Posted by Lynn on June 15, 1998 at 10:48:16:
In Reply to: the Alice/Uncas, Hawkeye/Cora debate... posted by Myrrh on June 14, 1998 at 09:52:53:
: As for me, I must register my usual complaint, shared by many of you, I know, that the Uncas/Alice thing was not well-enough developed for my taste.
:Myrrh
Uncas & Alice versus Hawkeye & Cora? ummmm....my initial reaction is to say Uncas automatically.
I agree with Myrrh above. I would have liked it so much more if their relationship had been developed more. Especially the waterfall scene and the kiss.
I know Eric himself said in his interview posted here, that one reason it was cut was because they did not want to overshadow DDL and Mad' relationship. "The Stars" Okay, I understand that reasoning on the surface. Yet, IMHO, just by DDL and Mad being casted in these roles places them in the forefront. Why? Simply because at the time Eric and Jodhi were not as well known. I think this alone would have been enough, by shear recognition and the amount of on-screen time.
I also agree with the observation that 99% of the attraction was coming from Uncas. Alice was so naive. She didn't know anything about men, much less do I think she ever pondered about being attracted to one. I do believe with the rescue on the George Rd, when she chases after Uncas for running off the horses and he grabs her arms and looks in her eyes - I think this is the moment she experiences her first "man awarness," which as you know does not compare to the way she feels around Duncan. Lawwwwww, I had no trouble with being aware of that man!
At the cliff..... I had a different impression than some. I saw the main reason she jumped was because she could not face the reality of living with Magua. She was beyond scared of him and I think fear took top emotion. Followed very closely by "no hope." She knew she was alone. She had already been separated from Cora, now her only hope, Uncas, was dead. Scared, alone, no hope - all very powerful feelings. I cannot say she jumped because her "love" died. As far as she thought, it was either Magua or death, and she chose death. She did see Uncas as protector, someone who cared about her, but with no physical display of attraction it's hard for me to say how much she "loved" Uncas. On the other hand he did love her. At least this side of the relationship was focused on more. They did a fine job of acting considering what they had to work with, especially Eric.
Now, Hawkeye's and Cora's in the fort and the kiss. I thought it was so powerful when Hawkeye said, "'Bout done holdin' hands with Miss Cora?" Ahhhhh, the little green monster surfaces. Their kiss was very potent, hotly so. Passion did most assuredly flare and burn, about 1000 degrees. Yet, upon viewing it in slow motion (did I just admit that?) I did get the slightest hint that DDL was a bit uncomfortable. I think Mad had him in such a head lock that he couldn't breath or his nose got squished. Anyone care to play the film again and counter?
4 days and counting.................