Posted by Ayesha on October 13, 1998 at 20:56:33:
In Reply to: Re: Uncas versus Nathaniel posted by Sarah on October 13, 1998 at 18:48:10:
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: :
: : Seems to me that in both the book and the movie, each character was a focus in his or her own right, and each had a strong and distinct part. Although in the movie Hawkeye was unquestionnably the main character, I couldn't help but admire the significance each actor and actress gave to his/her part. Wes Studi, with his incredible silent language in that arrogant/obscene command with his hand just before Alice jumped off the cliff is a scene that positively preys on my imagination. Maddy's howl of horror and grief when she realized Alice was dead was a magnificent piece of emotional verity.
: : Gayle
: Gayle,
: I too was struck by that scene with Magua, but I didn't find the gesture obscene -- indeed he seem to be jesturing her to come away from the edge, and the way he swallowed and his jaw twitched caused me to think he did indeed want her to stay alive. What WAS obscene was that his hand was covered with Uncas' blood. That he dared to gesture to her to live while his hand was drenched in the blood of the one she loved and he murdered!!
: And that look at the empty space where she had stood, a tilt of the head in brief curiosity and then NOTHING, no cares, no worries...
: Very moving stuff, that!!
: Cheers,
: Sarah
Hi Sarah & Everyone,
I just wanted to add my take, being as I just saw LOTM on the big screen not too long ago. I thought I saw a look of compassion in Magua's eyes just before Alice jumped. It was as though he had a change of heart, even if only for a brief moment. Then, it was as if the whole incident didn't even exist.
I have to agree with everyone so far. Of course DDL was the main man. But, I do have to say, when Alice jumped off of the cliff, my whole being turned to the ALICE/UNCAS story. It was so intense. It was that part of the story that remained with me for days afterward. I think for me, it is hard to separate the two story lines. When all is said and done, I think the Alice\Uncas and the CORA/Hawkeye story lines were equal with me.
Good night everyone,
Ayesha