The second season of euphoria came to hbo max last January 10. To date, there are already four episodes released, and for many viewers the last chapter, called You who cannot see, think of those who can, stood out for its audiovisual production and for its references to cinema and art. However, it also caused a lot of confusion for fans.
euphoria It is a series that undoubtedly seeks to stand out for its originality. For example, the second season is being shot with analog cameras using Kodak Ektachrome rolls, leaving aside digital cameras. Along with the texture and colors that this type of film brings to the series, an aesthetic level is added that is accompanied by the make-up of the characters, their outfits and an outstanding soundtrack.
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Euphoria and its references to cinema and art
Spoiler alert. The fourth chapter begins with an intimate scene between Rue and Jules, in which a voiceover from Rue says, “I don’t think they understand how much I love Jules.” This begins a montage of scenes that are reminiscent of both works of art, photography and movies, while Townes Van Zandt’s I will be here in the morning plays in the background.
the director of photography, Marcel Revv, shared some behind-the-scenes images on Instagram, which he called Love montage.
Sandro Botticelli, The Birth of Venus, 1482-1485
Venus is identified as the goddess of love, so it should come as no surprise that the love montage that was created in Rue’s mind begins with one of the most iconic works of the Renaissance, and one of the most revolutionary pieces in its time. due to the nudity of Venus, something that would later become common in painting.
Annie Lebowitz, photo of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, 1981
This photograph was published on the January 22, 1981 cover of Rolling Stone by photographer Annie Lebowitz. The image not only hides the transcendental love of the two artists, but it was taken just before Lennon died from a fatal gunshot to Chapman.
Rene Magritte, The Lovers II, 1928
It is a series of four paintings by Magritte with the same theme. They are two lovers whose identity is hidden by some cloth. Some critics believe that the covered faces are part of the childhood trauma of Magritte, who saw his mother’s corpse wrapped with a shirt over her face. Others believe that it is just a way of interpreting forbidden love and desire.
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Frida Khalo, Self-Portrait as a Tehuana, 1943
He is also known as Diego in my thoughts. As can be seen, in Frida’s painting, she appears with Diego’s face on her head as a sign that the muralist continued in her mind despite the separation they had. It is also considered a work that shows contradiction, since its faction and the Tehuana costume would describe it as an image of dignity and determination, as well as the concealment of pain through clothing.
Ghost, the shadow of love
This film starred Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore, and has served as a reference in both comedies and dramas. In the case of Euphoria, they interpret it with a sexual theme due to the shape that the mud acquires in the hands of Rue and Jules.
titanica
Without a doubt, a classic film about romance. One of the great moments between Jack and Rose is when the couple can be free, love each other and, although it seems a cliché, they can be kings of the world, even knowing that their destiny is quite tragic.
Snow White
One of the Disney animated classics, in which we can see Snow White unconscious after biting the enchanted apple. This would be a metaphor for Rue’s addiction problems and the ability that Jules and her love would have to break the curse that Rue is on. Let’s remember that, thanks to Jules, Rue had a brief period of sobriety.
Brokeback Mountain
Also known as Brokeback Mountain, it was a film that shocked the world by showing a homosexual romance in a context where heterosexuality and “manhood” stood out.
Cassie’s scene
This sequence of images has not only been one of the most commented on in the fourth episode of Euphoria, but has also generated many speculations about its meaning. Some indicate that it represents a Cassie locked in her own vanity, beautiful and suffering the pain of love and a stormy life. Reference has also been made to Midsommar, which also has visually appealing flower arrangements, but Sam Levinson has explained that he drew inspiration from Mexican murals.
In the rest of the episode we can also see other scenes that show that cinematic perspective, which can be related to other productions. Towards the end of the chapter, the series shows each of its characters, from Fez in his living room seen through the window while it’s raining, Maddy floating in the pool, Kat and Ethan aboard a car, Jules in the shower and later sitting on Elliot’s bed, Fexi sitting in an empty theater facing the camera, and the prominent scene of Cassie surrounded by flowers.