I felt for her character. But people in reality don't give a damn for people with the disease. The comprehension of the effects of depression involves understanding the weaknesses of the person that disturb but are now an intrinsic part of the affected person's character. This constant upsurge of engagement with a mentally-ill person, is frustrating, and as a result, because of the escapist tendency that we are so used to having at our disposal, we avoid the person altogether. Geraldine's character appeared self-absorbed because of her realization of how much of a burden she was on her family. The two devils in her mind constantly battled each other, where she could be thinking of being individualistic and selfish for her own needs, but because of her maternal instincts couldn't completely break away from her family, and could also envisage ,that because of her depression, the trouble she inflicted on her husband and daughters. The knowledge of her own self and all that was happening around her because of her depression and quite basically her pathetic presence-is what is called self-absorption. She couldn't deal with it. When her husband remarried, there was nothing for her depression to have a clash with, her hope of love was left unrequited, and her daughter taunted her, which showed to her what a failed mother she was. And the only other way to go was to being selfish and retire for and with herself, which she couldn't do. The dam burst, and she committed suicide. Self-absorption, silent and collective, is better than depression with an ugly head of loneliness. Or better still, she thought, ungoverned, was to end it all. I felt for her.
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AltaireIII
16 years ago
"Or better still, she thought, ungoverned, was to end it all. I felt for her."
I gave this film another view and I wonder if the Geraldine Page character was ever at the house on the wedding day? I am wondering if the drowning scene was a delusion on the part of Mary Beth Hurt's character.
It would be very strange for Eve (Geraldine Page) to sneek into the house. But that is very possible. Joey (Mary Beth Hurt) was not happy with Pearl (Maureen Stapleton) being in the picture. She gave Pearl very little consideration if any.
When the wedding happens and Pearl is solo dancing and breaks the small curio, Mary Beth Hurt gets rather angry. The symbolic nature of that to me is: Pearl is here to stay warts and all and Eve is still around with her baggage too. So, Joey is thinking it sucks to be Joey in a way; or does it?
Joey gives her monologue to Eve about how she dislikes Eve and feels guilty when she should not feel that way. Pearl interrupts her and Joey heads off for the beach. We see Eve walking deeper into the breakers and Joey giving chase.
But, was Eve really there? Was Joey mentally ill and imagining the whole thing?
I think I need to see this movie again. It is a gem of a film.
Finally, I have a sister with clincal depression and she is a handful at times. Fortunately when she stays on her meds, she is not someone you would think has this problem. But, when she goes off of them, it gets very ugly. This ugliness has a way of draining you dry. When you run dry you go into survival mode and protect yourself. You don't want to. But you can't stop it. For most people when it boils down to; it's you or them, you'll choose you. There are those who can dig deep and still be compassionate but I find such folks are far and few between.
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vikram8402
13 years ago
I have clinical depression too. I can't seem to smile except consciously.
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williamonthefloor
13 years ago
you should read stuff by Ouspensky (sometimes spelled Uspenskii). Your depression, while "real" is based entirely on an illusion you are under.
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brockmeeks
12 years ago
It's worrying that someone who may be seriously ill and needs to speak with a doctor may see your post about Ouspensky and take it as self-help.
Found something that worked for you? Great. Don't unknowingly harm someone with gibber-jabber.
It's really easy to give someone advice when you don't know what it's like for them.
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herespacedog
13 years ago
This is a great interpretation of the film that I never considered. I just finished watching it about an hour ago and am still so moved. Your interpretation has such implications about the burdens we pass onto our children, mental health and all.
i'm having the best time!
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