Submitted previously as a Classical Political Philosophy assignment (Sameera S. Rao, 2014).
An
Analysis of the movie ‘The Oxford Murders’
PART
I – Mathematical ideas and themes prevalent throughout the movie
The
beauty of mathematics is not limited to number series or formulas applicable
only to the academic discipline. This is because mathematical patterns can also
be found in the real world. For instance, the ‘perfect symmetrical face[1]’
is said to follow the ‘the golden ratio’ (mathematically, two quantities are in the golden ratio if their ratio is the same as the ratio of their sum to the larger of the two quantities.)
Pinecones naturally occur in the Fibonacci number series (they are of the
following pattern: 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21 - infinity. Each subsequent number
is the sum of the previous two). In academia, one can find proponents of
‘logic’, who state that mathematical patterns and sequences are present in
nature, humans etc. On the other hand, others argue that this is simply exaggeration.
Those who believe in mathematical purity, state that seemingly abstract
biological processes occur in a certain mathematical pattern (for instance, the
DNA) and it is the task of mathematicians or logicians to identify these
patterns.
One
of the most striking dialogues that caught my attention in ‘The Oxford Murders’
is the staunch belief held by the graduate student (Martin) in the ‘absolute
truth’ – where absolute truth extends into the world. Martin states “I believe
in 3.141592 (irrational number Pi[2]) the
nature of reality ascribed in mathematical numbers. Numbers are pre-existing
patterns in reality.” The Oxford Professor quickly retorts by asking- “Why
can’t a single person then, predict a hurricane? We like order, logic we are
not in the hands of destiny- this has nothing to do with truth, only with
fear.” The fast-pacing dialogues in the movie explore themes of freedom, chaos
theory, uncertainty principle, memory, mathematical symbols etc.
The
movie shows the dysfunctional relationship between Beth (daughter) and Mrs.
Eagleton (mother). Beth is an aspiring violinist, who bitterly despises her
circumstances because she has the sole responsibility of taking care of her
ailing mother. Beth is also attracted to Martin and wonders what it must be to
be like him- to travel, study and explore outside his comfort zone (he is from
the United States studying in England).
PART
II – Interpretations of the film through various schools of thought
(i)
Psychoanalytical
Perspective: It is clear from the beginning of the
movie that Martin is the main narrator of events and the audience will
experience reality- through all five senses as
Martin sees it. Martin’s subjectivity includes an almost unidirectional
belief in mathematical purity. Martin’s background as a mathematics graduate
student studying at Oxford makes him value the ‘gifts’ of mathematics. He shows
us that he has an ability of solving a
murder mystery by unlocking mathematical symbols. This is Martin’s Achilles
heel. He ignores the timing of discovering Mrs. Eagleton’s body with the Oxford
Professor (thinking of it as a coincidence) and gets manipulated into thinking
in the existence of a mathematical serial murderer. Psychoanalysts believe that
motivations of individuals are embedded in their subconscious mind. Therefore,
the convictions of Martin’s mind (about mathematics being the absolute truth)
would lead him to believe the Professor- and he subconsciously tries to “win
the approval” of his revered professor who had earlier ridiculed him and
refused to be his supervisor.
(ii)
Feminist
Perspective – A gendered perspective of the movie
would analyze the undertones of mother-daughter hostility from the starting
minutes of the film. We witness the constant bickering between the mother and
daughter. The daughter (like in any other part of the world) has the
responsibility of taking care of her aged, ailing mother. The daughter has
never left Oxfordshire, England (where she was born) and is constantly in a
dilemma to “be free” or “be caged” at home. The daughter lives in a patriarchal
society where ideas of nurturing, caring and other feminine ideals are on her
shoulders. Beth appears bitter and sarcastic about her life’s situation.
(iii)
Postmodern
Perspective – The entire movie is seen from one
narrative (that of the Professor narrating to the Graduate Student) - an
approach that would not suit with the fragmented nature of reality that
postmodernists believe in. However a strong indication is made towards
postmodernism in the end, when the Professor remarks “Numbers lie. Truth is
confused, disorderly.”
(iv)
Plato’s
Absolute Truth – Plato believed in an ‘Absolute Truth’
(just like Martin). In his idea of an absolute truth he states that there is
only one version of a reality- making it problematic to associate with multiple
versions of reality.
(v)
Ideas
– Butterfly effect, Chaos Theory
In chaos theory,
the butterfly effect refers to “A very small change in initial
conditions which can create a significantly different outcome.” Martin (according to the Professor)
unknowingly instigates Beth to murder her mother when he states “You should be
free Beth.” Thus Martin is the butterfly that causes the
hurricane (murder).
(vi)
How
does the movie help Social Scientists?
The movie helps
social scientists to realise the power of interpretation and the fragmented
nature of reality. It craftily depicts the nuances of the idea that
‘objectivity’ or an ‘absolute truth’ exists (or not). It also plays on ideas of
language and knowledge – and how these two can have various versions of
reality. Although Knowledge (with a capital ‘K’) can lead us to accuracy, it
can also lead to disaster due to inconsistency or omission or worse-
manipulation. The movie also grapples with ‘the problems of interpretation’
because interpretations would include prejudices, beliefs and value judgements
on the part of the observer.
[1]
Facial Analysis and the Golden number ‘Phi’
(1.618) More information at - http://www.goldennumber.net/beauty/
[2]
Interestingly our universe has infinitely less
stuff in it than the total number of digits in ‘Pi’ (Source- Ted Talk, Addison
Anderson).
