Madama Butterfly (Pjotr Sapegin's Animation)



       Pjotr Sapegin's claymation film adaptation of Madama Butterfly tells a tale of misplaced love, hope, and commitment. The American sailor and Japanese woman are from two very different cultures, but they are caught up in the passions of "love". This is clearly shown in the first few minutes of the animation as they share pieces of each other through music, laughter, and love-making. The literal butterfly seen in the piece symbolizes her unwavering love and commitment to the sailor whom she believes loves her reciprocally. She believes that the sailor is pledging himself to her as he gives her his hat and gramophone to her prior to his departure. But there is something else he has given her that she is unaware of until after he has gone.
       Madama Butterfly remains on the island, gazing out to sea, awaiting the return of the man she believes loves her. The butterfly leaves with the sailor, symbolizing again her dedication. Upon discovering she is pregnant she develops a new love for her child, and this inflates her hope for the sailor's return to complete her dreams of a family. She wears his cap and plays his music, this shows how she further commits herself by adopting American culture. Her time with her child aggrandizes her love and hope.
       Then the sailor returns. It is immediately evident that their separation has impacted both the sailor and Madama Butterfly in two very different ways. While she anxiously awaits from atop a cliff as the ship returns, presenting herself and her child as best as possible, the sailor appears to be in no rush to get back to her. When he finally does she is met with a startling realization. He has returned with his trophy wife and several children, clearly from different women. His return is only to collect what he deems his, Madama's child. He severs the string that connects Madama to her child, taking love away once more. Overcome by grief, she tears herself apart, and her self-destruction reveals that her repeated heartbreak has turned her into a machine, devoid of love, life, and hope.

     
     

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