When initially watching this film, I was confused by the opening scene which depicted a man in a dirty suit wandering aimlessly through the desert. After learning that Travis had abandoned society in a way to punish himself for his failed relationship with Jane, his wandering seemed reminiscent of God cursing the Israelites to 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. Just as Travis punished himself for not believing in his wife, marriage, or his ability to raise his own son, God punished the Israelites for not believing his word that they could oust the current inhabitants of the land promised to them. Additionally, in both instances the parties being punished were sentenced to wander aimlessly.
During the ride home from the desert, Travis and his brother drive by two mountains - one is rugged and rocky while the other is green and lively. I think that these mountains represent the different paths of life taken by Travis and his brother. His brother lives a traditional life with kids, a wife, and a steady job; on the other hand, Travis has lived a difficult life filled with rocky relationships and conflict.
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