Various Themes and Visual Elements

One of the messages I thought the film presented is that the individual life and adventures of one person are dramatically altered (and shaped by) fate as well as others in one’s life. The adventure is not just about Achmed alone; rather, the film showcases a collection of adventures that involve his interaction with others in addition to those characters’ own stories. The overlapping tales of Achmed and Aladdin, for example, help weave together their similar fates—defeating evil demons, getting the ones they love and perhaps living the rest of their lives in happiness. Achmed needs the help of many others—the witch (to save him from the mountain and give him proper weapons), Aladdin (along with his story to uncover the mystery behind the lamp), and even the magician (who started Achmed’s adventure in the first place with the horse)—to enable him to save Pari-Banu from the demons of Wak-Wak. Achmed’s strength alone cannot save her.

Visual elements are crucial for emphasizing each piece of the film and the underlying message; as it is a film without speaking characters, the movie-goer must look to the intricate settings as well as how the characters themselves are constructed. Take, for example, the magician. He is the one misshapen character in the film—with oversized hands, nose and eyes, coupled with a grotesquely thin body frame. This distorted figure symbolizes his wickedness and twisted mindset, an almost inhuman figure who attempts to bring about his success at the downfall of others. His fate becomes shaped by these other characters, who rally and ultimately defeat him. Similarly, the other characters have proportionate body frames and a sort-of “litheness” about them; this acrobatic nature could be seen as enhancing their spirit and sense of adventure, and these adventures are what bring the fates of all the characters together in one fulfilling ending.