We tend to avoid the topic of death, especially in the Western world, but if you think about some of the most iconic movies, you’ll find some of them include a moving funeral scene. This is not by accident.
Funerals are inherently emotional. They provide a powerful way to express grief, loss, love, and even conflict among characters. It’s a raw moment in the story that allows the audience to relate, but it’s also a way to highlight character development, symbolism, and cultural differences.
Speaking of cultural differences, flowers are usually present at a funeral (in movies and real life), and they often convey unspoken feelings and traditions. Their language is so fascinating that we decided to take a closer look at iconic movie funerals and the symbolism behind their choice of blooms.
1. Steel Magnolias (1989)
The funeral for Shelby (Julia Roberts) is one of the most famous and emotionally raw funeral scenes in cinema history. The scene masterfully balances despair and the power of friendship, as her friends rally around her and a moment of laughter breaks through the tears.
The scene is set in a cemetery, and while the focus is on the characters, you can see the typical flower arrangements in the background. However, in this particular movie, flowers don’t necessarily have a visual presence. Instead, their symbolism is used in the title.
The name “Steel Magnolias” is a direct metaphor for the characters. The magnolia flower represents feminine beauty and the charm of the American South, while the “steel” part represents the inner strength and resilience of the characters.
2. Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994)
Despite the title, this is a rom-com (a pretty successful one, we might add). Yet, the funeral for Gareth (Simon Callow) is one of the defining moments. The scene is a perfect example of how a funeral can be a moment of profound love and sorrow.
We witness a formal ceremony with lots of flowers. You see a large arrangement that includes lilies, placed on and around the casket. The lily is a common presence at funerals (as a bouquet or as an arrangement) because it signifies the restored innocence of the soul after death and can be a way to express sympathy and offer a sense of peace and comfort during a time of sorrow.
This is why most funeral flower arrangement providers, like Lush Flower Co. (https://www.lushflowerco.com.au/funeral-flowers/), include them in their offers. You can also have them delivered as a way to express your support for the family during tough times.
3. The Godfather (1972)
While not a traditional funeral scene, the scene where Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) stands over the open casket of a rival and delivers the line, “I’ll make him an offer he can’t refuse,” is an iconic and chilling moment. The scene uses the solemnity of a wake to highlight the brutal and calculating nature of the mob world.
The scene is set in a funeral home, and the open casket is surrounded by many large and elaborate flower arrangements. The floral tributes are an important part of the visual composition, emphasizing the solemn and formal nature of the wake and the respect (or facade of respect) being shown to the deceased.
4. My Girl (1991)
The funeral for Thomas J. Sennett (Macaulay Culkin) is one of the most heartbreaking moments in a coming-of-age film. The scene depicts the innocence and confusion of a child trying to comprehend the finality of death, but it’s gut-wrenching to watch as an adult.
We see a traditional graveside service, with lots of flowers around the coffin. You can see bouquets and wreaths, visually representing what we all feel in our hearts: solemnity and grief.
In Summary
Flowers carry a powerful symbol in our lives as they surround us for every important milestone, from birth until death. This is why you see them in every story format we came up with as a society, from ancient cave paintings to today’s ultra-high-def movies.
So, next time you watch a movie, pay close attention to the way the director chose to show flowers. Once you understand the symbols behind them, it’s easier to see the hidden layers of the story that only unravel to those who want to learn more.