Sandy Gunther, "An Alternate View of Reality"

Summary by Will Brundage

Sandy Gunther is a hip academic. It is unknown to me where she studies or teaches, but she incorporates quotes from Dune into her penetrating work dealing with Jacob's Ladder, titled "An Alternate View of Reality." The fact she was brave enough to start her paper with a quote from one of science-fiction's greatest epics earned her a soft spot in my heart. This liking has been extended further on the basis of the topic of her paper. She writes on the use of metaphor in the film, as well as an exploration and explanation of several possible paradigms or world-views that may or may not be present.

If this sounds confusing, the film does not really strive to explain itself. Gunther understands that the film's plot is supposed to be fragmented and disorienting; she describes it as "a mystical journey on reconciling old demons and spiritual awakening". (Gunther 121) She places Jacob, the main character of the movie, as dwelling in three worlds: Viet Nam, New York, and the Transcendent. (121) She then deals with each of these as independent yet interpenetrating realms, linked by Jacob and his experiences, desires, and fears. But wait: The plot gets even thicker. Within New York and the Transcendent realms, there exist two layers of reality. Within New York he has both a married life and a separate yet concurrent life of bachelorhood with a woman named Jezebel. Within the Transcendent there are two additional layers as well: Heaven and Hell (angels and demons).

She also deals with two perspectives for viewing the film. One is the linear and historical perspective, in which Jacob is a soldier in Viet Nam and dies there from a bullet wound. The other way of viewing (which I personally like) is a metaphorical, even allegorical story of death, redemption, and rebirth as presented by Jacob cleansing his karma in the maelstrom of his very own "personal hell". (123)

To further complicate the mix, there are at least two "wild card" factors. Jacob may have possibly imbibed hallucinogens as part of a military experiment, and because of this any and/or all of the realities are circumspect. As well, there is a twisted road of conspiracy and illusion, as well as demonic forces waging war on humanity. Gunther emphasizes that this is a possible metaphor for the darkness of humanity, or a drug-induced reaction (flashbacks). (124)

Gunther splits Jacob's trip up and down the "Ladder" into three phases: down, up, and resolution. The journey down begins in Viet Nam with the drug, moves on to reality being challenged by the forces of darkness, and ends with his hospitalization. (126) His upwards leg starts with his refusal to be merely a reactive force. Once he attains a modicum of self-initiative he is able to discover the Army conspiracy and come to grips with his own vicious nature, and finally he is made whole, "twice-born", with the knowledge that comes with this. (128)

This leads into the realm of mysticism, which is the final destination. According to Gunther, Jacob must make his soul whole and come to peace with his previous life, including the death of his son Gabe. This is achieved by his struggle and gradual refinement of himself by pain and suffering, until he is "spiritually awakened" and free to live his life without being haunted by his past. Gunther then urges us to seek union with ourselves. Isn't that nice!