Mary & Max Film Analysis, Sage Rain

I’m glad you guys like this little analysis I made for a university assignment - If you have a film you’d like me to analyse please leave a comment!
Other places you can find me:
Instagram: @sageraindrop
Twitter: @sagerain_drop

[@one4all123]

You know it really sucks when movies like these don’t get the recognition they deserve. Many elements of the story are touching and thought provoking and by using these themes, it proves that not all animated films are Disney and aren’t just for kids and can make these themes grow deeper and deeper in our minds making us remember these types of films and making us grow out our taste of film.

[@slothochdonut3099]

exactly, when I watched this film the first time I realized animation isn’t just for kids.

[@michaelwalsh9616]

I think trauma is another theme in this film. not only do the main characters deal with this, but characters outside such as Mary's neighbor who struggles with PTSD and a phobia of the outside world

[@sagerain6948]

michael walsh great observation, I agree!

[@mimimi5656]

As much as this movie shook me, it holds a special place in my heart. It touched upon a very controversial topic so beautifully. And that is powerful. I don't have aspergers or autism myself but I loved this movie so much I watched it with a friend who was struggling with mild autism or had suspicions that he had mild autism. And he actually had to mute himself during our discord call because he was sobbing. And that shook me even more. Just goes to say how powerful the message in this movie is.

[@GemR38]

Wonderful analysis. You have a gift for reading the subtle themes and nuances in film. Hope you go far.

[@sagerain6948]

Thanks so much Gemma :) I honestly forgot I uploaded this hahaha

[@big.ant538]

I remember seeing the film for the first time. Based on Mary’s reaction when she entered Max’s apartment I had a feeling something bad was going to happen, and when the camera turned around to show Max lying dead on his couch my heart shattered into a million pieces.

[@Talldevotte]

It hurts that this movie didn’t get the love and appreciation that it deserves. And the ending fucking ruined me 😭

[@laurencebarnes1322]

Mary and Max is my favourite Australian film. I remember seeing it in the cinema in Melbourne when it first came out, and crying so much at the end of the film. I loved it so much, I ended up surprising my parents with tickets to see this amazing film. Adam Elliot did an amazing job telling this story. And I love how you were able to capture so much of the film's details in your analysis. Thank you so much for reminding me why I love this film once again. Just watching the final scenes through the analysis brought tears to my eyes

[@sagerain6948]

Laurence Barnes I couldn’t agree more, it’s an absolute favourite of mine. So glad I could reignite your passion and nostalgia for it! :)

[@johngreen8344]

Sage Rain Another thing I love about all of Elliot’s works is that there is no straight or perfect lines. Every surface is bumpy, warped, or slightly askew, showing how the world itself is imperfect, just like the people who live in it. Thank you so much for your video, as it only boosted my love and appreciation for this film. All the best and have a fantastic day! Edit: Several things that I forgot to include, but love and respect this film for doing, is the way that any package that either Mary or Max sends to each other retains the colour of the sender’s world, the behind the scenes of Mary’s Que Sera Sera scene, which was horrifyingly beautiful and the tragic beauty of Mary arriving too late, only to see all of the light and colour that she brought to his life. Thanks again!

[@sagerain6948]

John Green - What a beautiful and insightful comment! So glad you enjoyed. :-)

[@johngreen8344]

Sage Rain Thank you! I still find it such a shame that Elliot’s films don’t get nearly enough attention for all of the hard work and love that goes into each scene. That being said, I recently heard that someone in America bought the rights from him to make Mary and Max into a musical. Haven’t been able to get hold of a songlist, but still holding out hope. Thanks again and I hope you have a fantastic day.

[@sagerain6948]

John Green Couldn’t agree more. Oooo interesting, please keep me updated! 😊

[@ILoveSoonkyu]

I remember my heart being broken when I watched that 😭

[@michaelstephenariasavendan8135]

I think is important the way movie shows the illness and how "normal" people act. Society looks a cure for illness but, is not the society sick? Your video was wonderful. Greetings from your Colombian friend haha

[@sagerain6948]

I couldn’t agree more, it’s such a great film. Thankyou for the kind words!

[@michaelstephenariasavendan8135]

You should do more videos!, you have a lot of support and your work is great.

[@sagerain6948]

Michael Stephen Arias Avendaño Thanks so much! That means a lot. After seeing all these lovely comments I’m working on another video which I’m hoping to get out by early next month :)

[@michaelstephenariasavendan8135]

@@sagerain6948 That sounds really good! You're awesome and you have a new friend from Colombia now haha I hope everything goes fine for you!

[@ecksem]

communism was a bit of comic relief, not really a point.

