First and foremost, I must preface that everything presented in this blog entry is pure speculation on my part. I do not want to present my opinions as fact, and I have no insight into what Panos Cosmatos meant by the choices he made in this film. To put it simply, I am fascinated with this work of art, and after seeing it a second time, certain elements seemed to stand out to me. This is my attempt to possibly provide others with a bit of insight into these elements, possibly open a discussion about Mandy, and to show my true appreciation for this film.
There may be future updates to this blog entry, or perhaps separate entries down the road if something jumps out at me during future viewings (of which there will certainly be many). If you’ve not seen this film yet, do yourself a favor and make the time to seek out a screening before it is gone from theaters, as it deserves to be seen in big-screen glory.
Reference : Last words of Texas death row inmate Douglas Roberts (April 20, 2005)
In the late 1990′s, convicted murderer Douglas Roberts kidnapped a San Antonio man during a car robbery, eventually murdering him by stabbing him. These haunting last words not only seem to echo the sensibility and heavy metal fashion of Mandy, but the actions of the man who spoke them mirror those of the Children of the Dawn, with Mandy serving as their victim and Red serving as judge, jury and executioner.
Mandy / Jeremiah Sand Encounter
Reference : Fiona Apple’s 1999 sophomore release When the Pawn...
While not an exact re-creation, it is hard not to see the similarity in the still shot of Mandy as Jeremiah Sand observes her and the album cover for When the Pawn.... Both feature a young, beautiful woman with a cautious smile.
The full album title is also a thinly veiled synopsis of Red’s choices and actions in the wake of Mandy’s murder:
When the Pawn Hits the Conflicts He Thinks Like a King What He Knows Throws the Blows When He Goes to the Fight and He'll Win the Whole Thing 'fore He Enters the Ring There's No Body to Batter When Your Mind Is Your Might so When You Go Solo, You Hold Your Own Hand and Remember That Depth Is the Greatest of Heights and If You Know Where You Stand, Then You Know Where to Land and If You Fall It Won't Matter, Cuz You'll Know That You're Right.
Reference : David Berkowitz / Son of Sam
Of all my notions, this one has the least ground to stand on, but I believe that the now infamous 44 shirt worn by Red is a reference to the Son of Sam killings, specifically Berkowitz’s methodical nature which made him seem like a seemingly unstoppable force to the citizens of New York. By that comparison, Red’s lust for revenge was comparatively methodical and unstoppable.
Reference : Charles Manson and the Manson Family
Jeremiah Sand not only mirrors Charles Manson in terms of his cult leader status among the Children of the New Dawn, but he mirrors him as a mediocre musician as well. The actions taken by the Children of the New Dawn during their attempted kidnapping (and eventual murder) of Mandy echo the murder of Sharon Tate by the Manson Family, as well as the murders of the many other Manson Family victims.
This film is so rich with visual imagery and characterization that I could go on and on about my symbolic speculations. These, however, seemed like the strongest, and a good place to start a conversation.
