Human Nature

Main Plot

"Human Nature" is a film that delves into the complexities of the inherent instincts of humans versus the societal pressures to civilize these instincts. The story follows Nathan Bronfman, a scientist who is obsessed with manners and societal norms, and his discovery of Puff, a man raised in the wild as an ape. Seeing an opportunity to prove his theories about nature and nurture, Nathan attempts to reform Puff into a civilized human being. Assisting Nathan in this endeavor is his girlfriend, Lila, who has her own struggles with nature, as she battles with her body hair that grows excessively due to a genetic condition. The film explores the tensions and comedic interactions that arise from the characters' attempts to suppress their primal instincts in favor of learned behaviors. Directed by Michel Gondry, "Human Nature" questions the essence of what it means to be human and the contradictions between our natural impulses and the cultural expectations imposed upon us.

Characters

• Tim Robbins plays Nathan Bronfman, a behaviorist who attempts to civilize a man raised in the wild, exploring themes of nature versus nurture.
• Patricia Arquette plays Lila Jute, a nature writer with excessive body hair who becomes involved in a love triangle and explores themes of civilization versus instinct.
• Rhys Ifans plays Puff, a man raised as an ape, discovered by scientists studying the nature of being human, exploring the boundaries between the wild and the civilized.

Ending Explained

"Human Nature," directed by Michel Gondry, concludes with a complex reflection on the inherent contradictions and struggles between civilization and natural instincts. The film follows the lives of three main characters: Puff, a man raised as an ape; Nathan, a scientist obsessed with teaching table manners to mice; and Lila, a nature writer with excessive body hair, which she sees as a symbol of her primal identity. As the story unfolds, Nathan attempts to refine Puff's animalistic behaviors by introducing him to the norms of human society. However, Puff's natural instincts continually clash with these societal expectations. Meanwhile, Lila struggles with her own desires to return to a more natural and uninhibited state, conflicting with her relationship with Nathan. The film ends on a note of ambiguity and irony. Nathan's efforts to suppress natural instincts in both mice and Puff ultimately fail, leading to his demise. Puff returns to the wild, embracing his true nature, while Lila accepts her identity and continues her life, suggesting a reconciliation with her natural self. The conclusion underscores the futility of denying one's inherent nature and critiques the societal pressures to conform, highlighting the perpetual tension between nature and nurture.