MovieChat Forums > The Princess Bride (1987) Discussion > Buttercup's reaction when Westley rolls ...

Buttercup's reaction when Westley rolls down the hill

posted 9 years ago by NJtoTX
6 replies | jump to latest

Seemed weak. She reacts too quickly, and without any real surprise when he says "as you wish," and rolls herself down the cliff. She should at least pause and gasp, after all, "Dread Pirate Roberts" could have known Westley's phrase. Hoping this wasn't just an acting blunder, but Reiner should have reshot it or used another take.

Also, how is it that Buttercup had just been several inches from "dread pirate roberts" face while they were yelling at each other, but then she's describing Westley as "with eyes like the sea after a storm." A mask doesn't hide eyes. And of course, everything else about him is identical, like the mustache. But if she's had a suspicion it could be him, you sure couldn't see it.

And I do love the film, otherwise.

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[–] Karma_Kramer 9 years ago

That always bothered me as well. She just discovered that this mystery man that she pushed down the hill was in fact her true love, that she believed to be dead for the past 5 years. She should have been in complete shock, yet her reaction was very casual and nonchalant. A rather flawed moment in an otherwise great film.

[–] 9 years ago

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[–] MydnightRose 9 years ago

I felt her reaction was ok, she threw herself down after him for crying out loud. When she realized who he was she didn't even hesitate to follow him. Her line of "my sweet Westley" could have been better but the act surpasses that.
I do wonder how she couldn't realize it was him, not by the eyes but the voice. It's rather distinct.

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[–] 9 years ago

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[–] VirginOnPromNight 8 years ago

I agree they should made it really awkward and had her stand there for at least 10 minutes pondering why he said as you wish ....... I'm being sarcastic. The movie has to go on without stopping the momentum. It's called continuity. It was funny and right that she jumped down quickly

[–] HeelTaker 7 years ago

No, you are right, they did need her to immediately follow him down for the gag to work.

However, her reaction is so horribly performed/directed and/or edited, she should have sounded and looked so much more surprised but still reacted as quickly as she did for the gag to still work.

Totally doable.

Either that or they should have had a couple of shots of her looking inquisitive like she was suspecting it might possibly be him, then the reaction used would have been perfect.

Really irked me and actually made me cringe when she delivered the line how she did...