Before You Watch
How do you feel about this story? Is it compelling storytelling 34 years later? Or is it dated and not as effective as perhaps it once seemed?
After You Watch
How will Cooper’s unconventional methods (e.g., throwing rocks at the bottle after saying names aloud) influence the narrative plot?
Consider the choice that the Little Man From Another Place gives Dale Cooper in this first of his dreams. It’s a choice between a simile and a metaphor. He tells Cooper, “This is my cousin…” (gesturing to Laura Palmer). Then he asks, "Doesn’t she look like Laura Palmer?” Cooper replies, “But, that is Laura Palmer.” The difference between LIKE and IS will greatly affect how the dreamer interprets the dream.1 Once this declarative statement is professed, this image of Laura Palmer rises and kisses him. I argue that Cooper’s destiny is sealed with that kiss, and everything in The Return is rooted in a misunderstanding between simile and metaphor during this dream.
Please share your thoughts in the comments section.
EXTRA CREDIT (PAID SUBSCRIBERS ONLY)
Consider Joseph Campbell's story about a radio host he tussled with who didn’t understand what a metaphor was or why it was such an important distinction.
Eventually, Cooper will lose this perspective entirely and dissolve into the dream. Only the viewer will be left to assimilate these dream fragments into a semblance of coherence.
Share this post