This is a fascinating movie, a good study of the egos, and how they played a major part in the way characters reacted to each other, and tried to find love/ happiness.
Don: Felt ‘beauty’ much more important than substance, found this out not to be true. Was pretty happy to pay religious penance for his actions, and be absolved of any wrong-doing, weekly. (what a joke, this type of “religion” is)
Don’s Father: Has same opinion of beauty over-riding substance. More proud that his son has “a hot piece” than if he had someone in his life who could make him happy. Somewhat prejudice when he finds out girl is probably Jewish, but he and wife override that problem when dad sees how hot girl is, and mom sees that she may get grandkids out of the deal. Dad still felt he needed to be the “man” in charge of the house, still referring to his son as a “boy”. Still thinks so.
Don’s Mother: Ego threatened by her paradigm of ‘grandma-hood’, not seeing how Don needs to be his own man. Her happiness depended on fulfilling her own needs, or supposed needs to feel whole. Daughter still too young to make commitment to one person to make mom happy.
Don’s sister: Virtually ignored, as she has nothing to contribute to the conversations, until she is the one with the observation convincing Don that he may on the right track. A voice from the wilderness, if you will.
Don’s girlfriend: If things aren’t done MY way, I am not happy. Her ego is such that if she gives herself to you, it’s an honor for you, and you are to treat her like the queen, she is. Not only that, but you had BETTER not look at another woman, even if it’s an image of one! You CERTAINLY better not masturbate to another woman’s image, as it means she isn’t not only the only thing in your life worth living for, but also isn’t ENOUGH for you! This means that there must be something WRONG with her, and that fucks her paradigm of “reality”, completely. Better to break up with you rather than look at herself in a new light, and grow from the experience.
Don’s friends: Expect him to continue his Casanovic habits, and take home any woman he finds desirable, even to the point of taking the woman you really want. Live vicariously through him, only taking the crumbs (2’s and 3’s, occasionally a 6) for themselves. Also rate women on basis of looks over substance. Not complete assholes, as they are dumbfounded but not angered over his choice to bed and maybe even “fall in love with” only one woman. One has potential to see the light, himself, while the other only dutifully plays the game, for now.
So, have you seen this movie? Do you agree? Regardless, any comments? Thanks!
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