MovieChat Forums > Breaking the Waves (1996) Discussion > Was Dr. Richardson in love with Bess?

Was Dr. Richardson in love with Bess?

posted 8 years ago by majoros-maria
4 replies | jump to latest

There was a scene - I don't remember exactly - when he tells her: "I love you, Bess."

Did he love her in a platonic way or was he sweet on her?

[–] heynow123 8 years ago

I think after she obviously wanted to sleep with him and he refused that he had second thoughts, went back to her and wanted some nookie. (Too late!)

[–] yajji 8 years ago

Given Bess' clearly vulnerable state, he probably rejected her initially on the grounds that it just wouldn't be right. He probably felt like he was taking advantage of someone who was in the throws of a nervous breakdown. But in hindsight, he saw how pure her love was and wanted to reciprocate it as a result of her purity. So yes, it's likely he always loved her, but was hesitant to get involved because of her vulnerability.

[–] spookyrat1 7 years ago

... but was hesitant to get involved because of her vulnerability.

Yes and respect for the ethics of his profession.🐭

[–] Drooch (5333) 3 years ago

If he was, that makes some of his later actions deeply morally questionable. Like recommending she be sectioned, or telling Jan he was unlikely to get better without surgery... then he does.