MovieChat Forums > Sling Blade (1997) Discussion > So was the hospital wrong?

So was the hospital wrong?


Was the state hospital wrong for releasing Karl? Did he still have murderous tendencies or was he simply trying to protect Frank?

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Ultimately I think the hospital should not have released him. Karl's thinking is completely black and white. He didn't see any other solution for saving Frank and Linda then by removing Doyle completely from the picture. If Vaughan had any idea of what Karl was planning then he might have been able to intervene before the execution by lawn mower blade happened. What surprised me was how passive Doyle was when Karl came in with the blade. And then sat down and asked him how to get ahold of he police. Why was he not ready to defend himself? Was he so intoxicated that he could not function? Questions for Billy Bob!

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The system itself was wrong. The hospital was only doing what the system mandated. That's a problem of beaurocracy. Suits creating policy that psychologists and psychiatrists had to follow, vs the other way around like it should be.

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I’ve been in a hospital like this. Basically many mental hospital operate on keeping patients till the money runs out. This includes state run hospitals who are state funded. When the people are no longer a profit they let you go. My guess is Karl was taking up a bed from possible paying patient. I’ve seen many who are a danger to themselves or others released to free up beds. The worst one I saw was a young girl around 13-14 who threw herself out of a moving car each time she was released. She cleared and said to be better yet as soon as she was out she’d hurt herself such as jumping off a bridge, out a three story window and so on. It is very troubling seeing those who still need so much help ignored. Yes, these have all been reported to the state and proper authorities but no one listened. Not even when you have former staff members testify to this. It’s all about money not the people.

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Hindsight is always 20/20.

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