There are several movies whose titles have entered the popular culture with a meaning different from the original meaning. For example, “The Ugly American” in both the book and the movie was not the obnoxious person meant by the term today; he was a very caring, conscientious person who just happened to be very homely. “The Pink Panther” in the original movie referred not to the bumbling Inspector Clouseau but to the jewel the bad guys were trying to steal. And in the original “The Thin Man”, the title referred not to the detective but to the missing scientist the detective was trying to find. Are there any other examples?
Frankenstein, obviously refers to Doctor Frankenstein, and not his creation.
Seems people don’t really care to make the distinction anymore.
According to J.R.R Tolkein’s own note, “The Two Towers” refers to Saruman’s Orthanc and the tower of Cirith Ungol, from which Sam rescues Frodo, not Sauron’s Barad dur. But that’s for geeks only.
Lessee…both “The Lion King” and “The Godfather” sequels are unclear as to which character they are referring to, but it could be said that the titloes refer to the concept or the role that is being inherited over the course of the story.
Oh, I’ve got it: Fargo. Someone explain that to me. It takes place in several locales in Minnesota. I guess the name just conveys the right quality of Upper Midwestern dorkiness.
The opening scene takes place in Fargo – it’s where the plot is hatched.
Terry Gilliam’s “Brazil” has very little to do with Brazil (although the song “Brazil” is on the soundtrack).