Posted by Marcia on August 07, 1998 at 09:30:19:
In Reply to: Re: Favorite Scene posted by Katherine on August 07, 1998 at 08:49:12:
Hi, Katherine,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us. My only problem with the Alice you describe is I honestly don't think that was what Mann was trying to say about "his" Alice. I really believe he wanted Alice to look utterly lost & shell-shocked, without a bit of inner strength to help her through. This is not to say I don't have sympathy for her. I do, indeed, understand that what she has been through has pushed her over the edge, and I suspect it would have done the same to most young women of her time/station. This is what I think makes Cora's character so wonderfully extraordinary, in comparison.
I believe Mann's intent & Jodhi's wonderful portrayal were supposed to show this contrast between the two women, and think the movie is the better for it. But I also believe that as we each watch a film, we are bringing to it part of ourselves and our personal life experiences. Therefore, we each take away something a little different, as demonstrated by the many viewpoints expressed on this board.
MMMMarcia