MovieChat Forums > Wish I Was Here (2014) Discussion > Looking for an explanation about the sym...

Looking for an explanation about the symbolism & imagery in this


Does anyone want to take a shot at explaining the strange imagery in this film?

Let's start with the most obvious: the scenes with Aidan as a futuristic astronaut accompanied by a hovering robot. Is that supposed to represent the perception he had of himself and his brother as kids and how first they thought they were superheroes but then realized they were the ones who needed to be saved, or something?? Why does Astronaut Aidan loom in the background during the beach scene?

What does the scene where Aidan is knocked unconscious mean, where Aidan enters a temple as the astronaut where there is a mysterious cloaked figure there that is revealed to be his father?

What does the title mean? WHERE is "Here"?

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[deleted]

I think it was rather heavy handed, but OK, here goes.
The spaceman super hero originally was his, and his brothers perceptions of themselves.
Later, it became his avatar of God, showing him the path to mature, and better his life, and the lives of those around him. Notice how it showed up during this time of crisis in his life. Re-watch the scene with the Rabbi, where they were discussing faith. Spaceman superhero, and the only time he feels any connection to God is when contemplating the infinity of space.
From that point forward, he heeded the spaceman, and started making better decisions as a person. became less selfish, and actually started to contribute to his family.
He looms in the background on the beach scene, as God, watching over their life.
He sees in his unconscious vision that the dark figure he ran from as a child, was actually his father, and that he no longer wanted to run from him, but rather to him in order to aid him.

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Hmm, very nice analysis.

I am a little worried that the main character gives up his passion ... perhaps only to a degree ... although it's nice that something finds him and he can go with it. But the other actor seems to get to live his dream ... such as it is, lol. Leaving aside the imagery ... and the cute flying robot sidekick ... I'm not sure what all the movie means except that maybe Aidan's opening of himself allows others to open up as well.

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