In the realm of science fiction, there are countless futuristic gadgets and devices that have captured the imagination of audiences. From Star Trek’s teleporters to Star Wars’ lightsabers, these inventions often become iconic symbols of their respective franchises. However, few have been as enigmatic and amusing as the “Three Seashells” from the 1993 action film, “Demolition Man.”
A Quick Recap
For those unfamiliar, “Demolition Man” is set in a sanitized, crime-free future where even the slightest misdemeanors are punishable offenses. Sylvester Stallone plays John Spartan, a cop from the 20th century who is cryogenically frozen and then thawed out in this future to catch a dangerous criminal. As he navigates this new world, he encounters numerous cultural shocks, one of which is the absence of toilet paper in restrooms. In its place? Three mysterious seashells.
The Enigma of the Seashells
The film never explicitly explains how the seashells are supposed to be used, leading to decades of speculation and amusement among fans. The only hint we get is a character’s mocking laughter at Spartan’s confusion, suggesting that by the 2030s, the method is common knowledge.
Fan Theories and Speculations
Over the years, numerous theories have emerged about the seashells’ function:
-
The Scoop and Scrape: One popular theory suggests that two of the seashells are used like chopsticks or tweezers to grip and lift, while the third is used to scrape any residue.
-
The Bidet Theory: Another theory posits that the seashells are buttons for a bidet-like system. Each seashell could activate a different function: one for a spray, one for a drying function, and perhaps one for a sanitizing mist.
-
The Sonic Clean: Drawing inspiration from other sci-fi franchises, some believe the seashells might use sonic vibrations to clean the user, similar to the sonic showers in Star Trek.
Word from the Creators
Interestingly, the film’s screenwriter, Daniel Waters, once mentioned in an interview that the three seashells were added as a joke, a nod to the sometimes absurd nature of futuristic sci-fi concepts. The idea was to present something so bizarre and unexplained that it would leave audiences scratching their heads.
However, in a later interview, another of the film’s screenwriters, Peter M. Lenkov, provided a cheeky explanation. He suggested that two seashells were used like chopsticks to pull waste out and the third to scrape. While this might not be the “official” method, it’s the closest thing to an explanation we’ve gotten from the creators.
Leave a Reply