It's about Joe Versus the Volcano

But it’s about more than that because the movie is deeper than you may think.

These pages are a personal project of mine to delve into the characters, the symbolism, and the hidden messages in an effort to better understand them. All of this is an endeavor to better understand myself and my place in the world. As such, some of this may not be immediately clear in your viewing experience. I may make some observations or draw some conclusions that you don’t agree with. That’s fine. If I was right all the time I’d never learn anything new. But maybe there's a chance that you'll find something interesting in my analysis. And then maybe you'll want to go watch JVTV and share the message with others.

The movie came out in 1990. I was 8. I have vague memories of renting it from the $.50 shelf at the grocery store movie rental place.

I recall liking the movie as a kid. It had Tom Hanks, over-the-top characters, a bunch of great music, an extended scene on a raft made of luggage, and an island filled with exuberant locals that reminds you of Munchkinland or Oz. If that doesn't make you want to watch, I don't know what to say...

But now, as I look back, I also remember it being somewhat forgetable. I mean, it wasn't exactly relatable. Especially for a kid. And the set design, while meaningful, seemed to be on the lower end of what Hollywood was capable of.

That thing made look real...

Still, on rewatching as an adult, I felt that underneath this apparent campiness, there was a story that was trying to speak to me. As my horizons expanded and my understanding of narrative grew, I felt the depth of this film shouting up at me, begging me to...

So that's what this website is about. It's about those characters, the symbolism seen through the film, and the philosophy that permeates all of it.

If you already love the film, there's something here for you. If you're not familiar with it, then maybe something here will pique your interest. Either way, I appreciate you stopping by.