ]

Even when he was scared he still thought to an extent he was in control. Way too cocky.

[@mikeayia8819]

Wow great Review

[@isuriadireja91]

a question...Lillith's SCAR on her chest...was that fake..to further manipulate Stan even more? or was it supposed to indicate that she was one of Ezra's victims..?

[@jayreszy4398]

Idk but if it was fake, what reason would there be for Lilith to use Stan to kill Ezra?

[@mree.9794]

fantastic analysis, thank you!

[@BrainFitnessHawaii]

Ash tray symbol : Freudian psychoanalysis of subconscious drive

[@BrainFitnessHawaii]

1) ashtray: Objection relation theory of projection : ash tray & mirrors are metaphors of outward projection of our inner darkness , noises in our head, self loathing , self limiting programs ( automatic negative thoughts : ants per Dr amen ) are doing to us .

[@Mila-Sapphire]

Yes, I believe you're correct. And his theories on oral fixation and unmet needs in early childhood leading to self-destructive adult behaviors.

[@robertkeffer3361]

Wonderful analysis!! The ashtray ornament is shaped like a nude woman, probably signifies sin and lust, (at times it looked like a phallus) - and Stan's inability to say no to temptation as he is drawn deeper and deeper into his own self delusional destruction. It could also represent the pyschychiatrist's own cold hard sensuality. That's my educated guess.

[@jennabaram6223]

It’s the figure of a nude woman in the office of a woman he is about to have an affair with. It’s an ashtray. He’s obviously addicted to cigarettes. An ashtray is there to catch the results of his physical addiction. As a therapist, she’s there to capitalize on the results of his subconscious addictions that result from his unexamined past. He’s going to get addicted to her. And she’ll be as healthy for him as cigarettes.

[@JLBiddle]

It's the hood ornament that cut the doctor when Ezra tried to run over her. She saved it because she lived.

[@adamtrons]

Great analysis. The ashtray looks similar to the Art Deco Frankart ashtrays. I think the nude dancer is a strong female form that symbolizes beauty, freedom and independence. They are perhaps the qualities that Lilith Ritter has or admires. I may be overanalyzing here but it's also a woman reaching out to catch the ashes of a man and his vices, which could be an interesting symbolism.

[@artnos]

nice catch with the eye and the baby. third eye

[@JuPaBrBr]

Amazing analysis 👏👏👏👏

[@parinnazari2187]

Would you please make some more videos about del toro's films?! Like antlers,crimson peak. It'll be best if you add a collection of analysis about his movies in your channel 😍

[@trishacollymore4397]

This has nothing to do with the analysis...but I love the fact Del Toro used the parents from Step Brothers!!

[@cmkfatt1]

I thought the ashtray was a woman getting pleasure that symbolised Lilith. She was clearly analysing, grooming and ultimately the catalyst for Stan's downfall. While he was responsible for his choices she knew what to do, like drinking before kissing him to give him the taste of alcohol and being a mental match where he thought he was smarter than her. Really well done psychological thriller.

[@monetpetals86]

He started revealing the truth about himself through therapy moments after using the ashtray. Maybe the ashtray was connected to the house burning down in the beginning.

[@PoppieLand]

The ashtray demonstrated a young girl peeing upright

[@crusadercomics]

Great points about such a complex film! I found the movie to be full of religious motifs. The fire in Stan's house and in the fireplace scenes is evocative of Hell. There is all the Hell imagery at the carnival and in the funhouse where Stan chases the geek. When Stan and Clem dump the geek in an alley there is a JESUS SAVES sign and the letters J.E.S. drop out in the middle of the scene signaling Stands descent. Clem tells Stand, "Don't pretend you give a shit about him!" and in the very next scene tells Stan how a geek is made. Lillith is named for a demon and Clem spelled backward is Melc as in Molach, the pagan god that children were sacrificed to as mentioned in The Bible. Pearl Harbor is mentioned in the third act which makes clear that the third act takes place in December. Christmas time celebrating the birth of Christ. When Stan first visits Ezra , we see a tree being wrapped up in paper which looks very much like a Christmas tree. All of the trees on the estate do but they are all wrapped up. In spite of the fact that this portion of the movie takes place at Christmas time, there are only two references to Christmas. The Christmas trees at Ezra's estate being wrapped up and concealed then Stan promising Molly that every day will be Christmas after their score. And yet there is no sign of Christmas anywhere to be seen. Del Toro's attention to detail in this movie is so precise that this cannot possibly be a coincidence! There is no Christ in Stan's life because he has sunk so low in his depravity.

