MovieChat Forums > Lantana (2002) Discussion > An Awful Title

An Awful Title

posted 14 years ago by Jaybone23
12 replies | jump to latest

I guess I don't have the right to question an artist's title for their work, but this one doesn't do the film any good. "Lantana" which is some kind of plant growth common to Australia, would do nothing to pique interest in folks elsewhere in the world. Not that the title itself is particularly descriptive of the film's plot anyway. Lantana does have some significance in the movie, but maybe not enough to warrant a title. For me, "Lantana" sounds more like a detective's name. Perhaps I am being reminded of Dan Tanna from the 70s TV show "Vega$", a show I never watched but was vaguely aware of as a kid.

Anyway, the movie is currently on HBO and I tried to watch it after looking it up here on IMDB. However, I just wasn't able to summon the focus needed to appreciate the film. Or maybe the first 20 minutes were just really boring.

[–] AssetsonFire 13 years ago

Lantana isn't indigenous to Australia. I find it an exotic and intriguing sounding word, and it piqued your interest enough to research it. As you say, it features within the film, but it also works metaphorically. If you're going to criticise the film at least make an effort.

[–] 13 years ago

[deleted]

[–] mananuku 13 years ago

Lantana, as a title, holds a LARGE sigificance to the subject matter of the film.
Lantana, as a plant intertwines - much like each and every relationship in the movie!

Amazing movie, great title.
Who cares if it only makes sense to Australia...?

[–] Phydeaux50 13 years ago

...just like to add that lantana intertwines as it grows, often forming knotted balls of vines that can only be untangled by breaking them...

[–] bradjanet 13 years ago

A perfect title and a perfect metaphor for the story of tangled lives. Who cares if Dumbo can't be bothered finding out if he doesn't know what the title means.

The theme of the intrusion of the random, the mistaken and the irrational into our lives is an important one, handled with far greater significance than in some lightwight comedy like "Sliding Doors".

But you ARE Blanche ... and I AM.

[–] Eponymous-too 12 years ago

The title sounded Latin to me. I was expecting to see a film where everyone was speaking Spanish. (I go into films trying to know as little as possible in order to avoid spoilers.)

"My name is Paikea Apirana, and I come from a long line of chiefs stretching all the way back to the Whale Rider."

[–] Jaybone23 12 years ago

It does indeed sound Latin. That is perhaps why I was initially so bothered by the title as well. It's not Spanish! But now, for the life of me, I don't know why I was irritated enough by it to write my message on this forum. Must've had a bad day, I dunno. I'm not a big fan of Tuesdays, so...

[–] Wuchakk 11 years ago

I'm from the USA and was curious about the title (saw the film last night and loved it). I didn't know what "lantana" was and, from the film, thought it referred to a style of Latin dance (lol), as shown in the film. I found out the truth from the dictionary and also appreciate everyone's exposition here. It makes perfect sense now in light of the intertwining, tangled relationships of the story. Conclusion: Excellent title!

[–] Jaybone23 11 years ago

I guess, like I mentioned in my initial post, I should never question the artist. You were interested enough to stay the course and watch the film and you enjoyed it. Score another one for the film's creators. Although I did get a kick out of your thinking "Lantana" was a latin dance. I was thinking something similar when I first saw the title as well. In fact, I couldn't help but think of the character Brian Fantana from "Anchorman" and Carlos Santana, the guitar player.

[–] franzkabuki 11 years ago

Because hereabouts, there used to be a football club called Lantana before this film came out, yes.

"facts are stupid things" - Ronald Reagan

[–] spookyrat1 10 years ago

...but this one doesn't do the film any good.

Really like this film and feel it has a very appropriate title. Those that are interested enough will quickly find out/understand the title's meaning.

[–] london777 8 years ago

The analogy extends a bit further than the entangling properties of lantana. There is also the point that it has beautiful flowers which attract (like the lure of a new sexual partner) but the plant is damaging and poisonous.