[@sagerain6948]

Thanks for the viewpoint 😊

[@ecksem]

Sage Rain oh shit didnt realise this video is so old! Actually really cool to see creators reply after this much time!

[@nuclearelectronicdude4258]

@@sagerain6948 when are you coming back :c ?

[@sagerain6948]

Nuclear Electronic Dude haha you’re lovely but I don’t really have plans to make another one! Just made this as a uni project and didn’t even consider that people wanting more videos would be a possibility. I wouldn’t know where to start! Haha

[@sagerain6948]

Doodem I wouldn’t call myself a creator. Just made this video as a uni assignment and uploaded to KZbin. I always have time for people who are lovely enough to give it a watch and leave a comment.

[@ahmedthoriq5738]

This is such a nice breakdown of the plot and the themes. You're really good at this and it's kind of sad that you might not be continuing making videos like this because I enjoyed it so much and I would really like to see more. Again, amazing work.

[@sagerain6948]

Ahmed Thoriq Thankyou, that’s so so lovely! I am currently working on another video but it’s just tricky to find the time and self motivation and also kinda scared it’ll be disappointing but I promise you there’s one in the works! Thankyou 😊

[@ahmedthoriq5738]

@@sagerain6948 omg that's amazing news I'm sure it'll be great

[@c.camberos6261]

Please keep making these! Perhaps you can make one for 1972 Cabaret or Inglorious Basterds one day? You're way of breaking down a movie is wonderfully clear and organized!

[@sagerain6948]

Citlalnahue Camberos that means so much, thankyou! Now that everyone is in isolation I don’t really have an excuse to not make more now do I? Haha thankyou for the suggestions!

[@musicsnob4226]

Trying to forget someone you love is like trying to remember someone you've never met. Impossible.

[@marley0615]

Great analysis, you deserve more recognition

[@sagerain6948]

HenriPops Thanks! I made this for a uni assignment and forgot about it until today! So nice to hear lovely feedback :)

[@myswanktrendz]

Well done. I enjoyed your video and interpretation.

[@Tosted]

Unsure if you are still in the youtube sphere and even if you are going to see this comment but just wanted you to know that your analysis/summary is spot on, great job! Hope all is well for you, good luck out there!

[@conduitscon3495]

This is definitely one of my all time favorite movies, beside Coraline and Fantastic Mr. Fox. I really love your analysis, very, very much. When I recomended this movie to a friend a few months back, I actually mentioned a few of your points to him, (we suggest a lot of movies to each other so that we can talk about them in depth later) with credit to you of course. Thank you for the amazing analysis, it was very enjoyable to watch!

[@abigailchaney]

this comment is very old, but I'm responding to this comment JUST to say that we have the EXACT same favorite movies. Mary & Max, Fantastic Mr. Fox, and Coraline. wow.

[@moleratical1232]

Damn, you are really good, and thoughtful. Although I think you may have been stretching a bit to suggest that there is a subtle pro-communist message to this movie, you do make it clear that is your own speculation. However, I think every other aspect is spot on, this was an excellent analysis of one of my favorite films. While I didn't see many new ideas (except the communist-lotto analogy) you articulated what makes this film so beautiful better than I think anyone else possibly could. You are really fucking good at film analysis, it's a bit impressive actually.

[@sagerain6948]

I actually agree that the pro-communist associations were a bit of a stretch haha, I made this for a video essay assignment I had to do for uni and forgot that I uploaded it here so now that I watch it I think I may have been grasping at straws for strong ideological themes to impress my lecturer haha, but seriously thankyou so much, that means more than you know :)

[@olgajakob]

I see the point you are making about communism, and why the movie portrays it as an ideal, but i think the movie shows why communism wouldn't work in a society. First of all... It is clearly stated that Max has a litteral mind and don't unerstand the people around him. It therefore makes sense that he would be a communist, because in the perfect world, where everyone are content with a basic lifestyle like Max, it makes the most sense. I the movie later shows why true communism doesn't work. As soon as the money is given Ivy, she start squantering the money on different expensive experiences, that leads to her death. Then the rest of the money are passed on to a home for cats, that should be useing it to do some good in the world, but the owner chooses to keep the mony and spend it on themself. In the end, the only one able to uphold communist ideals are Max, who has the least understanding for the society around him.

