This is part 5 of a multi-post reveal of the research that went into creating "The Draw: Simply Meant To Be". Start at the beginning here.
Hearts have the most obvious symbolic associations with romance, even if not historically acknowledged as romance by design. The French and German decks at least were in agreement on this pip - it is the only symbol that remained the same between the two. Perhaps I’m not the only hopeless romantic when interpreting design (it was definitely because the shape was so easy to mass produce, but let me pretend). Other suits also bring up imagery of romantic love. Roses make for romantic gifts, and many wedding traditions involve the use of a couple drinking from a cup. Regarding the film, I see this suit representing a realization of love, and of being worthy of that love.
Jack - This card shows Jack at his most humble. Sally’s love for him guided him to grow into his best self, even when she knew what a terrible mistake he’d made, and he marvels at what a wonderful thing that love can be. His arms stretch out to the pip at the card’s edge, truly giving his heart to Sally, something he’s never entrusted to anyone so completely before. It probably didn’t even occur to him that you could love someone as much as he realizes Sally loves him, and he her. He of course feels and reciprocates the love of his townspeople, but this is something new. That love he and Sally share for each other turns out to be exactly what he was looking for all along.
Sally - Sally makes a realization at the ending too. Throughout the film she selflessly aids Jack, and holds enough self-worth to know she deserves freedom. Now through Jack’s beseeching, she realizes she has worth in the eyes of other people. She had resigned herself to the idea that Jack would never notice her, but here he is, seeking her out. In that moment Sally grows into her confidence, and is fully ready to give her heart to him, too.
Next up: the All In chip (link to be updated when posted)
Generation Loss is a comedic tragedy in every sense of the word. Every character we see exemplifies this fact, but no one other than The Austin Show proves its truth.
We begin at the carousel. Austin, Gay, takes his turn by pleading for himself to live because he has a wife and children back home. The rest of the cast interrogates him about his “wife and kids,” clearly suspicious of his truthfulness without even knowing his dubbed “title.” Everyone in the room treats Austin like a joke.
In turn, so do we.
Next, we reach the closet and shortly after the failed drag show, Austin remarks, “Look, I uh… I didn’t expect to die here.” It’s a moment of pure honesty, whether we like it or not. It happens again when the Puzzler tries to party with them, and Austin has to angrily remind him that they are his captives and are actively trying to kill them.
Austin: “What are you doing? What are you doing? What are you doing? We're trying to get out of here. I have children and wives— wife. One wife! What is this some sort of game? I’ve been stuck in hear for hours it seems. We’re trying to get out. Why is nobody else freaking out? We’ve got C4 strapped to our neck…”
It isn’t until Ethan’s death, his blood pooling out from underneath the door, Austin screaming at the others, begging them to have a reaction, to care about their circumstances, to care about death, that we finally understand Austin’s role in Generation Loss.
After all, in every great comedy, someone always has to play the straight man.
"It's a game night on Pasio! Watch the UNOvan big shots take on each other in the card game number one!"
Turn up the fancy factor with some delightful electro swing music~ Would you like to join them for a round or a dozen?
Drew these both in August 2022, only finished rendering the 2nd piece today ahah! Relieved to finally get this WIP out of my system!! It's been sitting there since August 2022; it was difficult to juggle the composition, colors & a zillion effects again but I'm happy enough with the result now!
Epic UNO videos for inspiration below the cut!
Pre-dating, Tim or Bernard not knowing the other isn’t straight
Tim, leaning over to look at Bernard’s phone as they chill in Tim’s bedroom: whatcha doing?
Bernard: imma send Red Robin subtle messages until I trick him into admitting he’s into guys so I can sleep with him
Tim, bi panic, blushing: you’re what?
Bernard, typing out a message on his phone: here how does this sound Tim, ‘gay af to be a detective, what are you inspecting, other men??’, sound subtle enough?
Tim, too dumbfounded to speak:
Bernard: yeah you’re right, it’s perfect, imma send it
*Tims phone goes off, and then both watch it light up, Bernard seeing the message he just sent*
Tim, picking up his phone, typing, and sending a message without saying anything, face nearly bright red as he glances over at Bernard, who is staring at him wide eyed not saying anything
Bernard, looking down at the text Tim sent him back as Red Robin that says, ‘I like you, let’s fuck’: