Hi from a cephalopod-philosopher

[TheSeeker]

I just got round to watching The Perfect Nanny/Lullaby tonight. Thanks for the recommendation! I thought it was really interesting, and very French, and just the right amount of unheimlich and disturbing. I noticed there were octopuses peppered throughout, like a plastic one on the bathroom wall early doors, and the 'EDO-porn' (another 'Art' film with an octopus in it, on an aside) Japanese printwork 'Dream of the Fisherman's Wife,' as well as the drying ceph bodies in the South of France. the hallucination scene in the flat was really intriguing. I think this film with stay with me for a while, and I want to puzzle through what the octopus means in this text. What was your take on it? Is there any relevance to using these animal here? I haven't read the source novel.... maybe there is a clue in there?? But thanks again for recommending. Let me return the favour. I just caught Episode 6 of series 2 of the Jordan Peele Twilight Zone zone this week. It's entitled '8.' It is about a new species of Antarctic intelligent octopus - with a dash of The Thing and Alien... a bit of silly fun if nothing else, but worth half an hour of leisure time. Wishing you all the best for the new year.

You are welcome! It seems we share an interest in the cultural representations of our eight-arm friends...I also enjoy pondering on their meaning. Unfortunately I haven't read the source novel as well, I came across the film by pure coincidence...I think the octopus in this film was supposed to strengthen the mysterious presence of the nanny. Also, her course is a bit parallel to an octopus life...She, as well, becomes senescent as soon as her motherhood role is coming to an end...I expect it also has something to do with the particular culture, France is also a Mediterranean country and hence the octopus is an animal so present to the point of becoming a symbol...It is definitely related to sexuality somehow but it's been a long time now since I watched the film and I can not express a specific analysis.
I will surely watch 8 as soon as I get my hands on it. Thanks!
Also, I look forward to reading your article...
Happy New Year!

 

[DHF8]

You are welcome! It seems we share an interest in the cultural representations of our eight-arm friends...I also enjoy pondering on their meaning. Unfortunately I haven't read the source novel as well, I came across the film by pure coincidence...I think the octopus in this film was supposed to strengthen the mysterious presence of the nanny. Also, her course is a bit parallel to an octopus life...She, as well, becomes senescent as soon as her motherhood role is coming to an end...I expect it also has something to do with the particular culture, France is also a Mediterranean country and hence the octopus is an animal so present to the point of becoming a symbol...It is definitely related to sexuality somehow but it's been a long time now since I watched the film and I can not express a specific analysis.
I will surely watch 8 as soon as I get my hands on it. Thanks!
Also, I look forward to reading your article...
Happy New Year!

Cheers.
I think you are right. The octopus has a kind of monstrous framing, which aligns with the nanny. The old octopus as creepy monster trope. To such end, the first plastic one we catch a glimpse of in the couple's bathroom foreshadows where the nanny will commit the foul deeds at the end. And the ones during the holiday in the South of France anticipate her first monstrous outbreak with the children on the beach. She is certainly erotically obsessed with the couple too, hence the focus on the Edo porn print too. She is the monster hiding in plain sight, as such. Interesting you link her sudden ageing to the end of the nurturing role, a detail I had'nt picked up on fully. Saying that, the notion of youth as 'cultural capital' is evident all the way through, and she is excluded from this. If you recall, she gives the kids food that has passed its 'best before' date, which the mum outright forbids. The more I think about it, the more I enjoyed it.

best for now

D