The Subjectivity of Perception

In each storyline, the third-person limited perspective reinforces the subjectivity of perception, as the central characters’ observations are inherently biased.

As Curtis navigates Las Vegas in search of Stanley, his disposition influences his perception of his environment. Throughout the narrative, he observes the same painting hanging on the wall in his hotel room. Each time he looks at the painting, he notices another detail that he overlooked before. His interpretation of the art becomes progressively darker as he experiences more danger and disappointment in his mission. He observes that the painting begins to look scary all of a sudden, and he even notices a sea monster lurking in the corner. He must often filter what he chooses to see, in art and in life. He wants to believe the best of Damon and Stanley, even when evidence tells him otherwise. As he investigates...