Martin Scorsese’s 1967 short film, The Big Shave, is a potent and unsettling allegorical critique of American involvement in the Vietnam War, masked as a seemingly simple, yet increasingly violent, act of shaving. The film uses the mundane act of shaving to represent the self-destructive and ultimately senseless nature of the conflict, forcing viewers to confront the brutality and moral bankruptcy of the war.
A Visual Metaphor for a Nation’s Pain
Scorsese’s The Big Shave, clocking in at just under six minutes, is a masterclass in visual storytelling. The film depicts a young man, played by Peter Bernuth, meticulously shaving his face. Initially, the act appears normal, even mundane. However, as the shaving progresses, the man becomes increasingly aggressive, nicking himself repeatedly. These small cuts escalate into deep gashes, and eventually, the man is covered in blood, self-inflicted wounds representing the physical and psychological toll of the Vietnam War on America.
The film’s power lies in its subtlety. There are no explicit references to the war. The setting is stark and sterile, adding to the sense of alienation and detachment. The music, a classical piece, juxtaposes the growing violence on screen, creating a disturbing dissonance. This deliberate ambiguity allows the audience to interpret the film’s meaning through the lens of their own understanding of the Vietnam War and its impact.
The act of shaving itself becomes a metaphor for America’s self-destruction. The initial, seemingly harmless act evolves into a brutal and ultimately futile endeavor, mirroring the perceived trajectory of the war. The blood, abundant and shocking, symbolizes the loss of life and the moral decay associated with the conflict. Scorsese utilizes the simplicity of the narrative to deliver a powerful and enduring anti-war message.
Unpacking the Layers: Symbolism and Interpretation
The Big Shave isn’t just a simple depiction of a man shaving. It’s a densely layered piece of filmmaking, rife with symbolism that invites interpretation. The whiteness of the bathroom and the character’s attire can be interpreted as representing the supposed purity and innocence of America, tarnished by the brutality of the war.
The act of shaving, typically associated with grooming and presentation, is subverted to represent self-destruction. The man’s increasing aggression mirrors the escalation of the war and the growing frustration and disillusionment within American society. The blood, of course, is the most potent symbol, representing the immense loss of life and the deep wounds inflicted on both the American psyche and the Vietnamese people.
Ultimately, The Big Shave encourages viewers to question the motivations behind the war and to confront the uncomfortable truths about its impact. It’s a film that stays with you long after the credits roll, prompting reflection on the nature of violence, the cost of war, and the fragility of the human condition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What inspired Martin Scorsese to make The Big Shave?
Scorsese was deeply affected by the escalating Vietnam War and wanted to express his anti-war sentiments through film. He felt a powerful need to make a statement, and The Big Shave was his way of doing so. He wanted to show the senseless self-destruction he saw happening in Vietnam.
Why is there no dialogue in the film?
The absence of dialogue is deliberate. Scorsese wanted the visual imagery to speak for itself, emphasizing the visceral impact of the violence and allowing viewers to draw their own conclusions without being influenced by specific words or arguments. It forces the viewer to confront the images directly.
What is the significance of the music used in The Big Shave?
The classical music, specifically “String Quintet in C Major, D. 956” by Franz Schubert, creates a stark contrast to the violence on screen. This juxtaposition amplifies the disturbing nature of the film, highlighting the absurdity of the situation and adding to the overall sense of unease. The beauty of the music underscores the ugliness of the violence.
How did Scorsese finance The Big Shave?
The Big Shave was a student film made on a very low budget. Scorsese used his own resources and called on friends and fellow students for help. The film’s powerful message is all the more remarkable considering its limited resources.
What was the initial reaction to The Big Shave?
The film was initially met with mixed reactions. Some viewers were shocked and disturbed by the graphic violence, while others praised its powerful anti-war message. It sparked considerable debate and discussion, which was precisely Scorsese’s intention.
Is The Big Shave a literal depiction of shaving?
No. It is a highly symbolic and allegorical work, using the act of shaving as a metaphor for the Vietnam War and the self-destructive tendencies of America’s involvement in the conflict. It is not meant to be taken literally.
What is the runtime of The Big Shave?
The film has a very short runtime, typically listed as around 5 minutes and 45 seconds. Its brevity enhances its impact, leaving a lasting impression on the viewer despite its short duration.
What makes The Big Shave an effective anti-war film?
The film’s effectiveness stems from its reliance on visual storytelling and symbolism. By avoiding explicit references to the war and focusing on the visceral act of self-harm, Scorsese creates a powerful and universally relatable message about the futility and destruction of war.
How does The Big Shave relate to Scorsese’s later work?
The Big Shave foreshadows many of the themes and techniques that would become hallmarks of Scorsese’s later films, including the exploration of violence, moral ambiguity, and the dark side of the American dream. It demonstrates his early mastery of visual storytelling and his willingness to tackle controversial subjects.
Where can I watch The Big Shave?
Due to its short length and status as a student film, The Big Shave is not always readily available through mainstream streaming services. However, it can often be found online on video-sharing platforms like YouTube or Vimeo, or through film archives and educational resources.
What is the deeper meaning behind the ending of The Big Shave?
The ending, where the man is completely covered in blood and seemingly lifeless, suggests the complete self-destruction and moral bankruptcy that Scorsese associated with the Vietnam War. It’s a powerful and disturbing image that leaves the viewer with a sense of profound loss and despair.
How does The Big Shave compare to other anti-war films of the era?
While many anti-war films of the Vietnam era were explicitly political, The Big Shave took a more subtle and metaphorical approach. This allowed it to resonate with a wider audience and to explore the psychological and emotional impact of the war in a uniquely powerful way. It stands out for its visceral imagery and its focus on self-destruction rather than direct depictions of combat.