“Tabu” is a Portuguese drama film directed by Miguel Gomes. It is a poetic exploration of love, memory, and loss, divided into two parts: “Paradise Lost” and “Paradise.” The film weaves a complex narrative through its unique storytelling and cinematic style, earning acclaim for its innovative approach.
Symbolism
Movie Scene Device Example Opening Scene with the Crocodile The crocodile symbolizes hidden desires and primal instincts. Aurora’s Farm The farm represents a lost Eden, a place of innocence and past joy.
Foreshadowing
Movie Scene Device Example Aurora’s Gambling Habit Hints at her unpredictable nature and future downfall . Gian-Luca’s Letter Suggests a tragic love story that will unfold in the second part of the film.
Flashback
Movie Scene Device Example Aurora’s Youth Shows her passionate affair, providing context for her present regrets. Gian-Luca’s Narration The entire “Paradise” segment is a flashback that reveals the roots of the characters’ current states.
Juxtaposition
Movie Scene Device Example Modern Lisbon vs. Colonial Africa Contrasts the mundane present with the romanticized past. Aurora’s Youth vs. Old Age Highlights the transformation and loss of vitality over time.
Metaphor
Movie Scene Device Example The Crocodile Represents forbidden love and the dangers lurking beneath the surface. The Mountain Symbolizes the insurmountable obstacles in Aurora and Gian-Luca’s relationship.
Irony
Movie Scene Device Example Aurora’s Charity Work Ironic given her morally questionable past. Romanticized Colonialism The film’s nostalgic view of colonial Africa contrasts with its inherent critique of colonial exploitation.
Motif
Movie Scene Device Example Water Appears throughout the film, symbolizing life, change, and memory. Music Recurring songs evoke specific emotions and memories tied to the characters’ pasts.
Allegory
Movie Scene Device Example The Film’s Structure The two-part structure (Paradise Lost and Paradise) serves as an allegory for the fall from innocence to experience. Aurora’s Life Represents the decline from youthful exuberance to elderly despair, mirroring colonial downfall .
Personification
Movie Scene Device Example The Crocodile Almost treated as a character with emotions and a narrative role. Nature The African landscape is given life and personality, reflecting the characters’ emotions.
Hyperbole
Movie Scene Device Example Aurora’s Descriptions of Her Past Often exaggerated to enhance the romanticism and tragedy . Gian-Luca’s Narration Uses hyperbolic language to describe the intensity of his love and despair.
Aurora
Device Explanation Symbolism Aurora’s gambling represents her chaotic nature and inability to control her fate. Irony Her charitable deeds in old age contrast with her reckless youth, highlighting her complex morality.
Gian-Luca
Device Explanation Flashback His narration of the past provides a deep insight into his enduring love and the impact of his choices. Metaphor The mountain he and Aurora must cross symbolizes the insurmountable challenges in their relationship.
Pilar
Device Explanation Juxtaposition Pilar’s present-day life is contrasted with Aurora’s past, emphasizing the theme of lost opportunities. Allegory Her dedication to helping Aurora symbolizes a quest for redemption and meaning.
Character Dynamics
Device Explanation Foreshadowing The early interactions between Aurora and Gian-Luca hint at their deep connection and tragic future. Motif The recurring theme of water is significant in scenes between Aurora and Gian-Luca, symbolizing their fluid and changing relationship.
Love and Memory
Device Explanation Flashback The use of flashbacks to recount the past romance emphasizes the lasting impact of memories. Symbolism The crocodile as a symbol of hidden, enduring love that resurfaces from the depths of memory.
Colonialism and Nostalgia
Device Explanation Juxtaposition Contrasts between modern Lisbon and colonial Africa highlight the consequences and romanticization of colonialism. Irony The film’s nostalgic view of colonial times ironically critiques the exploitation inherent in that era.
Regret and Redemption
Device Explanation Allegory Aurora’s life story serves as an allegory for the fall from grace and the search for redemption. Metaphor The mountain represents the journey towards redemption and the overcoming of past mistakes.
Visual and Sound Techniques
Literary Device Technique Explanation Flashback Black-and-White Cinematography Distinguishes past from present, creating a nostalgic, timeless feel. Motif Soundtrack Recurring songs connect different scenes and emotions, enhancing the motif of music as memory.
Literary Device Technique Explanation Symbolism Close-Up Shots Focus on symbolic elements like the crocodile, highlighting their thematic significance. Juxtaposition Split Screen Used to show the contrast between different timelines and locations, emphasizing thematic juxtapositions.
Scene: Aurora and Gian-Luca’s First Meeting
Link : Aurora and Gian-Luca’s First Meeting
Breakdown :
Literary Devices : Flashback , Symbolism Analysis : This scene introduces the central romance through a nostalgic flashback , using the crocodile as a symbol of the hidden and primal nature of their love.
Scene: Aurora’s Last Moments
Link : Aurora’s Last Moments
Breakdown :
Literary Devices : Irony , Allegory Analysis : Aurora’s death is laced with irony as her charitable actions in old age contrast with her youthful recklessness. The scene serves as an allegory for the consequences of past actions and the search for redemption.
Scene: The Crocodile’s Appearance
Link : The Crocodile’s Appearance
Breakdown :
Literary Devices : Symbolism , Personification Analysis : The crocodile’s reappearance in the modern-day setting symbolizes the resurfacing of buried emotions and memories, almost given a personality of its own through the film’s narrative .
Interactive Quiz
Which device is used to contrast the past and present in the film?
What does the crocodile symbolize in “Tabu”?
A) Wealth
B) Forbidden love
C) Freedom
Which character’s life serves as an allegory for the fall from innocence to experience?
A) Pilar
B) Aurora
C) Gian-Luca
How is irony portrayed in Aurora’s character?
A) Through her gambling habit
B) Through her charitable deeds in old age
C) Through her love for Gian-Luca
Which technique distinguishes the past from the present in the film?
A) Color grading
B) Black-and-white cinematography
C) Fast-paced editing
