Possibility

K-Pax isn't really a Science Fiction, per se however it does consider the possibility of a man being an alien. It sounds like some kind of rediculous kids movie, however it is far from a children's film. K-Pax is the story of Prot, who shows up one day claiming he is an alien from the planet K-Pax. Normally, the Psychiatrist working at the hospital would laugh at such a claim. However Prot is so convincing even the astronomers who challenge Prot are baffled. So what does this mean? Does the film suggest that there is alien life out there? Well, it does and it doesn't. What I love most about this film is the fact that it presents two different explanations for Prot's story. There is the "logical" explanation which suggests that Prot is really a man traumatized by the brutal murder of his family. Then, there is the "illogical" explanation which suggests that Prot is an alien from the planet K-Pax. The Psychiatrist prefers the logical explanation however he finds his current views challenged by Prot. The other patients at the hospital accept the "illogical" explanation. Is it because they are mad? Or is it simply another possibility? What K-Pax is about is not whether or not alien life is out there, but it is about challenging our ideals. What is logical after all?

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February 9th 2007 @ 01:31

Posted By: Tina - Category: No Category

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Passionate Apathy

1. February 11th 2007 @ 00:20. Francis Says:

One sage defined logic as "An organized method of confidently determining the wrong answer." Peopple in a mental hospital would be expected to operate outside of what "normal" society would consider logical.

Occams Razor says the simplest explanation that accounts for all known facts is the preferred explanation- it isn't guaranteed to be the right one.

2. February 12th 2007 @ 05:04. Tina Says:

Yes, and that's exactly what K-Pax is all about. It suggests that both explanations could be accepted according to the point of view. This is what Mark (the psychiatrist) realises at the end - that maybe he could be wrong. Or, he could be right. There is no definite answer. People I've talked to about K-Pax and similar films hate the fact that it gives no definite answer. But that's what I love about it and that's the very point of the film.

Passionate Apathy

3. February 12th 2007 @ 23:58. Francis Says:

Some people like everything to be specifically laid out, explained in detail, etc- almost everyone likes that, at times. Then, there are times when good art must challenge us to think, to leave some threads loose so we can make the tapestry ourselves (and hopefully learn a little bit from everyone else's tapestry).

4. June 21st 2007 @ 11:25. Carl Says:

K-pax is a definitave film about withdrawing in to a fantasy world where by Prote is able to cope with the tuma he had in his life. I guess it mirrors us as humans that we have at times experienced some type of regression . We try to shield our human spirit be it child with an imagery friend a person affraid of being ridiculed for their views

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5. November 12th 2008 @ 08:58. Lilla Says:

Tina,

I have just discovered your blog!

I am a huge sci/fi fan and will enjoy speinding time amongst your posts, discovering the worlds i have also seen and cherish, Like K~pax. problem for me is I never saw the end as the machine chewed the tape (yes it really was that long ago now : heck almost predigital enhancement )... um... but I loved the way it dealt with trauma through the use of the most out there to reflect the wildest in there we experience in the human condition.

I really must get it on DVd and watch the ending, I still think he might have actually been an alien from K/pax for all I know *chuckle*

great post

Lilla ...

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