MovieChat Forums > Save the Tiger (1973) Discussion > The Arsonist

The Arsonist

posted 13 years ago by dhmason6155
10 replies | jump to latest

A footnote and counterpoint to Harry and his state of mind would be the arsonist. He's about the same age as Harry, same generation, but apparantly has none of the angst or despair that Harry is experiencing.

He's good at his work and proud of it. He sees himself as a skilled professional and a craftsman, and he has ethics. He returned the deposit to Harry when he thought he couldn't do the job. It was important to him to produce a quality product for his customers, just like any good businessman.

Of course the irony is that he's a criminal, and his role in the film is to help destroy (with Harry's cooperation) what Harry has built. It's possible that he represents the destructive forces that are destroying the America that Harry knew and loved.

Stacy - We got a job
Uncle John - What kind?
Stacy - The Forever Kind...

[–] 13 years ago

[deleted]

[–] dhmason6155 12 years ago

Thank you. My genius is unappreciated in my own time. Drinking helps.

Unc John "We makin' trouble?"
Stacy "Yeah"
Unc John "What kind?"
Stacy "...The forever kind"

[–] CooperCamden 12 years ago

Sharp observation! Just saw the film for the first time tonight.

[–] steve-g 12 years ago

There is more than a whiff of Sidney Greenstreet (and his memorable roles) in that character---one which is very well acted, here, but whose "ethics" reek of "honor among thieves," a code which I do not admire.

[–] dhmason6155 11 years ago

And which happens to be a myth. Only in the movies.

Unc John: We makin' trouble?
Stacy: Yeah
Unc John: What kind?
Stacy:...The forever kind

[–] jztzt 11 years ago

You make a good point. The arsonist is quite a practical and pragmatic fellow. He's unrepentant, all-business, subversive, cold, and soulless (he has no life or emotions on his face. He also speaks in a monotonous, self-gratifying, and flat tone). He doesn't let the stuff that Harry is troubled with infest his mind. He probably knows of the downfall of idealism in the world around him but he doesn't care. Perhaps he was born this way or had given up on that kind of innocent, honest, and righteous life through years of subversion and vice. He talks about his line of work nonchalantly as if it's second nature, as if it's no big deal and no harm can be done. Only business and money matters to him. Morality means nothing. At one point, he tells Harry that his line of work is the work of science and morality is merely supplied by his clients.

On the other hand, even though Harry is businesslike, he is plagued by second thoughts, internal strives, and morality as he tries to keep his life and business afloat. He still cares about the fates of his friends and coworkers. Nonetheless, he is watching his life and the world around him crumble slowly. In proceeding with the arson, he has taken a big step in, a step closer in becoming like the arsonist.

"...sometimes nothin' can be a real cool hand.” ~ Cool Hand Luke

[–] dhmason6155 10 years ago

Good reply. Thanks.

We got a job.
What kind?
...The Forever Kind.

[–] franzkabuki 9 years ago

I thought his diatribes about "morals" as well as the detailed insights into the nuts and bolts of his vocation quite hilarious. "DON'T LOOK AT ME, WATCH THE SCREEN!"

"facts are stupid things" - Ronald Reagan

[–] dhmason6155 9 years ago

Facts ARE stupid things.

We got a job.
What kind?
...The Forever Kind.

[–] redban (5206) 3 years ago

The arsonist? I don't see a comparison between him and Harry. I felt he looked younger than Harry.

You claim he didn't burn the building because he couldn't do the job. Actually - he could have done the job. He didn't burn the building solely because he realized the insurance wouldn't cover, with all the building violations. If the insurance doesn't cover, then he doesn't get his money. That was all. The arsonist was all about money.

The arsonist didn't necessarily show angst or despair. But he showed some paranoia ("Look at the screen!").