"Col. Frank Slade has a very special plan for the weekend. It involves travel, women, good food, fine wine, the tango, chauffeured limousines and a loaded forty-five. And he's bringing Charlie along for the ride."
Scent of a Woman - Symbolism & Philosophy
Symbols & Motifs
The Tango
Symbolizes the beauty, risk, and fluidity of life. It represents the idea that mistakes are part of the dance and can be overcome by simply continuing the rhythm.
The iconic scene where Frank dances with Donna in the restaurant, teaching her that getting "tangled up" isn't the end of the dance.
The Ferrari
Represents freedom, control, and the thrill of the past. For Frank, driving it is a desperate attempt to reclaim the autonomy and power he lost with his sight.
Frank drives the Ferrari through the streets of Brooklyn, demanding Charlie help him navigate as he experiences a moment of pure, dangerous liberation.
Perfume / Scent
Symbolizes a connection to the feminine, beauty, and the world at large. It is Frank's way of "seeing" the humanity and grace in others that he can no longer physically behold.
Frank identifies women by their perfume throughout the film, most notably at the end when he recognizes the scent of the political science professor.
The Colt .45
A symbol of death, finality, and the weight of the military past. It represents Frank's intention to maintain control over his exit from the world.
Frank prepares to use the weapon in the hotel room, leading to the film's most intense emotional confrontation with Charlie.
Philosophical Questions
What defines true leadership?
The film explores the contrast between Headmaster Trask's bureaucratic leadership, based on intimidation and bribery, and Frank Slade's leadership, which is based on shared sacrifice and moral clarity. It suggests that a leader is not someone who follows rules, but someone who protects those they lead.
Is loyalty absolute?
Through Charlie's dilemma, the film asks if one's duty to tell the truth to an institution outweighs one's duty of loyalty to peers. It ultimately sides with the idea that loyalty is a personal virtue, not an institutional requirement.
Core Meaning
The core message of Scent of a Woman is that human integrity and connection are the only true remedies for a broken spirit. The film suggests that while life can be cruel and "amputate" one's physical abilities or social standing, the only irreparable loss is the loss of character. Director Martin Brest explores the idea that redemption is found not in grand accomplishments, but in the small, courageous choices to protect others and the willingness to "tango on" through life's inevitable mistakes.