The Lobster is a 2015 film directed by Yorgos Lanthimos that tells the story of a dystopian society where single people must find a romantic partner within 45 days or risk being turned into an animal of their choosing. This darkly comedic movie has captivated audiences with its unique premise and quirky characters. In this blog post, we’ll explore some fascinating trivia about The Lobster that you may not have known.
Real-Life Inspiration for Film Setting
The Lobster was filmed at the Park Hotel in County Kerry, Ireland, which was once a real-life hotel for wealthy guests. Lanthimos and his team chose this location because of its isolated setting and eerie atmosphere, which helped to create the film’s dystopian world. The hotel’s sprawling grounds and old-fashioned decor were also perfect for the movie’s aesthetic.
Character Names Reflect Traits
In The Lobster, characters are given names based on their defining trait, such as the protagonist David (played by Colin Farrell), who is referred to as “The Short-Sighted Man”. This naming convention helps to emphasize the importance of finding a partner who shares a common trait in the film’s society. Other characters have names like “The Limping Man” (Ben Whishaw), “The Nosebleed Woman” (Jessica Barden), and “The Biscuit Woman” (Ashley Jensen).
Satirical Take on Relationships in Film
One of the most fascinating aspects of The Lobster is its satirical take on society’s obsession with relationships. The film’s dystopian world is a commentary on the pressure that society places on individuals to find a partner and settle down. The characters’ desperate attempts to find love, even resorting to physical violence and manipulation, highlights the extremes that people will go to in order to conform to societal norms.
Animal Imagery and Inner Desires in Film
Throughout The Lobster, characters are given the opportunity to choose the animal they will become if they fail to find a partner. This use of animal imagery symbolizes the characters’ inner desires and personalities. For example, David chooses to become a lobster because of their longevity and loyalty to their partners. The fact that the characters are given a choice in the matter also emphasizes the idea of free will and the importance of choosing one’s own path in life.
Ambiguous Ending in Film
The Lobster’s ambiguous ending has been the subject of much debate and discussion among viewers. The film ends with David and another character escaping the society and finding refuge with a group of rebels in the woods. However, it is unclear what their future holds and whether or not they are truly free. This open-ended conclusion leaves interpretation up to the viewer and encourages them to think critically about the themes of the film.
Classical Music in Film for Quirkiness
The Lobster’s use of classical music adds to the film’s quirky and offbeat tone. Throughout the movie, classical pieces such as Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 7” and Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring” are used to great effect. The music helps to emphasize the film’s absurdity and adds an extra layer of meaning to certain scenes.
International Cast in Film Production
The Lobster features an impressive cast of international talent, including Colin Farrell, Rachel Weisz, Ben Whishaw, and Léa Seydoux. The fact that the film was shot in Ireland also allowed for the inclusion of local actors such as Olivia Colman and Angeliki Papoulia. This mix of talent from different countries adds to the film’s global appeal and helps to create a more diverse and interesting world within the movie.
Film’s Unique Language Created by Production Team
In order to fully immerse viewers in The Lobster’s dystopian world, the film’s production team created an entire language for the characters to speak. This language, called “The Hotel Language”, is a mix of English and other European languages, with some words and phrases made up entirely. The use of this language helps to add to the film’s unique and otherworldly feel.
Academy Award Nomination for The Lobster
Despite its quirky and unconventional premise, The Lobster was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay in 2017. This nomination is a testament to the film’s originality and the skill of its screenwriters, Yorgos Lanthimos and Efthimis Filippou. While the film did not ultimately win the award, its recognition by the Academy is a significant achievement.
READ MORE: The Lobster (2015) Review: Absurd, Surprising, Heartbreaking!
The Lobster is a movie that has captured the attention of audiences with its unique premise and quirky characters. From its real-life filming location to its use of animal imagery, the film is full of fascinating trivia that adds to its appeal. Its satirical take on society’s obsession with relationships and its ambiguous ending leave viewers thinking long after the credits roll. If you haven’t yet seen The Lobster, it’s definitely a film worth adding to your watchlist.
Colin Farrell drama movies Rachel Weisz romance sci-fi the lobster trivia yorgos lanthimos
Last modified: May 6, 2023
