Samuel, a clerk in a Manila office, is obsessed with the Hollywood actor Robert Taylor, believing he bears an uncanny resemblance to him. This obsession becomes his escape from the monotony of his life, filled with unfulfilled aspirations and a lack of love. He escapes into his fantasies, imagining himself as the handsome, charismatic actor, living a life of glamour and adventure.
However, his reality is harsh. He lives with his demanding aunt, endures a loveless marriage, and suffers financial hardship. His wife, a woman named Aida, is deeply unhappy with their life together, yearning for a more fulfilling existence.
The story explores the themes of identity, illusion, and the search for meaning in a life lacking fulfillment. Samuel’s longing for a different life reflects a broader desire for escape and a longing for recognition and love. He yearns for a life beyond the limitations of his ordinary existence.
Despite his self-delusion, Samuel eventually confronts the harsh realities of his life. He recognizes the emptiness of his fantasies and begins to acknowledge his own identity, separate from his image of Robert Taylor. The ending is bittersweet, suggesting the possibility of change, but also highlighting the difficulty of escaping the constraints of one's circumstances.
"The Man Who Thought He Looked Like Robert Taylor" is a moving portrayal of a man seeking meaning and identity in a world that seems to offer him little. It is a story about the power of imagination, the burden of unfulfilled desires, and the struggle to find oneself amidst the disappointments of everyday life.