The Bridge for Identity in Perfumed Nightmare

In the film Perfumed Nightmare, the director Kidlat Tahimik shows the impact of post colonization in a third world on one man’s quest for his identity. Postcolonial countries struggle with fragmentation of the country’s history and identity crisis of the populations, Kidlat shows in this film the impact of colonialism on the indigenous people and how Western culture influences them in their postcolonial period. The film shows the main character Kidlat, who has hopes of leaving his village to go to America and become an astronaut so he could become rich. Kidlat becomes over indulged by the American dream through the Voice of America, but throughout the film he struggles between his nation’s pride while still admiring the America dream of progress and change.

At the beginning of the film, there is an establishment that the bridge at the edge of the town is a metaphorical site of contest between native and imperialist culture, as everyone one has to travel across it. Kidlat narrates how the bridge serves as the crucial link between his small Philippine village and the rest of the world, as it serves as the only way in and out of his hometown. The director portrays Kidlat crossing on the bridge in a succession of three scenes, which narrate his struggle to find his identity on this site of cultural conflict. By using the jeepney, a re-built vehicle left by World  War II vehicles, as a symbol of the historical passage from the past to the present. Kidlat not only in his village but as well as in Europe these vehicles show the impact of American military technology has on his nationality.

When Kidlat gain the opportunity to leave his village to visit America with a foreigner, Kidlat was more than content to leave his village, as he even dreamed the whole village paraded and gave him a ceremony for his achievement to leave. But as he was leaving he promises the village that once he becomes rich he will give money to the village so they can have a traffic light stop for the bridge. Even though Kidlat was enthusiastic to leave, he still felt an obligation to his town. When he arrives in Paris the first he notices was 26 bridges and compares it his village by saying “Why can’t we have progress like this?” Kidlat compares everything he sees to his village’s progress, even though he was happy to be in Europe he still felt extremely attached his village making him confused of his own identity.

As much as Kidlat wanted progressiveness in his life, he expected to see the same progress in his own village. After Kidlat encounters the human cost of progress through his experiences in Europe, does he begin to question his own interest with progress and western culture. By the end of the film, he starts feeling small so infuriated with the modern world he gets on the incinerator and flies away to leave Europe, the director metaphorically shows Kidlat putting one culture above another is hard, thus he decides to start identifying himself as both cultures to find the bridge between them.

18 thoughts on “The Bridge for Identity in Perfumed Nightmare

  1. Great analysis of how the bridge plays a role in the film and in Kidlats psyche. Through your description of what the bridge meant in the scheme of the film I began to wonder what the stoplight represents. If that is one of the ways that he wants to give back to his community, it seems like there is additional symbolic value that we can find in that. That dream in itself does set a strange tone for the juxtaposition of lifestyles that is present through the film. I wonder what the stoplight represents to Kidlat.

  2. I too, was interested in the symbolism of the bridge. I liked your point about the bridge being a kind of metaphor for the journey between native and colonialism. One of my other favorite scenes in the film was when Kidlat journeyed to Europe and saw the many ‘sky bridges.”

  3. This is a great post! I like your analysis of the bridge metaphor as a “site of contest,” and your final line—about how Kidlat “decides to start identifying himself as both cultures to find the bridge between them”—is really thought-provoking. Your argument here gives us a much more nuanced way of looking at Kidlat’s response to the West than just “he rejects the western idea of progress.” It seems like western ideas about progress have become a part of his identity that he can’t wholly abandon (he’s still dreaming of space travel at the end). Instead, he ends the film looking for ways to bridge these different parts of his identity and experience.

    I wonder how your idea that Kidlat wants to bridge the two cultures fits into the project of making the film itself. Is Perfumed Nightmare meant to function as a bridge between the two cultures?

  4. While surfing the web, this blog has been led.
    There are many very fresh posts. Enough to get my attention. I’ll come to check often.

    토토 핸드
    카지노 사이트 추천
    사설 토토 사이트
    스포츠 토토 배당률
    스포츠 토토 승부 식
    https://www.j9korea.com

  5. Taco Bell Salad Menu USA features options for those looking for a lighter meal with bold flavors. The main offering is the Fiesta Taco Salad, which includes a crispy tortilla shell filled with seasoned beef or chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheese, and red tortilla strips, topped with reduced-fat sour cream and salsa. For a customizable option, you can modify ingredients to suit your taste, such as adding guacamole.

  6. The Whataburger menu in the USA offers a wide variety of delicious options to satisfy your cravings. Known for their iconic burgers, they serve everything from the classic Whataburger to flavorful specialties like the Mushroom Swiss Burger and the Spicy Jalapeño & Cheese Burger. You can also enjoy chicken sandwiches, fresh salads, and crispy chicken strips.
    https://whatburgermenu.us/

  7. Are you looking for help to **take my TEAS exam**? The TEAS exam is an important step for students who want to get into nursing or healthcare programs. It checks your skills in subjects like math, science, English, and reading. If you feel nervous or unsure about the test, don’t worry! Many resources and tips are available to make studying easier. With the right preparation, you can pass your TEAS exam and take the next step toward your dream career.

  8. Blueberry IT ist Ihr zuverlässiger Partner für innovative IT-Lösungen. Wir bieten maßgeschneiderte Dienstleistungen in den Bereichen IT-Support, Softwareentwicklung und technologische Beratung. Unser Ziel ist es, Unternehmen dabei zu unterstützen, ihre IT-Infrastruktur zu optimieren und ihre Geschäftsziele effizient zu erreichen. Mit einem erfahrenen Team und modernster Technologie liefern wir Lösungen, die den Anforderungen Ihrer Branche entsprechen.

  9. Longhorn Menu USA provides an allergen guide to help you choose safely. You can also enjoy a cold drink or a warm coffee from the café. Complete your meal with tasty sides like baked potatoes, seasoned rice, or crispy Brussels sprouts. Don’t forget to save room for dessert like the rich Chocolate Stampede or creamy cheesecake.

  10. Hmm it looks like your website ate my first comment (it was super
    long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I had written and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog.
    I as well am an aspiring blog blogger but I’m still new to the whole thing.
    Do you have any helpful hints for newbie blog writers?
    I’d genuinely appreciate it.

    Feel free to visit my web page – اخرین اخبار اتومبیل

  11. Haidilao is a popular hot pot restaurant chain that has made its mark in the USA. Known for its delicious and customizable hot pot dishes, Haidilao offers a unique dining experience where you can cook your own food at the table. The menu includes a variety of soup bases, fresh meats, seafood, and vegetables, along with a wide selection of dipping sauces and condiments.
    https://haidilaohotpot.us

  12. Perfumed Nightmare explores the clash between tradition and modernity, as Kidlat struggles with his cultural identity amid Western influence. His journey reflects the challenge of balancing heritage with progress.

    Similarly, in Shadow Fight 2 Mod APK, players navigate intense battles that require strategy and adaptability. To learn more, check out the Top 10 Shadow Fight 2 Bosses. Both stories highlight the need for balance in evolving worlds.
    https://shdowfght2apk.com/shadow-fight-2-bosses/

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *