Magnolia Literary Elements

Magnolia Literary Elements

Director

Paul Thomas Anderson

Leading Actors/Actresses

Tom Cruise, John C. Reilly

Supporting Actors/Actresses

Julianne Moor, Philip Seymour Hoffman, William H. Macy, Jason Robards

Genre

Drama

Language

English

Awards

Nominated for 3 Oscars: Best Music - Original Song, Best Writing - Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen, Best Actor in a Supporting Role - Tom Cruise

Date of Release

1999

Producer

Paul Thomas Anderson, JoAnne Sellar

Setting and Context

San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles, California - 1999

Narrator and Point of View

POV is that of Officer Kurring, Frank, Earl and Stanley

Tone and Mood

Serious, Dramatic

Protagonist and Antagonist

Protagonists is Officer Kurring and Stanley. Antagonists are Stanley's Father, Earl

Major Conflict

Earl is dying and wants to see his estranged son, Frank. Stanley's father continues to push him further and further to make sure he wins. Officer Kurring wants more for his life.

Climax

Frogs begin to fall from the sky. Jimmy tries to shoot himself but the frogs fall through the skylight and stop him. Stanley confronts his dad, who doesn't listen to him. Frank spends time with his father on his deathbed where he curses him and pleads for him not to leave. Jim goes to Claudia's home in order to work things out between the two of them.

Foreshadowing

Earl tells Phil that Frank Mackey is his son. This foreshadows their final meeting at the end of the film.

Understatement

It is understated that Jimmy abused Claudia and that he will kill himself.

Innovations in Filming or Lighting or Camera Techniques

N/A

Allusions

The film's story is an allusion to the trauma we carry in our lives because of the trauma of our childhood and the choices of our past.

Paradox

Linda married Earl for his money, but paradoxically wants to give it all back as she has fallen in love with him. She goes so far to prove this that she attempts to kill herself by overdosing.

Parallelism

The frogs raining down parallel the rain storm that pours in the film.

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