MovieChat Forums > Lola rennt (1999) Discussion > Still doesn't make sense (spoilers)

Still doesn't make sense (spoilers)

posted 14 years ago by Rupert__Pupkin
5 replies | jump to latest

I get the concept of the butterfly effect (i.e. even the tiniest of actions can result in significant changes or rippling). However, this movie takes the butterfly effect and extends it to mythic proportions.

For example, in all 3 scenarios, Lola has a different experience with the dog in the hallway. First she is scared of the dog; then she trips over the dog; then she scares the dog. Up to that part, everything has remained the same. So why would the run-in with the dog be different?

Also, in one scenario, Lola's father's mistress reveals the baby isn't his. This change happened before Lola even arrived at the bank, so no chance of blaming the ripple/butterfly effect. There were many other examples.

I thought "Sliding Doors" was a better and more creative portrayal of this same phenomenon.

[–] Naughty-God 14 years ago

There is no concept of the butterfly effect at work in this movie, so there's no reason to be confused by the outcome of the three different runs.

(¯`i´¯)´·¸.)‹^›

[–] Rupert__Pupkin 14 years ago

um. nope.

[–] Naughty-God 14 years ago

um, yep.

What exactly is a mythic proportion of showing alternate realities with different outcomes when you had no problem with it in other movies that follow the same fantasy? You may as well argue that "It's a Wonderful Life" is inconsistent because many of the alternate characters couldn't have existed if the main character was non-existent. Cause-and-effect isn't really the theme in RLR as is determination and self-will, which is what Lola's drive was in the film's three realities.

(¯`i´¯)´·¸.)‹^›

[–] puschit-1 14 years ago

In one version the secretary is able to reveal that she is pregnant because Lola is late to interrupt their conversation. And she is late because of events and decisions earlier.

[–] 14 years ago

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