The Mystery of Cid in Looper: Does He Grow Up to Become Joe?

The Mystery of Cid in Looper: Does He Grow Up to Become Joe?

In the 2012 sci-fi film Looper, the connection between Cid, played by Seth Rogen, and Joe, portrayed by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, is a central theme. Many viewers have wondered if Cid grows up to become Joe, but the answer is more complex than a straightforward transformation.

The Relationship Between Cid and Joe

The connection between Cid and Joe is revealed through the film's narrative. As the story unfolds, Joe realizes that Cid is the young version of the Rainmaker, a key figure in the film's dystopian future. However, the movie does not explicitly show the growth of Cid into Joe. Instead, the plot focuses on the intricate loop of time travel and the challenges each character faces.

The film explores themes of time travel, identity, and the impact of choices on the future. While it is clear that Cid plays a significant role in the creation of the Rainmaker, the details of how his life unfolds beyond the events of the movie are not explicitly depicted.

The Complexity of the Theory

Some viewers have proposed that Cid and Joe are the same person, evolving from one to the other over time. However, this theory faces several challenges. For instance, Bruce Willis, who plays the older version of the Rainmaker, never mentions Cid in a developing role. Moreover, the dates and timeline in the film make it difficult to reconcile the idea that Cid grows up to become Joe.

Visual Imagery and the Train Usual

A detrimental aspect of this theory is the question of how young Cid can exist with his older self without the older version traveling further back in time. One idea presented in the movie is that Joe, in visions, is mapping his future over Cid's life story. This visualization of riding the train, which Joe had experienced in his past, helps him imagine how he might become the Rainmaker.

The vision of Cid as an orphan on a train is not literal. Instead, Joe is essentially imagining his future self, using his lived experiences to map out the events that would lead to his becoming the Rainmaker. This is a gimmick for the audience to visualize the loop, but in reality, it is an immediate flash that Joe has. If the loop had been visualized in the same way, Joe would not have had enough time to react and alter the course of events.

The Impact of Joe's Choices

The ultimate resolution of the theory centers around Joe's pivotal decision in the final scene. By shooting himself, Joe alters the course of events, preventing Cid's mother from being shot by the future Rainmaker. This decision ensures that Cid's fate might not mirror Joe's, leaving the audience to wonder how Cid's life will truly unfold.

In conclusion, while the idea of Cid growing up to become Joe is intriguing, the film's details and dialogue provide compelling evidence against this theory. The complex interplay of time travel, destiny, and choice makes Looper a deeply thought-provoking and multifaceted narrative.