The Thin Man Film Summary & Analysis

Motifs

Self-Sacrifice

The issue of self-sacrifice is a recurring motif in The Thin Man. Without a moment's hesitation, Nick readily places himself in danger to save Nora from Morelli. In order to get money to keep Chris satisfied, Mimi sacrifices her pride enough to call Julia and arrange a meeting. Certainly it must have taken a good deal of effort on Mimi's part to have a polite conversation with the woman who stole her husband from her. By taking the blame for a crime she did not commit, Dorothy shows she is willing to give up her freedom and her life. All of these characters are willing to make extreme sacrifices because of love.

View of Money

The characters in The Thin Man view wealth in a variety of ways. Those who have a surplus of money treat it carelessly and with little regard for its value. Without a hint of reluctance, Nick and Nora...
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