Xixax Film Forum

The Director's Chair => Paul Thomas Anderson => Topic started by: tpfkabi on June 01, 2003, 05:27:57 PM

Title: pta & eighteen wheelers
Post by: tpfkabi on June 01, 2003, 05:27:57 PM
i believe an 18 wheeler drives past at the first of Hard Eight.
in the screen play of PDL at the end, there was to be an 18 wheeler drive past too.
and of course it makes appearances throughout PDL.

is there a significance to any of this / or have you come up with personal theories, etc about it?

it seems originally there was going to be more symbolism in PDL, with Barry waking up with different clothing, etc......and there's the harmonium.........hmmmmmmm?
Title: pta & eighteen wheelers
Post by: cowboykurtis on June 02, 2003, 12:36:22 PM
i was wondering the same thing the other day -- he seems to always have an 18 wheeler drive by in the background at moments of heightened emotions -- im pretty sure an 18 wheeler drives by when berry and lena are sitting on the bench -- i kept on wondering -- is this a coincidence that 18 wheelers pop up during what seem to be orchestrated scenarios -- he must plan for them -- i think its too big of a coincidence for him not to have planned them...
Title: pta & eighteen wheelers
Post by: godardian on June 05, 2003, 01:01:21 AM
The trucks in PDL are Atlas moving trucks, no? I thought they were sort of a tangible signifier of the need for Barry to get out and move on... it goes with Lena plying him from his strict no-travel policy and lonely inwardness. I think it's a beautiful idea. If it's true and not just made up in my head.
Title: pta & eighteen wheelers
Post by: Marty McSuperfly on June 05, 2003, 04:19:52 AM
In the restaurant Barry says to Lena: "Can we leave here now" (I'm paraphrasing) then they walk out hand-in-hand as the romantic music swells. The 18 wheeler drives past and the sign on it says: "Relocation at its best". Barry, Lena and the audience's sentiments exactly!
Title: pta & eighteen wheelers
Post by: fulty on June 11, 2003, 12:44:01 AM
Quote from: Marty McSuperflythe audience's sentiments exactly!
Hey, that's funny..!!
( But then, sometimes I cry for no reason. )

As for the Atlas truck, here is what I think.
The first appearance, the truck thunders by and scares Barry.
Like he is overwhelmed by the problems of the world.

2nd, the truck slowly rounds a corner.
It is still huge, but demonstrating control.

3rd, it is reduced to shipping boxes.
Small and manageable.

I agree with the "moving-on" theme,
but I think it also means he is maturing and learning to handle problems.
Title: pta & eighteen wheelers
Post by: chainsmoking insomniac on June 11, 2003, 07:19:17 AM
Well put.  I'll buy it.  :-D
Title: pta & eighteen wheelers
Post by: godardian on June 11, 2003, 08:59:22 PM
Quote from: Marty McSuperflyIn the restaurant Barry says to Lena: "Can we leave here now" (I'm paraphrasing) then they walk out hand-in-hand as the romantic music swells. The 18 wheeler drives past and the sign on it says: "Relocation at its best". Barry, Lena and the audience's sentiments exactly!

I can't wait for the DVD so I can study these details up close. I wasn't able to see PDL nearly as many times as I saw Magnolia upon its release (mostly because it came and went so quickly).
Title: pta & eighteen wheelers
Post by: The Silver Bullet on June 11, 2003, 10:21:43 PM
Maybe Anderson is just sexually attracted to trucks.
Title: pta & eighteen wheelers
Post by: BrainSushi on June 12, 2003, 06:55:55 AM
I bet it's always been his life-long dream to be a truck driver, and he's stuck in this movie directing business and can't get out to live the dream of the open road.

Or maybe the Silver Bullet is right. Sexually attracted to trucks. That'd be weird. That's like some kind of European fetish, isn't it? Really, really weird.
Title: pta & eighteen wheelers
Post by: phil marlowe on June 12, 2003, 08:08:09 AM
Quote from: BrainSushiSexually attracted to trucks. That'd be weird. That's like some kind of European fetish, isn't it?
yes. second most commen after nude golfing i think.
Title: pta & eighteen wheelers
Post by: godardian on June 12, 2003, 03:24:19 PM
Quote from: BrainSushi
Or maybe the Silver Bullet is right. Sexually attracted to trucks. That'd be weird. That's like some kind of European fetish, isn't it?

Except it's called a "lorrie fetish" there.