MovieChat Forums > Twice in a Lifetime (1985) Discussion > Last scene, and movie as a whole, stays ...

Last scene, and movie as a whole, stays with you

posted 15 years ago by torr59
5 replies | jump to latest

They say good movies are ones you talk about for a week, and great ones you think about for your whole life. I saw this movie when I was 15 on cable. One of those movies that they would show over and over for a month and then you wouldnt see it at all for a few years. It was at a time in my life where I didnt understand the dynamic of marriage (kind of like Juno in "Juno") and wished to know if two people could actually stay together for their whole lives. I always wondered about Harry's decision and the last scene tells you that Harry's not sure, if only for a second, if what he has done is worth it. But as an adult I have learned that love is pretty hard to define. Harry may realize that the happiness and excitement of his affair will wear off and be replaced with the same thing he had before....but without the pride of having a family. Plus, his act tore his family apart. Was it worth it? The power of the movie is that we will never know. Just shows you how excellent a story about real people with common everyday issues can be. It Should have been more fully recognized by the Academy.

I thought "In America" although different, made me think for years after I saw it as well. Check it out.

[–] WarpedRecord 15 years ago

I agree fully. It has been years since I've seen that film, but the look on Gene Hackman's face in the final scene still sticks with me. I don't mind that it is never explained whether Harry went back to his family – in fact, I prefer it. It is clear that regardless, he did permanent harm and his infidelity will always be the skeleton in the family closet.

It is sad that this film is pretty much forgotten these days because it is one of the finest dramas of the '80s.

I have never gotten around to "In America," but I will no seek it out based on your recommendation. Obviously you have excellent taste!

[–] lolarites 14 years ago

Yes, while he was standing there during the wedding, he was clearly thinking about what he was leaving, but when he asked for some of the wedding flowers to take to Audrey, that said it all, the skip in his step as he was anticipating seeing Audrey again. He wasn't going back.

[–] Pequod88 13 years ago

"[W]hen he asked for some of the wedding flowers to take to Audrey, that said it all, the skip in his step as he was anticipating seeing Audrey again. He wasn't going back."

Exactly. While he naturally had some mixed emotions at the wedding, he in no way questions his choice nor his new path. He and his wife had become nearly invisible to each other. One of the strengths of this gem is that it is too smart to fall back on the easy villain/victim stereotypes that mar most divorce/break-up stories. This small film makes a big impression.

[–] GuyOnTheLeft 8 years ago

Well said!

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[–] BigWhiskers 13 years ago

Maybe the excitement will wear off of the affair but he didn't seem
to be in it for just that. I think he actually cared about Audrey more than his wife. Kate to me was a very boring dull person , didn't care much about how she looked or dressed , nor did she really pay much attention to him unless as his son put it once only if the roof blew off. It's called hitting a roadblock in your marriage , sooner or later you need to either work on it or move on. If I wasn't happy though I would tell my partner or spouse ,because cheating isn't the solution. I'd rather have it out and get counseling or get a divorce rather than cheat and especially in a small town where everyone knows your f'in around - I'd have moved out of town and left it behind.

"So, a thought crossed your mind? Must have been a long and lonely journey"