[@simonf8902]

Excellent insights indeed. The murder of your father is a mortal sin. Stan is punished by the fates in the end and goes beyond full circle to become the geek. I love the chickens in the hobo train. An early warning of Stan’s descent to hell.

[@charlessupp2543]

Looks like the serpent from Genesis!

[@SuiGenerisMan]

One of the best films I've seen in a long time. They just don't make'em like this anymore, literally. Savvy?

[@matthewjurak7445]

Great insight! Just a wonderful movie, so many themes laced into this film. Based on a book of the same name by William Lindsay Graham, the book has the theme of the American dream gone wrong, or the dark side of that dream, greed and manipulation. Also the book was a lesson that man/woman make their own fate. This film depicts these original themes and takes it a few steps further by diving into psychological manipulation and traumas not dealt with which can cause are own downfall. The acting and directing in this film is just perfect at setting the mood: Dark, creepy, cringe worthy, even scary at times, fitting the themes of the story. I feel this movie is a Masterpiece, it really is like watching a nightmare... in a dark cold narrow alley with no way out.

[@Amadeus_2061]

In answer your question about the ashtray - and I'm probably wrong about this - but I found myself wondering whether the décor in Lilith's office, including the statue, were some sort of homage to Ayn Rand's "The Fountainhead." Even Lilith's look and demeanor reminded me of Dominique. One could even say, that her facilitating Stanton's self-destruction was similar to Dominique facilitating Peter Keating's self-destruction, like a mirror reflecting their worst nature back at them until they finally realized who they were.

[@TheFatboy714]

Someone commented but I wasn’t aware when I watched, but Stan gave Pete the wood alcohol therefore purposely killed him ?

[@Prof.Tarfeather]

Mentioning the lamp in Lilith's office? Her office is Art Deco, alot of Andrew Lloyd Write design. The lamp is a Japanese motif of Bonsai tree with either a stork or peacock as the finial. I believe it is a modern version of a stork.

[@FutureVisionGaming]

Also am I the only one who makes the connection between this movie and black ops 3 shadows of evil. The boxer voice actor is in the movie then there’s the magician(the owner of the circus), then bradley cooper dresses just like the detective and even talks like him. and the blonde is like the girl from footlight district is like the blonde who betrays Bradley at the end.also if you look up when shadows of evil takes place is in the 40s and the whole zombie soe story is about them all trying to resolve their sins

[@juanbaldonado3395]

Just about to watch the original 1947, with Tyrone Power. Same title.Nightmare Alley

[@pimpstick9988]

No explanation for the tarot card? I thought that had a lot more foreshadowing

[@supremeghost7950]

Haven't even known the existence of that movie. Look interesting.

[@rosieloomoonmcbeth3189]

Yes, lots of biblical references, but no one has touched on the stage name of Roony Mara’s character, Electra.

[@robertabrandter4198]

Wow so good!

[@jynelle1623]

Did anyone have any theories on her scar? Symbolism wise or causation

[@sarahannferrigan]

Ezra did it

[@BlacksburgEV]

Such a beautiful film..

[@crazymazy5256]

Why’d you turn off your comments on your latest video?

[@carbonjohnson6414]

Definitely gonna watch this film before I check out the video, but I like what I see already! On an unrelated note, do you have any plans to do a video on Malick's Thin Red Line? It's definitely within this channel's wheelhouse.

[@goldenmindcavity]

great analysis and great video, subscribed, please get a better mic in the future so we can enjoy the audio even more

[@brianredban9393]

Best movie I have seen in awhile

[@aretnap3653]

BradleyCooper is "Busy" in 2021. Two Films He Stars in, in Theatres Days Apart. Must Be Nice...

[@MrGoGGomir]

excellent

[@michaelmayo]

Why were comments turned off for "Empire of the Sun"?