He was a weird character. At times he seemed like a nice guy, but other times he would have this creepy stare, mostly at Book as he felt threatened by Book for Rachel's pleasures. Yet he was very shy around Rachel.
He also had that weird little smile...he looked like Garth in Wayne's World.
Excellent observation. I've always admired this splendid film, and that character stood out in the ways you described. Almost like they left some of his scenes on the cutting room floor as evidenced by the wishy-washy, indecisive nature of the handling of the character.
In a way, I think he was shown in an ambiguous bad/good light so the audience would wonder how he could possibly be a better fit for Rachel than Book. I guess the answer being simply that they were "supposed" to be together, and maybe that's just going to be difficult for us to understand.
That said, I wish I had a better answer. I remained confused and frustrated as well. LOL
He seemed to respect Book more after the barn building and especially after Book kicked the punks' asses. And he did tip his hand goodbye to Book as Book left in the final scene.
sharemaybe it was the times as well.. suppose them men of this generation(s) did behave one another different to one's of the same ages would now as well. I know he did seem wishy washy but at the same time I just put a lot of it down to when it was made.
shareIn a way, I think he was shown in an ambiguous bad/good light so the audience would wonder how he could possibly be a better fit for Rachel than Book.
Is very bad to steal Jobu's rum. Is very bad.share
He was an overall nice guy. He acted that way towards Book only because he liked Rachel; he didn’t want his girl thinking about another man. I don’t see that as anything creepy, totally normal imo.
But he was a good character. He gave Ford lemonade during the barn scene. He says Ford is his cousin from Ohio during the heckler scene. He tips his cap to Ford at the very end.
I think is the actor’s looks. He looks straight up villain.
I guess that is why he was cast as Karl Vreski in Die Hard.
I think the character was purposely presented as being a bit ambiguous. The character really is a combination of two tropes that were each two very common elements to characterization in 80s films:
- The "tall and athletic blonde haired rival" character whose function in the story was used to highlight how outmatched and average the primary male protagonist was.
- The "well meaning yet slightly awkward suitor" character who had an interest in pursuing a relationship with the female lead. This type of character was typically portrayed as being slightly jealous, yet not at all malicious.
I think that this worked really well within the story itself.
- The "tall and athletic blonde haired rival" character whose function in the story was used to highlight how outmatched and average the primary male protagonist was.
He was a decent man, he just didn't like Book being around, and certainly not in Rachel's house. He was clearly hoping to court Rachel now that she was available, and the entire community was on to the fact that Rachel liked Book.
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