[@sagerain6948]

I actually agree with you however I did mention the downfall of the ideal with Ivy & the eventual remains of Max’s fortune. I’m happy to admit that the underlying ideology of the pros of a communist mind set was just me grasping at straws. I made this film analysis for a university assignment and had to cover a hidden ideology within the film, and just so happened to choose this to run with as I found multiple links to it within the film. As with any film interpretation though, it was just the way I read into it, so no really right or wrong answer here. 😊

[@sagerain6948]

James Furey Whilst I appreciate the time and effort I’m sure went into your comment, this was simply an observation I made when watching the film. I also wouldn’t identify myself as pro communist or pro capitalist, right wing, left wing, etc, I understand things aren’t quite so black and white and if there was a perfect solution then we wouldn’t be where we are now in the world. This film analysis is the result of a University assignment where one of the criteria was to uncover a hidden ideology and back it up, so this point was just my grasping at straws really. Definitely nothing to take too seriously and can assure you there has been no drinking of any koolaid, but your concern is much appreciated. Lesson learnt not to discuss politics on the internet.

[@olgajakob]

​@James Furey You are right, i am not a communist, but why would that automatically make me a fan of capitalism? My analysis above, does not reflect my thoughts about communism, but how i see communism portrayed in the movie alone. The subject are far too complex to make a nuanced depiction in a b-plot from a move with a runtime of only 94 mins. You are right, there is autists who are capitalists, liberalists, anarkists or any other ideology, i have quite a few friends who are on the spectrum, and none of them are communists. I am not trying to discus how people on the spectrum "in general" tends to view the world or analyze the situations they find themselfs in, i am pointing out how one individiual depicted in one specific movie are portrayed to view the world, and how that relates to that one ideology that are mentioned in that movie. So while what you are saying about people on the spectrum are completely right, it doesnt change how the movie portrays communism. It would however be an really interesting point, if we were talking Max as a character. As a side-note, i dont think the movie are depicting capitalism in a great light eighter. the two characters (except for Max) who gets alot of money, clearly isn't getting more joy in their life. One of them dies a few seconds after she gets the money, the other one just stops doing anything good with his life and starts focusing on material goods. Another example of this, is when Mary gets her birthmark removed and gets a makeover. She thinks it will make her existance better, but it barely changes anything.

[@wtmfr]

I remember watching it few years ago but I didn’t understand since I was way too young. I need to watch it again

[@ironvlogger9712]

Claymation is a artform that is truly beautiful, I can't wait to see this film

[@yolojwz72]

I love how you did this thanks!

[@musicsnob4226]

I recommend you check out a short film called "the neighbors window." It's a story of a man and woman with their kids who can see into the neighbors window. He and his girlfriend have wild parties, lots of sex, and a seemingly carefree lifestyle making them envious of what they might have had. The wife becomes obsessive in he spying which interferes in the marriage. But in the end it is the neighbors who were envious of the family. I tried to give you just enough info to make you curious without giving away too much. It to uses a song by the group the national "nobody else will be there". Both the song and movie made me weep.

[@sagerain6948]

Thanks for the recommendation, sounds very intriguing, I’ll definitely check it out!

[@musicsnob4226]

Year ago I said hi. Hope all is well with sage.

[@naomimmacdonald3026]

I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed your review and in-depth delving into Mary & Max, which I've only just heard about and am now even more (after your analysis) chomping at the bit to see. Thank for your insightful and quite brilliant description Sage. Did you get to meet or chat with Adam? I hope he watched your take on his movie as I am sure he would like it. I hope none of this was impertinent, it was meant kindly. All my best, Naomi

[@noon6064]

Amazing analysis. Another analysis of this i really liked was by Steve Reviews. You both pick up on the little details, and are incredibly skilled

[@LegitMan335]

*this film is really growing on me*

[@sagerain6948]

LegitMan335 yay!

[@LegitMan335]

Sage Rain I plan on getting it on BlueRay for my birthday. That or Plague Dogs if in a pinch. *thank you Steve Reviews*

[@patremagilbert8787]

This film was good I cried at the little I saw.

[@annabuhnana1111]

Wow! This is one amazing analysis. 🥺

[@CoolRed9830]

Does Anyone know what Mary said to Bernie Clifford at 7:08

[@WorkingInahanDiaries]

where can i find the subtitle please?

[@patremagilbert8787]

Thanks for this film

[@buttpaste]

aside from the marxism stuff, this is a solid analysis

[@TobiasTheWolf]

You need to start making videos again

[@sagerain6948]

PLUSHY thankyou! I only uploaded this as a uni assignment though, never planned to make videos I wouldn’t even know what to analyse next haha that’s lovely though!

[@TobiasTheWolf]

I'm sure a movie will interest you enough to make a video at some point @@sagerain6948

[@myswanktrendz]

Sage Rain - You need to incorporate videos into your lifestyle. Analyze (on video) ANY subject you feel strongly about (especially if you know many disagree with your view).

