The movie “Magnolia” happens to be one of the most unique/ odd movie I have ever seen and stylistically reminds me of Quentin Tarantino’s “Pulpfiction” (1994). Much respect is due to filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson for this work. Due to its lengthy nature (3 hours and non-movies), it is able to give a very detailed account of the characters’ lives through the use of the mosaic. Anderson does an impressively detailed account of the history of individuals and connects them with other characters, this is my favorite aspect of the movie. Through the development of character relationships, Anderson is able to thematically analyze the terminal nature of life as well as the importance of healing.

In some facet of life, all of the characters encounter death. In the earlier moments, Officer Jim Kurring (John C. Riley) finds a dead body in an older woman’s home. A few scenes later his character is partnered with a young boy named Dixon (Emmanuel Johnson) who claims to know the answer to the murder and who committed it. Due to his youth, perceived arrogance, and associated vulgarity; he is quickly dismissed by Officer Jim Kurring.

Another character relationship which develops is the relationship between the two boy geniuses. Quiz Boy Donnie Smith and Stanley Spector while having never have met are related through their participation in child genius related television shows. Donnie Smith somewhat encounters death as his supposed intelligence is dead (due to being struck by lightning) as well as his fame. His relationship with his parents are also dead. Stanley Spector’s mom isn’t around it can be assumed that she is dead and his possibly abusive and overtly aggressive father kills their relationship as well.

Frank Mackey and Earl Partridge are characters who are literally related. Throughout the majority of the movie we see a Frank Mackey who is living with the distress of childhood abandonment by his adulterous father, however we do not know this. Frank Mackey portrayed in this movie by Tom Cruise is the extreme embodiment of male adultery, extremely misogynistic and making a living on the idea of the dominant male taking a bestial approach in sex and its pursuit toward women. Earl Partridge is an ailing man on his deathbed with one last wish to see his son who declared him as dead long ago.Partridge it turns out left Mackey with his then ailing mom and ironically calls on his son in the final hours.

Youth and The Character Relationships.

In each of these relationships, the younger one seemingly atones or solves the problems of the older one’s past or current situation.

With Dixon and Officer Jim Kurring, Dixon serves as the Aaron to the Israelites and guides him to the solution to the murder case with this quote, “When the sunshine don’t work, the good Lord bring the rain in”, dubbing himself THE PROPHET and giving the truth to the Israelites. Kurring reflects the Israelites, who seems to be hard-headed because the word isn’t coming from Moses.

As similar scenario is presented for Quiz Boy Donnie Smith, by  Stanley Specter, who doesn’t claim to be a prophet but has a vast array of wisdom and embodies Moses. In the scene which can be seen as the apex of the movie, Specter is on the set of the game show and states this”This isn’t funny. This isn’t cute. See the way we’re looked at? Because I’m not a toy. I’m not a doll. The way we’re looked at because you think we’re cute? Because, what? I’m made to feel like a freak if I answer questions? Or I’m smart? Or I have to go to the bathroom? What is that, Jimmy? What is that? I’m asking you that.” This is when the frogs begin to fall and the Exodus from the chaos of all of the characters’ lives are repaired.

AGAIN, THE INNOCENT YOUTH SAVE THE DAY