From the perspective of today, "The Night of the Iguana" is a rather subtle film. Much of the story does not seem to address anxiety disorders in a direct fashion. In fact, many formal reviews of this film have focused almost entirely on themes of sexual seduction, philosophical frustration, alcoholism or common human flaws. Not being a serious student of theater, I can't say what Tennessee Williams truly had in mind when writing the original play that this film was based on. Nonetheless, anxiety disorder is a prominent topic in the film. The language and perspectives of the early 1960s may blur the issues to some degree, but anxiety disorder is certainly a major aspect of the movie.
As the film begins, Reverend T. Lawrence Shannon (Richard Burton) is presenting a sermon titled 'Spirit of Truth.'
"He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that has broken down and without walls. And I wonder, as we examine our hearts together in this place set aside for worship, how many of us here can say 'I rule my own spirit.'. . ."
Rev. Shannon's sermon raises an interesting question that becomes the main theme of the film. However, before he can complete his sermon, his anxiety swells and causes him to fumble. With the stares and whispers of the congregation focused upon him, he breaks into an emotional rant about how unsympathetic and judgmental people can be. The parishioners rush out of the church in contempt.
Shannon later comments, "They put me in a nice little private asylum to recover from a complete nervous breakdown, that's the way they put it."
Having lost his position in the church and spent time in psychiatric treatment, Shannon has now become a tour guide. Within the context of the film, he guides spiritual tours through Mexico. To us, however, he has become a tour guide of the psyche; at least regarding notions of anxiety disorders in the 1960s. Throughout the film, most, if not all, of the characters in the story do not rule their own spirit. A young girl constantly follows sensual whims. The girl's chaperone is driven by bitterness and anger. But Shannon's anxiety dominates the story.
"That all your spook is Honey, just panic?" comments Maxine (Ava Gardner).
Shannon replies, "Maxine. Don't say 'just panic' like you'd say 'just leprosy.' Panic's serious."
Anxiety clearly has a strong influence over Shannon's life. He is often visibly anxious and his circumstances often seem beyond control or even hopeless. At one point, he even attempts suicide by swimming out to sea. Yet, how clearly does this story recognize the severity of anxiety disorders? Even Shannon's suicide attempt can be seen as a theatrical metaphor; the sea is often used as a symbol for the unconscience, so is he simply surrendering to his spirit? Are we being shown the power of anxiety disorders or just the weakness of an unfortunate individual?
When once again confronted by the seductions of the sensual teen, Shannon resists. Barefoot, he paces over broken glass while confessing his limitations.
"A man has got just so much in his emotional bank balance, but mine has run out, it's stone dry. I can't draw a check on it now, there's nothing left to draw out."
Shannon acknowledges that human endurance has limits. Yet, he is saying this while enduring repeated temptation and physical pain. This is certainly a mixed message. Nonetheless, the film still promotes the notion that human endurance and personal responsibility can, or should, overcome adversities such as anxiety disorders.
Commenting about the unsympathetic chaperone, Shannon says, "Ms Fellows is a highly moral person. If she ever recognized the truth about herself it would destroy her."
"Well, she's done a pretty good job of destroying you." Maxine replies.
"Maxine. Don't rob me of the credit for my own small accomplishments." says Shannon.
Apparently, Shannon blames himself for succumbing to anxiety. He also seems to accept a morale message later in the film. Hanna, the daughter of an elderly poet, has seemingly overcome a serious case of depression; which she calls the 'blue devil.'
Hanna says, "I had a spook like yours once. I just had a different name for him. I used to call him the 'blue devil.' And, oh, we had quite a contest between us."
"But you won." remarked Shannon.
"I couldn't afford to lose."
"How did you beat this blue devil of yours?"
"I showed him I could endure him and made him respect my endurance."
"How?"
"Just by enduring. Endurance is something that spooks and blue devils respect. And they respect all the tricks that panicky people use to outwit and outlast their panic."
This film certainly suggests that anyone has the ability to overcome anxiety or depression; of any degree and regardless of cause. Consequently, it suggests that anyone who succumbs to anxiety or depression bares personal responsibility for their condition. Such sentiments were popular beliefs in the early 1960s and, to some degree, remain popular today.
Finally, Shannon seems to find sanctuary in settling down with Maxine in their remote Mexican hotel. This is a pleasant ending to the story, yet it also hints at an unpleasant reality of the time. Namely, people with chronic anxiety disorders were, like lepers, not well tolerated in main stream society. In ways either subtle or brutal, sufferers were driven to embrace lives of low-profile or isolation. The burden of tolerance was placed on the sufferer, not society. Society felt little or no responsibility to understand a condition that was popularly mistaken for a character flaw.
Special thanks to Margrove
regarding this film's context.
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