“The Other Mother”

In the popular spooky movie Coraline, the idea of doubles and doppelgängers is seen through the portral of the “Other Mother.” In the movie, Coraline, the main character, discovers a hidden door in her new home which leads to an alternate world that very similarly mirrors the one she is currently in. However, the alternate world seems to be extremely better in many ways. In this alternate world her “parents” aren’t controlling, and she can do whatever she pleases. This is enticing to Coraline, and she rejoices in her newfound discovery. There is just one problem, if she wants the alternate world to become her reality, she must stay there forever as well as sew buttons in her eyes like everyone else. After the rejection of these so-called button-eyes, we see the “Other Mother’s” true colors. Previously she had presented herself to Coraline as kind, she gave Coraline all her attention, and she showered her with gifts. However, after Coraline hesitates to decide whether she wants to stay or not, she begins to grow inpatient and angry. Coraline’s rejection of the alternate world turns the “Other Mother” into the “Bedlam.” She becomes this tall, scary, thin, frail woman with claw-like nails, and long black hair. This doubling is to emphasize the idea of an idealistic world and mother that are completely opposite of Coraline’s current world. What draws Coraline in, is the idea of a perfect world in which she is given all the attention unlike what she experiences at home. However, despite the imperfections her own present world, Coraline realizes she loves her home and would never want to leave.