[@stefanbranden4898]

EPIC movie!!!!!

[@black4xe]

Good one👌

[@robinsugerman7995]

I need tears from Mary.

[@Natalia-iv2er]

Thank you for posting this video❤

[@TobiasTheWolf]

Where's your next video?

[@sagerain6948]

Not going to lie, don’t have solid plans for making another one, sorry!

[@sammills2606]

“Seeing a bright light as you die is also widely associated with death.” It’s weird that she didn’t use the word unanimously. Right?

[@sagerain6948]

Sam Mills why’s that?

[@sammills2606]

Imagine if someone didn’t associate dying in any circumstance with being dead.

[@sagerain6948]

Sam Mills Great point but I’m hoping by saying “widely associated” leaves room for that group

[@sammills2606]

Should I be saying that 2+2 is widely associated with 4? Sure there is a group of people who associate it with 22, or many even 6, but they are jesters whom deserve no mention, much less association. They are inevitable outliers on the gradient of fools, and deserve to be treated as such. Thank you for taking the time to interact with your fan base, such behavior is rare and inspirational. I hope that you see this comment as it is... a complete joke.

[@stephenmellor9264]

Best anything ever!

[@mayaarnott1927]

great video! Hope you keep making videos

[@mastermind7946]

If you wanna learn about real Communism then you should talk to someone that has lived under communist rule and knows the true horrors of a system like that. Great review though.

[@sagerain6948]

Kenny Andrews Thanks Kenny. Like I’ve said to lots of others who have chosen to focus on that small section of the video - This video was a result of a University assignment where I had boxes to tick in order to get good grades, uncovering a political ideology was one of the boxes that needed ticking. Nothing more than that. I understand there is no perfect system so I am not in favour of any until there is one.

[@ranuburi3206]

Great story , brings memories

[@ohiosooki6049]

You forgot the goldfish Max had

[@XsaladaPlay]

Thanks for the vídeo eassy

[@memestat]

Good video just pronounced as per gers wrong but no hate

[@BetamaxFlippy]

Woah woah woah woah woah why the fuck did you actually pick up on the "communism vs capitalism" lane? It's probably the SMALLEST detail in this fucking blessed movie and at most it could be just a "temporary hobby" for him, we don't even know if he fully understood what it meant.

[@KS-se9jb]

Can we revisit how you feel about communism now!

[@sagerain6948]

Can we revisit how there’s a whole video and everyone is getting hung up on an off hand comment from a 19 year old? It’s a film analysis dude, lighten up.

[@theannoyedmrfloyd3998]

Asperger as in burger, but not bungee.

[@sagerain6948]

The Annoyed Mr Floyd sorry dude, I wasn’t too sure, I was just going off how people I know with Aspergers pronounce it.

[@RetroJunkier]

Liked it until you said communism is better than capitalism

[@sagerain6948]

Retro Junkie just an opinion, both systems are broken in my opinion so it’s the lesser of two evils, not saying I would want to live under either government. I simply like the community aspect and broader equality ideal at the base of communism, nothing more.

[@AlejandroCastilloRapper]

Sage Rain It’s one of the biggest debates out there if not the biggest. Don’t feel the need to justify your opinion to someone who thinks it’s a black and white topic.

[@marber_]

Your voice is so sweet, saludos desde México

[@monishdx]

You sound somewhat like Mary :)

[@elmacho1456]

Communism

[@stephenmellor9264]

Best anything ever could you do me? Im a paranoid schizophrenic.

[@gustavsmidt9184]

Bruh

[@ilovepizza8263]

Did anyone else think Mary and max were in love with one another.

[@johngreen8344]

Originally, it was supposed to be the main focus of the story, with the two being in love. Unfortunately, the people who they pitched it two had them change it to a platonic friendship.

[@johngreen8344]

That being said, I think it works well either way.

[@ilovepizza8263]

John Green glad I wasn’t the only one. It felt kind of weird, like the story of a pedophile grooming his victim.

[@johngreen8344]

ILovePizza I think it also helps that neither of them ever had any motive to actively hurt the other. The only time it came close was when Mary became so enthralled with the chance to cure the world of Asperger’s, that she took things too far, unintentionally hurting Max by doing so. She’d forgotten his letter saying how his condition was as big a part of him as the colour of his eyes. Sorry. I need to routinely remind myself not to write essays like this. One last thing I will include, however, is that I love that the film is based on Adam Elliot’s own friendship with a man in New York. In this case, his pen friend was able to see the film and he really appreciated it, which is cool.

[@tadeuszmarkowski2087]

The ring on Mary hand, while writing to him was red, indication that she was... Horny, as the chart of her "Mood stone" say