MovieChat Forums > Ernest et Célestine (2014) Discussion > The Metaphor Behind the Conflict

The Metaphor Behind the Conflict

posted 10 years ago by HannahToucan248
6 replies | jump to latest

Did anybody else watch this for the first time and realize that behind the beautiful paintings, animated adventures, and heartwarming script, this is not really just a story of a bear and a mouse? This film reflects the greater conflict of prejudice that humanity faces in its past and present. The parallel trials of Ernest and Celestine at the end of the film may be one of the most brilliant scenes in an animated movie and in any film to hit the silver screen.

This being said, I was surprised when I read critical reviews of this film that it didn't get loads of praise for this symbolism. It was highly acclaimed, yet many critics failed to give the proper recognition to the metaphor that is so proiminent in Ernest and Celestine. Thoughts as to why this may be? Also, did anybody find any other metaphor that I failed to point out? If so, do tell.

[–] m-vaskes 9 years ago

It became rather obvious towards the end, particularly during the trials.
I did not like it, though, not because I don't sympathise with the message, but because I don't like allegories.
For me, too much/too obvious symbolism is not actually good for a work of art. Subordinating its other merits to a particular purpose diminishes their value to a certain degree.
Luckily, Ernest & Celestine is a very well made animation and is highly enjoyable even outside the context of the metaphor.

http://straycatgraphics.com/

[–] Ace_Spade 9 years ago

I don't believe this is an allegory. I think there's a good deal of applicability and there is an obvious message here, but I wouldn't say allegory.

Allegory of what, exactly?

In order for it to be allegory, the characters have to represent other things (people or, more commonly, ideas) and I don't see it. If you have an allegory in mind, I'd like to know what you think Ernest, Celestine, the Dentist (etc.) represent.

[–] wearyourlove 9 years ago

It may not be a strict allegory, but it is without a doubt, like many fables, allegorical. I think the class commentary is fairly obvious with the upper/lower dichotomy, and certainly both the bears and mice run capitalist societies that privilege commerce and industry over individualism. Ernest is poor and disenfranchised and must busk for money in a society run by greedy businessmen, and Celestine's world refuses to let her live a life that's not prescribed by a corporation. Meanwhile, social indoctrination keeps inhabitants of both worlds docile and subservient, not to mention intolerant of and fearsomely opposed to each other.

Place any form of prejudice and persecution onto this story and it rings true, whether it's economic, racial, sexual, or otherwise. Ernest and Celestine represent the peaceful unity of any two individuals whom rigid social contracts have deemed incompatible. Their respective societies are the ignorant, codified systems that impose arbitrary divisions, inculcate fear, and perpetuate difference and inequality. Kind of sounds like our world, huh?

[–] Ace_Spade 9 years ago

Agreed. That's the applicability vs. allegory, though, because I think, for it to be truly allegory, those representations would have to be more specific and locked-in. Because you can see Ernest and Celestine as representative of many aspects of humanity, it's not pure allegory like Pilgrim's Progress.

[–] elsol-3 8 years ago

The metaphor is too blatant to be considered handled delicately or artfully. Whilst it's a nice tale with gorgeous artwork and some nifty efforts from both the French and English voice cast, the clunkiness of the story is a shame. This is why it was not really praised for this particular aspect of it.

[–] prplayer 8 years ago

it's too obvious, kinda like Zootopia

so many movies, so little time