MovieChat Forums > The Hand That Rocks the Cradle (1992) Discussion > Michael Was Weak and Whimpy

Michael Was Weak and Whimpy

posted 9 years ago by ms2000vette
9 replies | jump to latest

The guy was pathetic - between Peyton and Marlene, he was always being played and, in turn, playing the tease. And how gutless - couldn't protect his wife or kids, whined the whole movie, took Peyton's side every time, and in the end - somehow broke BOTH legs when he failed to apprehend her. And before that - had to be reminded by Claire how dangerous Peyton was, and could not convince the police to even show and take his call to them serious. A total failure as a husband and a father, and perhaps the weakest male character in film history.

Claire was selfish, completely unlikable, and a bad parent - but Michael was worse. I have no doubt she dumped him shortly after this ordeal. With Peyton gone, I'm sure that little kid went back to picking on Emma, and if Michael tried to interfere - the little kid would have whipped his weak ass, and knocked the snot out of him.

[–] dhmason6155 8 years ago

Just the beginning of a long line of neutered males in movies. Thank liberal Hollywood.

I hated him and Claire. I rooted for Peyton.

We got a job.
What kind?
...The Forever Kind.

[–] whitespirit26 8 years ago

We know DH, you hate rich people. And OP, look up some stories about injuries; a lot of people falling onto a concrete floor from a height would easily break a limb or worse. But I'm guessing if he'd landed head first and died, you'd call him a wuss.

[–] SpaceMountainMike 8 years ago

Just the beginning of a long line of neutered males in movies.

You said it! I noticed a long time ago (about 25 or so years ago) that with couples, it's always the "man" (and I use that term loosely) who screws up then has to come crying to his wife of girlfriend for forgiveness. Best exampled? 9 Months...ugg, I'd rather be struck in the face by a flying turd than see that movie again.

_______________

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[–] dhmason6155 8 years ago

If you really want to be sick, you should see "The Intern", NOT!😫

We got a job.
What kind?
...The Forever Kind.

[–] Catnip86 8 years ago

Hopefully, social services took the kids from both of them. Too busy with a hobby so Claire turned her newborn over to a stranger? Really? No reference check?

I can also see Claire having another "attack" when the kid picking on Emma made fun of Claire too.

[–] fiatlux-1 8 years ago

Claire probably did read the 'letter of reference' that Peyton left, but I'm sure the phone number if any was Peyton's home number.
Besides this being a plot device, remember this was the early '90s.
People weren't quite as paranoid (though they should have been, people always should be!) as nowadays.

I'd say this cloud is Cumulo Nimbus.
Didn't he discover America?
Penfold, shush.

[–] whitespirit26 8 years ago

Good points.

[–] dancing_star 8 years ago

What bothered me most about Michael is that his wife was molested and there was evidence that his daughter may have been molested and he didn't seem at all angry. I wanted to see more rage, especially for his daughter.

[–] Stratego (29327) 9 months ago

I do think one problem the movie had was that none of the characters were likeable. They were all overprivileged yuppie drama queens, and the couple especially seemed to be completely clueless and out of touch.