I'd like to know the author's reaction to the way that Briony ends the session. Seems brutal to me, jus an announcement with no preparation, like she's finally exercising control, maybe as retribution. Or is it required by her position as an evaluator?
Hi Richard! Yeah, it’s definitely abrupt, I agree. In real life, a session probably wouldn’t end like that, but I think they’re showing her asserting her boundaries and staying professional by not giving him an answer to “Do you like me?” She also realizes in that moment that he knows what he did, and that’s really why she’s there - to see if he understands. And while he doesn’t say “I did it!”, he says enough that indicates he did, and then flips it on her: “You’re making me say this. You always do this—twist things!” At the same time, Briony's been holding it together emotionally for the entire session, staying professional while being berated and sitting with the horror of what happened between two 13-year-olds - and she finally hits her limit. It’s a lot to pack into a few minutes, but that’s the vibe I got…
Thanks for the thoughtful reply. I discussed it with my film group, and all agreed pretty much. We also agreed that we had not quite unpacked everything in the series. In particular we struggled with the difference between "evil" and just messed up. Which one is Jamie? And his father?? No simple answer to that one I'm afraid...
Fantastic explanation. I have read book "The Boy Crisis" several times where it breaks down how boys are so vulnerable like this. And as I watched this movie, it had all the earmarks described in the book.
I'd like to know the author's reaction to the way that Briony ends the session. Seems brutal to me, jus an announcement with no preparation, like she's finally exercising control, maybe as retribution. Or is it required by her position as an evaluator?
Hi Richard! Yeah, it’s definitely abrupt, I agree. In real life, a session probably wouldn’t end like that, but I think they’re showing her asserting her boundaries and staying professional by not giving him an answer to “Do you like me?” She also realizes in that moment that he knows what he did, and that’s really why she’s there - to see if he understands. And while he doesn’t say “I did it!”, he says enough that indicates he did, and then flips it on her: “You’re making me say this. You always do this—twist things!” At the same time, Briony's been holding it together emotionally for the entire session, staying professional while being berated and sitting with the horror of what happened between two 13-year-olds - and she finally hits her limit. It’s a lot to pack into a few minutes, but that’s the vibe I got…
Thanks for the thoughtful reply. I discussed it with my film group, and all agreed pretty much. We also agreed that we had not quite unpacked everything in the series. In particular we struggled with the difference between "evil" and just messed up. Which one is Jamie? And his father?? No simple answer to that one I'm afraid...
Fantastic explanation. I have read book "The Boy Crisis" several times where it breaks down how boys are so vulnerable like this. And as I watched this movie, it had all the earmarks described in the book.
Agree!!