MovieChat Forums > Igby Goes Down (2002) Discussion > Igby Goes Down - means?

Igby Goes Down - means?

posted 14 years ago by AccidntlTourist
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What does the title mean?

So in the military school the upper classmates (I guess they were) decide to perform a little punishment on Igby.

In the old days (70s) in the service we used to call it a "blanket party" - somebody in your unit that "crossed the line" might get a bit of late night barracks "justice" - ambushed in your bed, covered with a blanket and wailed on a little by a vigilante force of sorts.

Any way - the kids poke Igby with brooms until Igby doubles up and drops to his knees. Then one kid says, "Igby goes down".

So does the film title mean that Igby, this tough little smart alleck - raging against the little (and great) cruelties of the world in his own contemptuous way is finally brought to his knees - by a chain of events foisted on him by a "stupid" world? The smart ass, Igby, finally goes down - beaten, bawling and striking out at his dead mother.

His psyche stripped bare, he can now start life with a new clean slate.

Am I close?

[–] nazdar_britches 14 years ago

i think that's a nice analysis of the title.

it always made me think of the scene from catcher in the rye where holden's old teacher who lives in new york and was one of the only adults holden ever admired and trusted tells him "you're headed for a fall." the fall was, as you put, being brought to his knees and finally bested by the world he rails against.

That's so arrogant...that's...screw off.