Quite recently a friend of mine and I have been discussing coat hangers. So why doesn't No.6's suit of clothes simply hang on a coat hanger? Why the elaborate need for a full-size mannequin of No.6., is it simply for dramatic effect? Although it might be for a psychological effect on the Prisoner, to look at himself at the far end of the cloakroom. I suppose in this way "they" faced No.6 with himself
twice!
And what about all those coat hangers? It could be that they represent all the other prisoners who have reached this point after having survived the "ultimate test," and their clothes may have hung on the coat hangers. On the other hand, it is also possible that the white robes and black and white masks worn by the delegates of the assembly hung on the coat hangers.
On another matter, have you watched carefully the film as No.6 puts a hand to his mannequin?
Just for a moment, and it is but for a moment, it's almost as though No.6 is about to take his mannequin by the throat, before what seems to be a change of mind and unbuttons the poloshirt instead. Is it possible that No.6 was so full of self-hate, that he was almost prepared to take it out on his mannequin? No, he saved it up for No.1 instead!
I'll be seeing you
Hi David,
ReplyDeleteI agree, it seems as if Number 6 is very angry with himself, and self-hatred seems likely. And maybe he regretted what he has become in the end of Once Upon A Time, too?
There's another thing I've thought about: Why is it that the mannequin is so rigid and grey, and staring like a tin-god? I think it is an image of Number 6, the idea the village has about him, and it represents aspects of himself that he dislikes. Plus, in the end he is pushed, filed and ultimately stamped by this image.
Best wishes
Jana
Be seeing you
Hello Jana,
DeleteThe question is, why the mannequin at all? But yes, it is grey looking. Perhaps there is nothing black and white about 'the Prisoner, that there are too many "grey areas!" Or as you say, representing aspects of himself he does not like. And "rigid like a tin-god," mmmm an interesting thought. Plus, in the end he is pushed, filed and ultimately stamped by this image." Nicely put, I like your ideas.
Kind regards
David
BCNU
Hello David,
DeleteI guess you are right, the really interesting question is why the mannequin?.. I like the idea that Number 6 had to face himself twice.
From the point of view of the village it might have been an act of (ironic?) appreciation for the prisoner, if one takes the mannequin as a kind of memorial. On the other hand it could as well have been another way to unsettle him. Or even both?
And other questions: Since when was the mannequin standing there? When was it crafted? would there have been a mannequin for Number 2, too, if he had won?
Kind regards
Jana
Hello Jana,
DeleteFrom a production view point, I suppose to have the Prisoner's clothes dressed on a life-like mannequin than simply hang on a coat hanger.
I like your ideas of the mannequin being ironic appreciation for the Prisoner. Or the mannequin being there to unsettle him. This since I'm having difficulty of coming up with something myself!
You are asking questions of the mannequin I have never even thought of! But do I have any answers? That's another good question! Perhaps it was dressed in the Prisoner's clothes and placed in position sometime after the opening of the Embryo Room, seeing as No.6 had survived the ultimate test {mmm a bit thin}. Perhaps the Professor's widow {the General} crafted the life-like mannequin of No.6 {yes that's a good answer}. If there had been a mannequin of No.2 if he had survived instead of No.6, then the mannequin would have been dressed in a business suit and bowler hat, as No.2 was in 'Fall Out,' as he was returning to the Houses of Parliament {yes I like that one!}
Kind regards
David
BCNU