Pink Floyd The Wall

So, I bought Pink Floyd The Wall the other day. If anyone is actually reading this post, I strongly recommend checking it out. It's an amazing film. Even if you think you haven't heard a song from this movie, you certainly have and don't realize it. Search for of Comfortably Numb, you will recognize the tune. It is jam-packed full of classic songs.

The film follows the experiences of "Pink" a young man who humanity has trampled over. His father died in WW2, while Pink was very young and as a result his mother instills all her fears into him. His negative experiences throughout the film add up and force him to build a wall around himself in order to cope with cruel outside world. This is in essence The Wall. While the film is mostly based on the life of Rogers Waters, bassist of Pink Floyd, it also contains references to band member Syd Barrett and his schizophrenia. Even with little dialogue, the film can still evoke strong feelings in the viewer.

The film is very avant-garde, with interesting surreal settings. It time travels between scenes which is a visual treat. It contains powerful animated sequences which modern CGI can't match. They contain strong social and political messages, especially about war and materialism. Watch Goodbye Blue Sky and Empty Spaces, you'll know what I mean. THEY AREN"T CARTOONS. IF YOU WATCH THEM STONED, YOU WILL FREAK.

The whole movie itself is a profound message about society. Conformity, materialism, insanity and the futility of war are all represented beautifully. It begs to question: Is society insane or am I? The symbolism is amazing and adds a whole new dimension to the songs. The destructive/constructive hammer, the flowers, the faceless school children, the sea of faces, the television set, the maggots, the telephone. Is it not surprising that after watching this movie, I dream something every night? No mainstream musical can even match the experience of watching this movie.

I hope you will take the time to watch it, and draw your own meaning and conclusions.

Yours,

Jarrett


P.S. Goodbye Blue Sky is my favourite scene. Watch for the dove shredded by the German eagle of war and the frightened ones with gasmasks. The bleeding Union Jack is a powerful symbol. Says things about war without the need for words. Enjoy.