Textuality » 4A Interacting
Who is the speaking voice in the film?
The speaking voice is the king's oldest son.
Why did the director choose that narrative technique?
I think the director chose it because the boy is the future king and therefore he is the future of Siam: as Anna's presence in the country is the beginning of a change, listening to the boy's voice lets the spectator associate the present and the future of Siam linking them to Anna.
SIAM, SIAMESE TRADITIONS, CONFLICTS BETWEEN CULTURES, CONCUBINES, COLONIZATION, LOVE, MURDER, DEATH OF LOVED ONES, GRIEVING, BETRAYAL, COURAGE.
Which of these topics are the most important three? Why
In my opinion the most important topic is not the conflict but the comparison between cultures because in every scene Anna meets the Siamese culture, always learning new things and her strong attachment to her customs let the others learn something new, too. All of them enrich and widen their horizons by getting in touch with the other culture.
Love and courage are also relevant topics and they are connected to each other.
Tuptim's courage to love her lover and to face death defending it. Love between Anna and Mongkut. Love between the king and his childrren. Love between Anna and her son. Love between Mongkut and his land, his people.
Where does tragedy come from in this film?
Tragedy happens when Tuptim and her lover are killed because Anna feels far from the king and refuse his decision, leaving (even if she will stay in a second moment).
Why did the king leave the two lovers die?
Because Anna disagreed in public to their punishment, therefore the king could not show himself week: he had to take a position instead of letting his people think he could be conditioned by a foreign woman not following their traditions.