What Does A Thousand Clowns Mean

In the film, A Thousand Clowns, Murray is “not a person”. He is an “experience”, as pointed out by Albert. Albert is a social worker who deems Murray an unsuitable guardian for his nephew Nick. You see, Murray is a man who doesn’t like to fit in with the crowd. Rather than donning a suit and tie, Murray would rather be visiting the Statue of Liberty or yelling at his neighbors. Murray collects eagles which isn’t a coincidence. In the beginning of the movie, we see Murray negotiating with a man he wants to buy an eagle from. Murray’s collection of eagles symbolizes freedom: freedom from responsibility in Murray’s case. Although Murray wins in this particular bargain, in order to obtain and maintain his freedom, he has to bargain with being a fit guardian for Nick. However, this is not a bargain that works in his favor. When Sandy cleans up his apartment, the first thing Murray says is, “Where’s my eagle?”. She’s bringing order into his chaotic life and he declines. In addition to the eagles,
There’s nothing quite like the hustle and bustle of a weekday morning in New York. It allowed him to create his establishing shot of the “work march” which set the tone for the story. I believe the film is in black and white because that’s how the world is to Murray. You’re either a miserable working man or you’re a free man who does not buckle under the machine or society’s standards. We see this is true when Murray’s brother confronts him. His brother asks him, “If I’m so smart, why ain't I poor?” In Murray’s mind, the only wealthy people are sell outs, such as his brother. His brother is your common businessman who isn’t the happiest, but he knows it pays the bills. He says, “Murray, you want to be a hero. However, I chose to live with it. I’m lucky. I have a talent for surrender and I’m at peace. You don’t have the gift. I am the best possible Arnold