Mazes have been used symbolically to demonstrate a deeper understanding of the human experience. There is a search for a center and obstacles showing themselves at each turn. A gateway to reflection, mazes offer commentary that goes beyond the exploration of its hidden corridors. Denis Villeneuve’s filmography is not short of symbols. Villeneuve explores the darkest areas of the maze in his 2013 film “Prisoners,” shot by the legendary cinematographer Roger Deakins. “Prisoners,” through its moral reflection, takes audiences through a winding labyrinth. As in his filmography, Villeneuve has his characters venture into dilapidated physical and mental passageways. Leaving characters as prisoners determined to find their way out.
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In a video essay by Storytellers, the symbols in “Prisoners” add to the complexity of the story. Each small object, metaphor, and dark corner flesh out to the mental labyrinth of its main characters Loki (Jake Gyllenhaal) and Keller (Hugh Jackman) are struggling through. Each man is set out on a search using their own respective belief systems to lead them through the metaphoric maze. Hoping they can find a truth at the center and punish those responsible for the kid napping of two young girls.
The means by which Villeneuve and Deakins employs these symbols and artifacts to give weight to his story are subtle. It is a reason why the maze is not seen until later in “Prisoners.” Viewers are asked to simply explore the maze through the winding mentality of Loki and Keller. Keller’s religiously based morals are constantly challenged in his journey to find his daughter. He regresses to old habits and his violent means ultimately lead to entering physically dark space. Loki, bearing symbols of Christian religion and paganism, has a physical journey that leads him to confront the evil at the center of the maze. The video essay gives deeper analysis and uses striking examples to highlight the masterful way Villeneuve leads us through this labyrinth. “Prisoners” bends and turns through the search, the danger of losing the way, and the finding.
