Mary and Max (2009)

Brief Intro

“Mary and Max” is a 2009 Australian clay-animated comedy-drama film written and directed by Adam Elliot. The story follows the unlikely friendship between two pen pals: Mary, a lonely eight-year-old girl living in Melbourne, and Max, a middle-aged man with Asperger’s Syndrome living in New York City. This poignant and heartwarming film explores themes of loneliness, friendship, and acceptance through its unique storytelling and animation style.

Literary Devices Used in Mary and Max

Let’s delve into the rich tapestry of literary devices that Adam Elliot masterfully weaves into “Mary and Max.” Here are ten devices, each illustrated with two specific examples from the film:

1. Symbolism

Movie Scene	Device Example
Max’s keychain with a figurine of Mary	Represents his connection and attachment to Mary.
Mary’s birthmark	Symbolizes her feeling of being different and isolated.

2. Irony

Movie Scene	Device Example
Max winning the lottery but still being unhappy	Highlights the irony of how money doesn’t buy happiness.
Mary’s letter about not having any friends while sitting alone in her room	Demonstrates situational irony as she writes to her only friend.

3. Foreshadowing

Movie Scene	Device Example
Mary’s early drawings of Max	Foreshadows their deepening friendship and her dependence on him.
Max’s detailed explanation of his routines	Prepares the audience for his Asperger’s Syndrome reveal.

4. Metaphor

Movie Scene	Device Example
The metaphor of the ink blot as Max’s mind	Symbolizes his unique and complex way of seeing the world.
Mary’s glasses	Metaphorically represent her worldview and how it changes over time.

5. Hyperbole

Movie Scene	Device Example
Mary describing her loneliness as “bigger than a whale”	Exaggerates her feeling of isolation.
Max saying he feels like he’s being “crushed by the weight of the world”	Emphasizes his overwhelming anxiety and stress.

6. Flashback

Movie Scene	Device Example
Max’s childhood memories	Provide context for his behavior and mindset.
Mary’s recollection of her parents	Explains her feelings of neglect and abandonment.

7. Allegory

Movie Scene	Device Example
The story of the Noblets	An allegory for societal norms and the pressure to conform.
Max’s parable of the blind man and the elephant	Represents his perspective on understanding and misunderstanding.

8. Allusion

Movie Scene	Device Example
References to pop culture (e.g., the Muppets)	Create a connection to the real world and enhance relatability.
Historical allusions (e.g., to World War II)	Add depth to the characters’ backgrounds and histories.

9. Juxtaposition

Movie Scene	Device Example
Mary’s colorful, chaotic home vs. Max’s monochromatic, orderly apartment	Highlights their different worlds and perspectives.
The lively city of Melbourne vs. the gloomy, bustling New York City	Emphasizes the contrasting atmospheres of their environments.

10. Personification

Movie Scene	Device Example
The objects in Max’s apartment (e.g., the typewriter)	Given life to reflect Max’s personality and quirks.
Mary’s childhood toys	Animated to show her inner thoughts and feelings.

Character Analysis Through Literary Devices

Character Studies

Literary Device	Explanation
Symbolism	Mary’s birthmark represents her feelings of being different, while Max’s keychain signifies his attachment to Mary.
Irony	Max’s lottery win and continued unhappiness underscore the irony of life’s expectations.

Mary Daisy Dinkle

Literary Device	Explanation
Metaphor	Mary’s glasses change as her worldview evolves, symbolizing her growth.
Flashback	Her memories of parental neglect explain her deep-seated loneliness.

Max Jerry Horovitz

Literary Device	Explanation
Allegory	The blind man and the elephant parable reflects Max’s perspective on understanding the world.
Foreshadowing	His routines and detailed explanations prepare the audience for the reveal of his Asperger’s Syndrome.

Character Dynamics

The relationship between Mary and Max is the film’s emotional core. Their correspondence, despite geographical and cultural differences, demonstrates the power of connection and understanding. The use of letters as a narrative device allows for deep character exploration and development. Their bond highlights themes of loneliness, acceptance, and unconditional friendship.

Thematic Analysis

Loneliness

Literary Device	Explanation
Symbolism	Mary’s birthmark and Max’s isolation both symbolize their loneliness.
Hyperbole	Mary’s exaggerated descriptions of her solitude emphasize her deep sense of isolation.

Friendship

Literary Device	Explanation
Irony	The irony of Mary and Max being each other’s only friend despite the distance.
Juxtaposition	Their contrasting lives highlight the unexpected nature of their friendship.

Acceptance

Literary Device	Explanation
Allegory	The Noblets’ story represents societal acceptance and non-conformity.
Allusion	References to historical events and pop culture create a broader context of acceptance and understanding.

Cinematic Techniques That Enhance Literary Devices

Visual and Sound Techniques

Literary Device	Technique	Explanation
Symbolism	Color palette	The use of color highlights emotions and character states, e.g., Mary’s colorful world vs. Max’s monochromatic life.
Irony	Music score	The upbeat music contrasts with the often somber themes, enhancing the irony.

Key Scene Analysis

1. Mary’s First Letter to Max
   • Link to Scene
   • Scene Breakdown: This scene introduces the primary narrative device of letter-writing, establishing the characters’ voices and setting the stage for their relationship. The juxtaposition of their environments and the tender, awkward honesty in their words create an immediate emotional connection.
2. Max’s Breakdown
   • Link to Scene
   • Scene Breakdown: This pivotal scene uses sound and visuals to convey Max’s mental state. The chaotic animation and discordant music underscore his anxiety and disorientation, while the allegory of the blind man and the elephant provides insight into his struggles with understanding and being understood.

Conclusion

To wrap up this in-depth exploration of “Mary and Max,” let’s test your knowledge with a fun and interactive multiple-choice quiz! 📝✨

Interactive Quiz

1. What does Mary’s birthmark symbolize?
   • A) Her intelligence
   • B) Her feelings of being different
   • C) Her creativity
   • D) Her love for Max
2. Which literary device is used when Max describes feeling “crushed by the weight of the world”?
   • A) Metaphor
   • B) Hyperbole
   • C) Irony
   • D) Symbolism
3. What does Max’s keychain represent?
   • A) His wealth
   • B) His attachment to Mary
   • C) His love for travel
   • D) His childhood
4. Which theme is highlighted by the contrast between Mary’s colorful home and Max’s monochromatic apartment?
   • A) Love
   • B) Loneliness
   • C) Friendship
   • D) Acceptance
5. In what way does the film use music to enhance the irony?
   • A) By matching the tone exactly
   • B) By contrasting upbeat music with somber themes
   • C) By using silence
   • D) By incorporating diegetic sound only

Answers:

1. B
2. B
3. B
4. B
5. B