MovieChat Forums > Burnt Offerings (1976) Discussion > Why was Ben (SPOILERS)...

Why was Ben (SPOILERS)...

posted 11 years ago by jstover07
5 replies | jump to latest

..immobilized after trying to escape? I haven't seen the movie in a while, but that part always confused me. Did his poolside chair-ridden scene mean to imply that he became catatonic from the psychological trauma of trying to escape the estate but not being able to? Or, did he suffer actual physical injury while trying to escape?

I actually started the book a few years ago and never got back to it. I will rectify that soon, as well as watch the film again. The ending still creeps me out, even as an adult.

[–] fiatlux-1 11 years ago

I believe it was both physical & mental...and spiritual actually.
The house's evil had thrown a full-blown attack at him. He probably was supposed to be 'down for the count' so to speak.
But he fought back, and was successful at defeating the evil for a time.

"I'd say this cloud is Cumulo Nimbus."
"Didn't he discover America?"
"Penfold, shush."

[–] 11 years ago

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[–] 11 years ago

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[–] TheSolarSailor 7 years ago

On the commentary, the book is talked about. Spoilers ahead from the book for those who care...

...Ben has completely given up after the growth in the forest prevented his escape. He has fallen into a catatonic state. When the son starts drowning, Ben cannot save him. He falls from the wheelchair and blood can be seen tearing from his eyes. He dies as the house takes the last of his life energy. Marion tries to leave the house, but it won't let her, as seen in the film. Marion will not break the precious windows as she does in the movie. She does not come out to save her son. Dan Curtis didn't like this ending, so he replaced it with what you see in the film, an ending that is extremely similar to the ending of Night of Dark Shadows.

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I am not a fan. I just happen to enjoy movies. Fans are embarrassing.

[–] TheSolarSailor 8 years ago

He felt hopeless after trying to escape and failing. I think he had just about given up. It is possible that he was medicated as well. The only thing that inspired him to fight again was watching the house try to drown his son in the pool!

WHY did Marion just HAVE to go back to say goodbye to the old lady? WHY?????

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I am not a fan. I just happen to enjoy movies. Fans are embarrassing.