An analysis of the movie- 'The Oxford Murders'

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.

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[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).

A tribute to Holden

"For our friends we do Justice, to our enemies we apply the Law." - Brazilian Proverb

Except what do you do when you have no friends?

I have been reading the catcher in the rye and am genuinely curious about JD Salinger. His character sketch of Holden fascinates and perturbs me at the same time- partially because I see a bit of my impolite self in him. Especially when he has meaningless, polite conversations with everyone around him and his mind keeps saying "Phony."

Although Holden is definitely in need of guidance one cannot deny the wit he carries under that ridiculous hat of his ("I am illiterate but I read a lot"). What particularly describes Holden is his remembrance of odd things past- like how that girl always kept her king's in the back row (Chess). The sensitivity he carries is definitely embodied in the death of his cousin and the curiosity with the ducks in Central Park ("When the lagoon is frozen where do the ducks go? I mean does a truck come and pick em up?").

The themes of isolation, alienation, hatred/anger towards the adult hypocritical world are prominent.

"How marvelous to see you!" old Lillian Simmons said.

Strictly a Phony.

- Holden, The Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger

The Myth of Sisyphus

I have despised the idea of using a religious symbol to explain an idea. Until I read Albert Camus. I have also despised those who felt that there is no meaning in life. Until I read Albert Camus.

Albert Camus never wanted to be 'categorized' into an Existentialist, and I understand why (The number of times existentialism has been parodied in Woody Allen movies makes me re-think existentialism itself.)

The core concept of Existentialism begins with humans- and not society or religion- assign a certain meaning to life, in order to live passionately and sincerely. But that's the most atomized form of it-there are variants. A second definitive concept within Existentialism is how "existence preceeds essence" [associated with Sartre, which I personally think is controversial because the opposite can also be true, as Heidegger pointed out is a reversal of Plato's statement.]

So what is 'The myth of Sisyphus' ? It's an essay by Albert Camus. It's kind of humorous that an atheist like Camus using religious symbols to convey his philosophy of the world but it's better to take the author as a good sport.

 But before going into what camus says, what is the metaphorical meaning of this myth? The gods had condemned Sisyphus to ceaselessly rolling a rock to the top of a mountain, whence the stone would fall back of it's own weight. So here is a man, rolling a rock to the top of a mountain, and each time the rock would tumble down again. Albert Camus, the genius, takes this as an allegory to explain the human 'condition'.

According to Camus, we are caught in this act. And there's only one problem. If there is no meaning in life, and if life is meaningless, then what's keeping us from suicide?

Obviously i won't answer, it's for you to read and find out. I'm here for the directions only, ha ha.