MovieChat Forums > The Comfort of Strangers Discussion > End of the dinner scene

End of the dinner scene

posted 14 years ago by smallmoll9
2 replies | jump to latest

I just watched this movie for the first time. A line stuck in my head because it seemed significant, but now having seen the end I am confused by it. Just as Colin and Mary are leaving the couple's house after dinner (while Mary sees the picture they have of Colin) Caroline whispers to Colin, "please, please come back, please. It's important. I can't get out." She follows that by saying, "It's my back and the stairs," but she gets so intense and quiet when she says "I can't get out" it seems like she is almost being held prisoner. The denouement in the bedroom with the wall of pictures and Caroline's willingness to do anything for the one she loves makes her participation throughout seem entirely voluntary, but when she spoke these lines I thought of her as a victim.

Any thoughts?

[–] BelleDameSansMerci 14 years ago

I only saw this movie once so far, but my impression is that she liked being a victim. So you're right, on both counts.
Also, it could be just a pretext to lure him back. But I think it was mostly her victim-by-choice mindset.

I hope to see it again.
It's a weird movie, if you pardon my pedestrian expression.
And it's not a pleasant movie to watch, but it is intriguing enough.

[–] Caractacus23 14 years ago

I too was struck by her remark about how "she can't get out." Not really sure what it meant, however.

Been making IMDB board posts since the 90s, yet can't bring up any from before December of 2004.