The Aces
All the clues to the missions which Ed must carry out are written on playing cards, but not just playing cards, the Aces. Aces, of course, are cards which do not have just a single value; they have both low and high. As a result, Aces carry a level of risk which is not associated with the other cards. This is symbolic of the pre-determination of the cards being mysteriously delivered to Ed and the free will he exercises in choosing whether and how to respond.
The Stranger’s File
The stranger who has been manipulating Ed’s life to direct his destiny carries a file that contains everything which has happened to Ed. The file ends with the conversation between Ed and the stranger, however. The handing over of the file to Ed symbolizes the transference of control over his life to Ed who up that point has been both smothered and liberated by the external control over his life.
Audrey’s Kiss
After Ed and Audrey dance following the arrival of the Ace of Diamonds with the movie titles on it, Audrey gently kisses him on the neck. It is a small gesture, but one of intimacy associated with emotion and symbolizes Audrey’s willingness to shatter the wall she has built around herself obstructing her capacity to return the love that another feels for her.
The Suit
Milla gives Ed the gift of a casual black suit which fits perfectly. That the gift is presented by the elderly woman makes it a symbol of the maturation process for Ed as a result of the missions. That the suit fits perfectly deeps the symbolism by hinting at the way Ed’s taking an interest in others is improving his life by making him for suitable for living with a purpose.
The Empty Shoebox
The shoebox without any shoes that Ed gives to track star wannabe Sophie is deeply symbolic for her particular needs, but also resonates back upon Ed as well. The box represents for Sophie the belief that she doesn’t need fancy running shoes to excel at her track meet. The gift of speed is within her and she is not an empty box just as Ed proves not to be as empty and worthless as he has come to believe.
