This post is designed to be a general discussion space for the set text "About a Boy."
Anyone can post comments here, from any form, although it should be noted this is not one of the required texts that has to be commented upon. (Week one/Text #1- Poem is below)
So....what did you think of the film?
Do you think Will is actually an island, just because he says he is?
How does being an island define his identity?
I think Will wants to be an island,because it's safer there: on an island, there is no need for human interactions which might be painful or difficult. He takes refuge in his 'island': his small world that he has created to suit him and only him, where he feels safe, comfortable, where he knows the rules because he makes the rules. One of the most telling moments in the film is when he faces his grief by playing his father's hit song and indulging in his true feelings, while alone in his 'island paradise'. Be careful what you want or you might just get it.
ReplyDeleteThe early 19th century philosopher Søren Kierkegaard, posthumously regarded as the father of existentialism, maintained that the individual is solely responsible for giving his or her own life meaning and for living that life passionately and sincerely, in spite of many existential obstacles and distractions including despair, angst, absurdity, alienation, and boredom.(from Wikipedia) Do you agree?
ReplyDeleteI agree with the idea that Will finds it safer to be an island. At first it might appear as though he enjoys his solitude, proclaiming "all men are islands, and what's more, now's the time to be one. This is an island age" as a self defining declaration of independence.
ReplyDeleteHowever, this mantra of 'all men are islands' does change and he realizes that "once you open your door to one person anyone can come in." It is this concept that would scare any island dweller to the core...as this would threaten the very nature of being 'alone.'
The idea that when one person can find you in your safe 'island paradise' then others can find you, and even worse, start to inhabit your space. When you are used to being the star of your own show (The Will Show) then I'd imagine the idea of a supporting cast would be a very scary concept, at first. Lucky for Will he does realize that "every man is an island. But clearly some men are island CHAINS. Underneath, they are connected."
Throughout the whole of the movie I didn't actually think that Will actually changed. he always had the capability of allowing people in, but he didn't. he didnt think he needed them. nor do i think that in the end he even wanted them there. he really doesnt appear any more content with his life than he was at the start
ReplyDeleteAlthough I am not a huge fan of Hugh Grant films, About a Boy wasn't that bad. It addressed the issue of loneliness, and also the longing for connections with others. I feel the film was successfull in bringing the message forward that "no man is an island".
ReplyDeleteSINGLE PARENTS ALONE TOGETHER, SINGLE PARENTS ALONE TOGETHER!
ReplyDeleteALL FOR ONE AND AND ONE FOR ALLLLLLL
ReplyDeleteFor an ascerbic take on 'cool' check out LCD soundsystem 'losing my edge'. Very Will.
ReplyDeleteWill is that character that resembles an island meaning that he is isolated and that he doesn't need anything that is important to his life (e.g. job, relationship, etc). He is also superficial, self-centered and selfish. Marcus is the boy that reaches out to everyone, but he gets bullied at school for being different and his mum doesn't understand and that's when he needed Will.
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