Real Meaning of Gummo: An Honest Look at the Movie’s Ending and Symbolism

Gummo, directed by Harmony Korine, is a film that has divided audiences since its release in 1997. Set in a small town devastated by a tornado, the movie follows a group of eccentric characters as they navigate through life’s absurdities. However, it’s the ending of Gummo that leaves viewers particularly perplexed, prompting questions about its meaning and symbolism. In this article, we’ll take an honest look at Gummo’s ending, dissecting its symbolism and exploring the deeper layers of its characters.

Understanding the Setting: The Devastated Town as a Symbol

Gummo is set in Xenia, Ohio, a town ravaged by a tornado. This setting serves as a metaphor for the characters’ lives—broken, chaotic, and in disarray. The destruction left behind by the tornado mirrors the internal turmoil of the individuals we encounter throughout the film. Xenia becomes a character in itself, representing the decay and desolation that filter through the lives of its inhabitants.

Exploring the Characters: Eccentricity and Symbolism

The characters in Gummo are as enigmatic as they are eccentric. From Bunny Boy to Solomon to even the cats, each character embodies different aspects of the human condition, but in unconventional ways. 

Bunny Boy

The bunny suit itself is often associated with innocence and purity, typically being worn by children during Easter celebrations. In contrast to the depravity and decay that characterize much of the film, the bunny boy’s appearance can be seen as a sharp contrast, suggesting a purity or innocence amidst the chaos.

Solomon

Solomon serves as a reflection of the darker aspects of human nature that are often ignored or suppressed. He engages in disturbing activities, such as killing cats and causing destruction, without showing much emotion or remorse. His behavior symbolizes a disturbing aspect of youth culture where violence is normalized and empathy is lacking.

Tummler

Tummler serves as an agent of chaos within the narrative, often inciting or participating in disruptive and destructive behavior. His actions contribute to the overall atmosphere of nihilism and decay that permeates the film, reflecting the sense of aimlessness and moral ambiguity present in the town of Xenia.

Dot, Helen, and Darby (The Three Sisters)

The sisters’ portrayal highlights the vulnerability of women in a society marked by poverty and dysfunction. Their struggles to cope with their environment, as well as their interactions with male characters who often exploit or mistreat them, underscore the challenges faced by women in such circumstances. Their experiences serve as a commentary on gender dynamics and power imbalances within marginalized communities.

Cats

Cats are frequently depicted as dead or dying throughout the film, This represents how death and decay are everywhere in Xenia. The cats being there makes you feel even lonelier and more hopeless, showing how fragile life is.

The Ending Explained: A Glimmer of Hope or Despair?

The ending of Gummo is notoriously ambiguous, leaving audiences with more questions than answers. As the film concludes with Solomon sitting in a dirty bathtub eating spaghetti, viewers are left to ponder the significance of this scene. Some people see it as a moment of hope when he feels better eating this dessert surrounded by dirt and disgusting environment, as if he’s letting go of all the mess and hurt around him. Others see it as if the spaghetti itself merges into the dark decay and despair of the surroundings.

In another scene towards the end, Bunny Boy discovers the black cat that the three sisters had been searching for, but it’s dead. It was killed by Solomon and Tummler, as shown in a few scenes prior. The sight of the dead cat is a powerful symbol of death and decay, reflecting the decline of the town and its people.

These images serve as a reminder of the prevalent deterioration and moral ambiguity that define the world of “Gummo,” leaving viewers with a sense of hopelessness about the future of its characters and their community.

However, amidst the despair, there are moments where people show they’re still human and strong, which gives a bit of hope in the dark. Even though life is hard for the characters, they keep going, showing how resilient and smart they are in tough times. The bond between the three sisters, the friendship between Tummler and Solomon, and the moments of fleeting connection between characters serve as reminders of the enduring power of human connection and compassion, even in the most dire of circumstances.

The meaning of the Title ”Gummo”

According to Harmony Korine, the title derives from the lesser-known Marx brother Gummo, who dropped out of their performances before the brothers achieved fame. Although its direct connection to the events of the film may not be immediately apparent, the term “Gummo” does not have a specific, literal meaning within the context of the film’s narrative. Harmony Korine has mentioned that the Marx Brothers influenced his work, and the title “Gummo” could be a tribute to their tradition of unconventional and cheeky humor.

Deciphering Symbolism: Themes of Decay, Alienation, and Desperation

Throughout Gummo, recurring motifs of decay, alienation, and desperation underscore the film’s darker themes. From the decaying carcasses of dead cats to the dilapidated buildings that dot the landscape, decay is a pervasive presence in Xenia. This decay serves as a metaphor for the decay of the human spirit, as the characters grapple with their own internal demons.

Alienation is another prominent theme, as the characters struggle to connect with one another in a world that seems indifferent to their suffering. Desperation drives many of the characters’ actions, as they search for meaning and purpose amidst the wreckage of their lives.

Conclusion: The Real Beauty of the Film

I believe this movie can be interpreted in various ways depending on how you watch it and the symbolism you create around it. However, I think the true beauty of this film lies in its departure from traditional filmmaking standards and technicalities.

It portrays a reality and ugliness rarely seen in movies. Honestly, I only decided to watch it after seeing a picture of a scene where a boy with a peculiar face is bathing in a disgusting bathtub. From that moment, I realized I had never encountered a film that truly showcased such raw ugliness and had the freedom to capture it. 

As the director expressed, he aimed to create a film that defied conventional plot structures, without a clear beginning, middle, and end. He simply captured what he wanted, sometimes in a stupid manner, such as taping bacon behind that bathtub, which didn’t have meaning but gave the film’s real beauty.