No offense but ...

I mean no offense to British people but I kind of feel like I can say this because this is what the movie is about. I feel it's a critique on the British way of life; at least a segment of it.

What I see in the movie is exactly what I've always come to think goes on in British high-society; not just back then but even today. It seems being titled is all that matters to them. Silly Americans enter the country with a lot of money and somehow think they'll enjoy a certain lifestyle but are surprised when their money means very little. Having a title is worth a whole lot more than money in their system but, of course, money is required to live the titled lifestyle so they'll trade on the title to make money.

People jockey for position, marrying according to family background and status; rarely for love. It's much like we had seen for years in the British royal family. They could fall in love all they wanted but it's highly unlikely they'd get to marry that person unless they had the right pedigree. They marry the acceptable person then sneak around having affairs and playing an elaborate game of pretend; usually discreet but, no matter, unless something really scandalous happens their peers gossip but look the other way. It's all pretty sad and pathetic.

Obviously, this doesn't refer to all Brits. They certainly don't have a monopoly on arranged marriages or cheating but it's all so systematic in a way it isn't here. Yes, there are plenty of people who attempt to control their children's destiny, who they marry, what they do, with whom they associate and marry; trying to mirror the British system in many ways. However, without the title structure and rules that go along with it, it's hardly the same thing.


Woman, man! That's the way it should be Tarzan. [Tarzan and his mate]