MovieChat Forums > 84 Charing Cross Road (1987) Discussion > I don't get it.

I don't get it.

posted 17 years ago by Anhilius
40 replies | jump to latest

I watch a lot of movies, and I've seen a lot worse, but I've never really felt the same way I did after watching this.

It's not as if it's confusing, but I just wonder what the point of this movie is, or even the book for that matter. Nothing really happens, it's just someone buying books, and then just happens to become friends with the person selling them books. I don't mean there needs to be someone running around killing people, or *beep* exploding, or something like that, but most movies I've seen, actually have something happen.

It's got fairly good acting, and in some scenes, it is entertaining. But overall, as the subject says, I don't get it.

Some insight would be wonderful.

[–] 14 years ago

[deleted]

[–] goldenruwl 13 years ago

You my friend are a complete idiot.

[–] mrbluto-2 12 years ago

it is a movie about two lonely people in love but never meet. One of the great movies of all time.

[–] lepanto 11 years ago

I think, mrbluto has isolated one of the central themes of this multi-faceted gem of a film, i.e., two lonely people who find their true soul mates in this life. In fact, this movie truly defines the meaning of that oft misused description. This is revealed in the scene near the end of the film when Hopkins' wife explains, in her letter to Helene, that her husband tried to endear her to his books, but she was too different to appreciate him or his passion. It's also revealed in the brief clip showing Bancroft in the theater, watching the classic departure scene between the illicit lovers (Trevor Howard and his soul mate) and the expression on Bancroft's face, as well as that of Hopkins' when he realized Helene isn't coming to London for the coronation, clearly convey their true feelings.

What's almost unique, and equally edifying, is that such a pure passion can exist, and exert such a profound effect on the players, without ever having met each other. This is, perhaps, the long sought evidence to which purest adamantly cling; love isn't perforce about physical expression, but can exist, and equally rewarding, in the soul, mind and emotions of those involved. That this transpires in a time much more hospitable to such a relationship makes this all the more compelling. Lepanto

[–] janfizz 10 years ago

I just watched this for the first time and it made me very sad and it also made me want a pen-pal.....but I guess that time has passed as well....

[–] beetiesmom 10 years ago

Why would it, janfizz??? A pen pal can be had at anytime of one's life. Granted, it's much more difficult finding one who is willing to use snail-mail, if that's what you want, but as this is one of my all-time favorite movies AND I am a fan of the writings of the late Helene Hanff, I struck up an e-mail relationship with a woman who corresponded with Helene (when she was in her 20s) and visited Miss Hanff in her NYC apartment---coming all the way from England to do so! I haven't written to her for awhile, though I did quite a bit in early 2013, as I was about to go to London/Paris/Florence/Venice/Rome, and was determined to see the plaque that had been erected in honor of Helene, for penning "84"~~~unfortunately, I didn't make it there due to unforeseen circumstances. I am still depressed about it, but I did think of Helene during my entire stay in London. A girlfriend of mine who lives in Toronto and I have gotten our heads together about an England trip next Spring, so, maybe then.... Anyway, I sure wish I had known about this wonderful author back when she was still alive. A little late now, but if you want someone to write to, I'm sure you'd find him or her! Good luck and God's blessings! (Joan)

[–] spookyrat1 11 years ago

The film celebrates literature, letter - writing and long distance friendship, in a time where social media only existed in the minds of literature's science - fiction writers.

[–] emncaity 11 years ago

Years after the fact, I'm just wondering: Did you ever read the book? You can read it in a couple of short sessions, but the point is not to read it too quickly. It may be that the book allows you to see between the broad outlines of the plot in a way that the film doesn't, really.

[–] logicalskeptic 11 years ago

This is definitely one of my favorite films and for lack of a better description I can only say "absolutely delightful".

Only two things are actually knowable:
It is now and you are here. All else is merely a belief.

[–] misscastaway 8 years ago

I know this is a late reply, but I just watched this film for the first time.

It's based on a true story. And as we all know, real life is unscripted. We truck along, through good times and bad times, and only when we look back do we see the things we could have changed.

I fell in love with the film and the lead performances by Anne Bancroft and Anthony Hopkins. It's a quiet film for a rainy day when you want to snub the world and snuggle up with a mug of hot chocolate.

[–] 8 years ago

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