MovieChat Forums > So Big (1953) Discussion > A good movie but a question (SPOILER WAR...

A good movie but a question (SPOILER WARNING)

posted 14 years ago by wtl471629
4 replies | jump to latest

Please do not read farther if you haven't seen the movie. I enjoyed it but I couldn't get the argument between the mother and Dallas against Dirk. The mother was disappointed because he didn't become an architech but went into advertizing. Dallas at the end seemed to have the same problem with him.
Did I miss something? Didn't he use his architectual skills to get into advertising where he became a great success and make lots of money. Seems kind of selfish for his mother to want him to please her in something he didn't want. Also Dallas seemed to end the romance when she dropped him for the same reason to go to Paris even though it seemed that maybe the door was open for her to come back. Dallas was one that surprised me and seemed to judge Dirk as being soft even though he had to work hard as a young man and lose his father at a very young age. Maybe I am missing something but somehow it seems like the mother and Dallas were selfish and misjudging of Dirk. Any thoughts?

[–] cynkat 14 years ago

wtl - I see your point, but I think it is a matter of perspective. Dirk was raised by a very strong minded woman and it affected his romantic relationships as evidenced by Paula (ambitious and manipulative) and Dallas (artistic and idealistic). They both distained him for the very values his mother had instilled in him. He disappointed all three - he didn't stand a chance! They all had "a plan" for him. He didn't have the energy to fight them for what he really wanted, which apparently was to design and drive very fast cars.

Plus-how would you like to be called "So Big" all your life??

"Only the suppressed word is dangerous" -
Ludwig Börne

[–] kingarthurup 13 years ago

there are people that create, and people that sell creations. those that work out of their God given talents WILL ROT IN HELL!!!!

do you get it now?

[–] lolarites 11 years ago

Selina didn't want Dirk to be an architect just because it's what she wanted, she wanted him to do that because she knew that just monetary rewards, in the end, no matter how much you have are empty and unrewarding. She knew that the love and pursuit of art if more valuable than a warehouse full of money. Her son, was shallow and probably not very talented. He thought buying all he could for his mother would please her. He just didn't get it, when Selina and Dallas did, they thought alike. The movie is all about value, in people, their lives and what they hold dear. It was a very strong statement to follow ones own heart and not the herd of sheep that run down the streets of life.

[–] 11 years ago

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