Theme And Symbolism In 'The Revenant' | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Theme And Symbolism In 'The Revenant'

Here's what going on under all that blood and snow.

5218
Theme And Symbolism In 'The Revenant'
Syracuse.com

Before I begin, I would like to tell you two things. One, there are lots of spoilers ahead! Two, if this is your first Tom Hardy movie, I suggest watching "The Drop" or "Lawless" first to soften the blow when you see how horrible his character in this movie is. That's all.

I wanted to write about "The Revenant"this week because the film is striking, not only visibly, but also emotionally and symbolically. As an English major, I am prone to finding tiny things and their larger meanings in books and film. This is what I saw in "The Revenant" and what I learned about the film after seeing it just once.

More than just survival.

The trailers would have you think "The Revenant"is simply about these two guys fighting to survive not only each other, but also the harsh winter conditions they find themselves in.

However, there is a deeper theme present, and it's woven so neatly throughout the film. It's a theme of having to become what one hates in order to survive. My first example of this is when Glass (Leonard DiCaprio) wears a bear skin to protect him from the cold. This isn't just any bear skin. It's from the bear that nearly killed him.

So we go from that, Glass being mauled by the bear, to this:

You can see some of the bear's snout at the bottom of the image. The skin is kept intact, so Glass is truly wearing the entire bear through the movie.

Next, we have Fitzgerald (Tom Hardy). He briefly talks about a time when he was almost scalped, and we see where his scars are laid between clumps of hair. Later, in an attempt to throw Glass off his trail, he murders and scalps another man. Fitzgerald did this to make it seem like the Arikara tribe might have killed the man. In killing the man and scalping him, Fitzgerald had to become something he hated and do something that hurt him in the past if he wanted to try to escape Glass.

More than just living.

By my count, we see Hugh Glass being "buried" at least three or four times. He is literally half-buried in a grave by Fitzgerald. Then, Glass befriends a Native American who covers him with branches during a storm, and later, Glass guts a dead animal and sleeps inside of it to stay warm. Each time, we see Glass physically break out of these places and crawl back onto the earth.

His drive to keep on fighting definitely points to his motivation to survive, but the numerous scenes showing him being resurrected point to a bigger idea: mortality. We wouldn't need survival if there wasn't mortality, and I think that's what the resurrections scenes were aiming to show.

Overall, I thought "The Revenant" was a great film. There is a good amount of violence, and some of it was difficult to watch, but the film as a whole was powerful. Almost immediately, you feel submerged in the snowy, brutal setting with the characters. I felt humbled after watching it because it was an incredible reminder of just how big the world around us is and how unforgiving it can be. A very sobering film, but definitely one to watch (if you can stand the content).

"As long as you can still grab a breath, you fight. You breathe. Keep breathing. When there is a storm, and you stand in front of a tree...If you look at its branches, you swear it will fall. But if you watch the trunk, you will see its stability." -Glass' Wife

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

23884
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

9978
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

7233
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments