Why Did Alex Choke The Dog In Prisoners
The Shocking Scene in “Prisoners”: Why Did Alex Choke the Dog?
In the 2013 thriller “Prisoners”, directed by Denis Villeneuve and starring Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Paul Dano, there is a disturbing scene where the suspect Alex Jones (Dano) is seen choking a dog to death while being watched by Keller Dover (Jackman), whose daughter Anna has gone missing. This scene has sparked controversy and speculation among audiences and critics, who have debated its meaning and morality. In this article, we will explore some possible explanations for why Alex choked the dog in “Prisoners”, based on the evidence from the film itself.
First of all, it is important to note that “Prisoners” is not a typical Hollywood movie with clear-cut heroes and villains, but rather a complex and ambiguous story about human nature, justice, and faith. The film raises many questions about what we would do in extreme situations, such as when our loved ones are threatened or when we face moral dilemmas. It also challenges our assumptions about who is guilty or innocent, sane or insane, good or evil. Therefore, any attempt to explain why Alex choked the dog should take into account the context of the film and its themes.
One possible interpretation of the scene is that it shows how Alex is capable of violence and cruelty towards animals, which may indicate that he is also capable of harming humans. This could be seen as a warning sign for Keller and Detective Loki (Gyllenhaal), who are trying to solve the case of Anna’s abduction. By witnessing Alex’s behavior towards the dog, they may become more suspicious of him as a suspect and more determined to find evidence against him. Moreover, this scene could also be seen as a way to elicit an emotional response from the audience, as many people feel strongly about animal abuse and may react with disgust or anger towards Alex.
Another possible explanation for why Alex choked the dog is that it reveals his psychological state and motivation. Throughout the film, we learn that Alex has a history of mental illness and abuse, and that he was raised in a religious cult that practiced self-flagellation as a way to purify the soul. These factors may have contributed to Alex’s distorted worldview and disturbed behavior. By choking the dog, he may be trying to express his frustration, anger, or guilt towards something else that he cannot articulate or control. This could also be seen as a way to show how trauma can affect people differently and lead them down dark paths.
A third possible interpretation of the scene is that it shows how desperate and isolated Keller is becoming in his search for Anna. Keller is a devout Christian who believes in taking matters into his own hands when justice is not served by the law. He has already abducted Alex and tortured him in an abandoned building, hoping to extract a confession or information from him. When he sees Alex choking the dog, he may feel both disgusted and envious of his ability to act on his impulses without remorse or consequences. This could also be seen as a critique of vigilantism and revenge, as Keller’s actions may lead him to become more like the criminals he despises.
In conclusion, the scene where Alex chokes the dog in “Prisoners” is a disturbing and controversial moment that raises many questions about the characters and themes of the film. While there is no one definitive answer to why Alex did it, we can speculate based on our knowledge of the story and its context. Some possible explanations include: revealing Alex’s capacity for violence and cruelty; showing his psychological state and motivation; or highlighting Keller’s desperation and isolation. Whatever your interpretation may be, it is clear that “Prisoners” is a powerful and thought-provoking film that challenges us to think about our own morality and humanity.
