Getting Closer to "The Bagel": Audiovisual representations of Depression in the movie Everything Everywhere All at Once
Summary
Everything Everywhere All At Once stands as a multifaceted cinematic journey, seamlessly interweaving genres from black comedy to science fiction, martial arts films, and even animation. Central to this narrative is a family deeply affected by depression, navigating the challenges of generational trauma, intricate relationship dynamics, and layered identity struggles. A pivotal question this dissertation aims to address is: How does the film's experimental music, particularly by Son Lux, enhance, represent, and immerse the audience in the intricate emotions and depth of the portrayed depression? To address this, a close reading method was employed to explore the psychological evolution of the primary characters. Their transformative journeys—from deep-rooted depression, encounters with suicidal thoughts, to ultimate acceptance and integration—are meticulously unpacked. Concurrently, this research assesses each character's emotional trajectory, individually and in relation to one another. Building on this narrative exploration, the study also delves into existing theoretical discussions on the therapeutic capabilities of music, examining its significance in cinematic portrayals mirroring authentic emotional journeys and coping strategies. This twofold examination accentuates the harmonious interplay between story and sound in cinema, highlighting music's deep-seated role as a therapeutic medium. In combining these perspectives, the research furnishes a comprehensive view of the intersections among film, music, and mental well-being. It accentuates the critical role of detailed cinematic depictions in promoting mental health conversations.