MovieChat Forums > That Thing You Do! (1996) Discussion > I thought Guy's father was kind of a jer...

I thought Guy's father was kind of a jerk..

posted 10 years ago by rorygunn
10 replies | jump to latest

In the beginning I understand him thinking Guy's drumming was a frivolous pursuit that wouldn't go anywhere but when The Wonders got signed to a major record label with a chart topping hit and an appearance on a national popular tv show you would think he would've been a bit proud..but instead after The Wonders play he's sitting there making fun of Guy in the living room with his family and that loser Chad laughing with him telling him how funny he is...Yes I know Guy did look kind of goofy on the tv but still you would think they would have shown some pride in his accomplishment...

[–] MurdockATeam 10 years ago

That's odd, all these years I assumed he was doing that cuz he was so amped up with pride for Guy he did that. I mean, that's how I always took it....

[–] JEFJR 10 years ago

I agree with Murdock.

[–] HikerBoy57 8 years ago

I also agree with Murdock. The Dad mocked Guy's musical career continuously, but by the time Guy appeared on national TV, he'd changed his tune.

It's actually a heartwarming moment to see him imitating Guy (badly) after their performance. You can tell how proud he is of his son, and dropping the harda$$ facade for once.

The war is not meant to be won... it is meant to be continuous.

[–] the-smurfico 10 years ago

Yikes, have you ever heard the expression 'people see what they want to see'? The scene clearly shows the father as very enthusiastic about his son's appearance, before, during, and after. I find it a little sad that you would somehow read something into the scene that isn't there, it's not a conclusion that a person in a happy place would draw.

On an unrelated note I just re-watched My Name is Earle and I got a kick out of Giovanni as the 'replacement son', item #275 kicked Ralph out of the band before hitting it big.

[–] johnston.scot 10 years ago

My reaction is similar to the other responders: primarily, he was excited and just having fun.

There is, though, a little bit of an element of dismissiveness: an implication that being a "teen sensation" isn't entirely a serious pursuit. I suppose that's sort of jerky, but also sort of true - or, at least, it would've been the typical reaction of most people over 21 in 1964. Tina was just as dismissive of the Oneders early on, and I think still would've been later: though, like the Patterson family, also excited about him being on TV. It would have been an amusing to have a quick insert of Tina and the dentist watching Hollywood Television Showcase while at a party, between bites of pigs in blankets and Chex mix.

Also worth noting: Guy didn't show a lot of interest in continuing to be a teen sensation.

[–] DavidStHubbinsUSA 10 years ago

I thought his whole conservative, feet on the ground attitude was very indicative of the time period....

[–] stevenackerman69 10 years ago

I don't remember that. I know that when his son is on TV he is happy to see him on the set.

[–] Helenlaurence 9 years ago

His dad was incredibly proud and happy and couldn't wait to watch him... And was really excited afterwards as were the whole family!

[–] peter_gatorade 9 years ago

Aw that is one of my favorite scenes. I think he plays a good caring thought slightly nagging dad through the whole movie. I also thought that the family was just excited and happy, goofing around doing things that a family might do. I crack up every time I see it. Me and my dad also often do the "I don't want to live in a world where a man needs to work on Sunday" banter. Love the dad.

[–] Doc80 8 years ago

He's definitely not making fun of him. Earlier you can see how excited he is that the band is going to be on the show. That being said, I can't handle watching that part because I find it cringeworthy.