3.6 fight with the Operative at Inara’s
[wposflv src=http://www.wiredcrow.com/serenity_analysis/videos/03-06-01.flv]
- In an earlier scene, we learn that Mal and Inara’s normal relationship is one where they continually argue with each other and that Mal is quite aware of this. Now we do see a manifestation of that.
- This relationship dynamic is much more believable than a more romantic dynamic as Mal is someone at war with even himself and continually pushes others away.
- This is the first time Mal and the Operative meet face to face
- The contrasts becomes apparent:
- Mal carries a gun, the Operative a sword
- The Operative speaks directly in proper English, Mal in sarcasm and quips
- Mal is in his cowboy outfit, with a long worn brown coat (left over from the war days, as Browncoat) while the Operative is in a light jumpsuit-type outfit
- This contrast is similar to the worlds they come from
- In the later fight, we’ll see the Operative in full ninja-clothing-like mode
- The contrasts becomes apparent:
- Early on, the Operative compares River to the albatross, a comparison from the poem The Rime of the Ancient Mariner1. Mal has no trouble replying and referencing the poem
- This again shows Mal is learned and widely read, though Inara may think him otherwise
- Without the earlier glimpse of Mal’s room and the subtle imagery in there, it might have been harder for the audience to believe.
- This again shows Mal is learned and widely read, though Inara may think him otherwise
- In the fight that ensues, Mal is completely beaten and lends the sense of a brawler where the Operative is an actual fighter. In other words, Mal is completely outclassed.
- This is contrasted sharply against a much later fight scene towards during the climax of the movie.
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albatross_(metaphor)