Life As A House (2001) 6438118421 Noppawan Srikhirin Metaphor - - The title ”Life as a house” compares one’s life as a transformation of a house which can be destroyed, rebuilt, and renovated to stay functional and meaningful. The metaphor of this story’s movie is George’s run-down beach house. At the beginning of the story, the house is neglected just like George’s life and relationships. As he started to rebuild his house, it was just like he rebuilt his life as well as relationship with family and friends again. Thus, this house symbolized the transformation in terms of healing and personal growth Metaphor The house also represents the importance of creating a loving environment which is safe to oneself. As shown in the movie, the transformation of each character is parallel with the transformation of a house e.g. George rebuilt his own run-down house while he rebuilt his relationship with his neighbours and family, and when George built a treehouse in his backyard with his son, Sam, as they begin to improve their relationship again George’s life in the beginning - At the beginning, his life was messy. He lost his job and his relationship with his son, Sam, was not good. He felt so isolated and he also looked for meaningful connections and long for purpose. - His relationship with Sam can be reflected as the broken walls. His loneliness symbolize an empty room, is job loss reflects crubling foundation, and his life needed to be reconstructed and transformed just like a run-down house George’s life in the beginning - - The deterioration of the house, when George tears dowm the wall using a sledgehammer, represented the breaking doen of barriers in his life. Later in the story, his illness discovery can be compared to a hosue when it is neglected and disrepaired. His health deteriorated which made him realise that he must take immediate action to rebuild his life as well as his house. Job - - As his job involves constructing miniature as buildings representation, it reflects his ability to create something beautiful from different materials. The skills he got from his old job, craftsmanship and having an eye for detail, transfer to his approach in building his new house. He pay attention to every detail in construction from planning, building, and decorating. George’s Relationship His relationship with Sam and his ex-wife, Robin, was strained and distant in the beginning. As George rebuilt his house, his connection with Sam and Robin is also reconnected. They grew their bond in parallel to the house reconstruction. Thus, their relationship is represented by the house transformation an revitalisation. Happiness - - - The relationship between George, Sam, Robin, and Robin’s new family were all grappling with unhappiness. As the house was transformed, their lives also changed. Sam seeked happiness from breaking free from expectation and finding his identity. Robin also found happiness through her new relationship between herself and her two families The journey towards their happiness can be represented as the house’s renovation. Once the house is renovated, the new joy is brought to one’s life. George and Robin’s Relationship - - The neglected house represented a disconnection (divorce) in their relationship. As George and Robin rebuilt the old house, they got to communicate more and have developed their emotional healing as well as reconnected to each other. In the scene when George and Robin paint the house together, they gradually opened up and sharing memories and laughter as they began to rebuild their relationship. Transformation of Sam Sam went through transformation in terms of his personal development and finding his true identity. Sam was distant from his father, however, they get to communicate and reconnect as Sam helped George to build a treehouse. He got a chance to open up and express his feeling and emotions to George. Deterioration and Rebirth - - The house was deconstructed as it is in old condition and needed to be fixed. It is torn down in order to rebuild the new one as to symbolize the rebirth of his relationship and his emotional development. Once the house is rebuilt, it represents George’s personal growth and rebuilding his relationships. House’s Material and Design - - The material and the design of a house depends on its location. If the house is located in a coastal area, it is made from wood and nautical elements that gives a beachside vibe in harmony with the location. The material, design, and location also reflects George’s personality. His material choices composed of high-quality material with sophisticated and detailed design of his house. This reflects his dedication as well as his skills as a craftsman. A Man’s Home is His Castle - - This concept can be applied to George’s new house. In the beginning, the house is much like a crumbling castle. As the house is reconstructed over time, it symbolized that George has developed his strength and control over his life. Just like a castle that protects whoever lives in. This basically tells that a home should provide the inhabitants security, autonomy, and personal expression. George’s Legacy George’s legacy is about how his life was changed to inspire others. Once he finishes building his own house, his family and friends get together to celebrate. This represents how people cdan change and make a difference in their lives. George’s legacy is all about his personal growth as well as how he motivateas others to find happiness and fullfilment. The House as a Heartbeat - - As this movie represents the importance of having a home. Similarly, Zaha Hadid’s Glasglow Museum highlights the need to provide people with places where they will fell loved and accepted, George’s legacy is also tied to this metaphor as he transform his house to symbolize warmth and belonging. He aims to create a shelter to habitants as well as make them and others feel welcomed.
