The film Touki Bouki tells the story of two young people who do not want to live in Senegal and try to gather money in order to move to Paris. On the whole, this movie explores various issues related to the experiences of people who live in a post-colonial country. This paper is aimed at discussing the main themes and inherent tensions explored in the authors of this film.
It is possible to argue that the main characters wish to discover a place where they can have more opportunities for intellectual and economic development, but at the same time, the protagonists understand that their future is full of uncertainly. So, they are also overwhelmed by the feeling of anxiety that is difficult to overcome. This argument is important for understanding the main ideas and tensions of Touki Bouki.
One of the themes that should be examined is the inability of the characters to make any progress in their own country. In fact, they see no reason for staying in Senegal. Anta and Mory start their journey to Paris because, in this way, they can escape the dilapidation of their own country. This is the main motive that drives these individuals. However, there is a certain inner conflict that should not be overlooked.
In particular, one can speak about the tension between the familiarity and the unknown. This conflict is particularly relevant if one speaks about Mory who eventually finds the money for his trip to Paris, but at the very end, he becomes afraid of the world about which he has practically no idea. This is why he decides to stay in Senegal even despite the fact there are not many economic opportunities for him in his home country.
So, this tension is vital for explaining the behavior of Mory and other people who do not want to leave their home country even in spite of its drawbacks. The feelings experienced by Mory can be familiar to many individuals. This is why this inner conflict is vital for this movie.
Apart from that, one should speak about the culture of post-colonial countries that incorporates traditional elements, but at the same time, it is influenced by Western art. To a great extent, one can describe this phenomenon as a cultural hybrid. This theme plays an important role in Touki Bouki. Additionally, it is possible to mention the tension between tradition and novelty. This issue is examined by the authors of this film.
For instance, the movie includes the sounds of pastoral music which is more likely to be heard in Senegal. Yet, one can also hear some popular compositions such as the song Paris, Paris performed by Josephine Baker. This example is important for understanding the behavior of the main characters who live in a culture that includes dramatically different components.
Moreover, these people understand that they live an environment in which they are separated from the world of ideas. In this case, much attention should be paid to Anta, who takes interest in feminism, hippie movement or socialism. One can say that this character prefers novelty to tradition.
In contrast, Mory takes a different choice when he decides not to live his home country. Therefore, the confrontation between novelty and novelty can throw light on the values of the protagonists.
Another important theme that should be examined is the construction of a utopian society which allegedly offers opportunities to everyone. This process can also be described as the creation of the myth through which people can idealize a certain country. This belief is an important motive that drives the actions of the main characters. Moreover, there is a distinct tension that the depressing reality of Senegal and the idealized version of France.
This feeling is typical of both Mory and Anta who are strongly attracted to France. For example, Anta believes that in France, she will have more opportunities for intellectual development. In turn, Mory thinks that Paris where he will have to be a cowherd. This is why people are so eager to go to Paris.
Their home country no longer appeals to them. This inner conflict is vital for describing the beliefs and attitudes of people who live in post-colonial countries. Very often these individuals are bitterly disappointed when they understand the idealized society is not as attractive as it seemed to be.
Furthermore, the authors of this film want to focus on such a theme as the role of political ideology in post-colonial countries. The film shows that a great number of people in Senegal take interest in left-wing ideologies such as socialism or feminism. Nevertheless, one should not forget about the tension existing between apolitical people such as Mory and those ones who want to promote certain political agenda.
This tension is achieved by describing the confrontation between Mory and a group of intellectuals who emphasize the principles of equality in the community. It should be taken into consideration that Mory is not particularly concerned about social conflicts existing in the community.
More likely, he thinks more about the ways of raising his status in the community. This case is important for explaining the attitudes and opinions of many people who do not to be affected by any political ideology. This is why this tension is critical for the analysis of Touki Bouki.
In addition to that, the film-makers pay close attention to such a topic as a crime in the Senegalese society. The movie demonstrates that in many cases, the main characters cannot find a law-abiding way of finding the money for their journey. The main tension is that this deviant behavior can only deepen poverty in the country and lead to the stagnation.
This argument is relevant to post-colonial societies that can be torn by poverty and crime. This issue is particularly important when one speaks about the actions of the protagonists who choose to steal money instead of earning them. These ethical aspects should not be overlooked while discussing this film.
Overall, it shows that post-colonial society leads to a great number of ethical and ideological conflicts that affect individuals and groups. This is one of the main aspects should not be overlooked.
On the whole, this discussion shows that the movie Touki Bouki is based on a series of tensions that the main characters encounter in the course of their journey. The protagonists have to resolve different conflicts such as the need to choose between the familiarity of their own country and the unknown world of France.
Furthermore, this film can give readers in-depth insights into the experiences of people living in post-colonial countries such as Senegal. By examining such a film as Touki Bouki, the viewers can better understand the difficulties faced by people living in the post-colonial world.