Predictable in some ways, or just plain odd (spoilers)

This film reminded me of Lolita, The Graduate, The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter and various other films all rolled into one. When it started reminding me of The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter I knew what would happen to a certain character.

As for unpredictability or just sheer oddness:

It was odd how Philip's off-the-wall comments toward Walter at first seemed to be in jest, which was almost entertaining, then it turned out Philip had very little personality, sense of humor or direction in life.

It was odd how at first Pamela acted like she and Walter were two peas in a pod, then she acted like he committed the worst sin by trying to save her life in front of several people. People standing on the shore seemed to indicate she was in danger, so Pamela's reaction to Walter was bizarre.

It was odd that Louise acted like it never occurred to her that a younger man such as Walter might consider someone like her to be a mother figure. She made the mistake of being delusional about their relationship, so punishing Walter to the extent that she did was disturbing.

It was odd how after what happened to Walter, he conveniently vanished and the family could move onward and upward with their lives.

I've read about specific aspects which were left out of this film. I suppose if those things had not been left out, the overall story wouldn't have felt like it was "all over the place." I like how one review says, "...it is a fascinating failure."

That's true.


Mag, Darling, you're being a bore.