He goes to work at “Simkin Shoe Repair” every day, fixes shoes, eats pickles, reads the paper, and rarely strays from his routine.
He wants to “figure out [his]own thing” but cannot leave the shop. He does not “get involved” with his community or try to improve the world he lives in.
Then one fateful day, his stitcher breaks and fate forces him to use his father’s machine. That’s when he discovers by wearing other people’s shoes he can become the owner of those shoes. With this discovery, he changes. He goes to “Chinatown”, out to restaurants, and he even steals a guy’s shoes and his car. Max’s life changes forever.
It’s ironic how before the magic stitcher he does nothing, but after he impersonates other people Max’s life begins. An old piece of machinery gives a man a reason to live, whether as himself or as someone else.
If you think about it, there is more irony in that this is a coming of age story for a grown man. He is growing up and learning who he is even though he is fully grown.
Can you find more irony in this film? Leave me a comment below!
No one has posted an analysis of this film until now. All you will find are a bunch of hateful reviews. I think it is adorable and totally worth your time.
Thanks for reading!