MovieChat Forums > Unforgivable (1996) Discussion > It only took one time for Beth

It only took one time for Beth

posted 13 years ago by ntolabs
4 replies | jump to latest

First of all I thought this was one of the best movies on domestic violence I have ever seen. John Ritter's performance in this movie was phenomenal.

I thought it was noteworthy that Beth (the girlfriend) was completely done with Paul the first and only time he beat her up. Of course her beating landed her in the hospital near death so it was no small thing. I think Paul was attracted to Beth because of her strength and independence. She owned her own business and lived alone when he came into her life. What he didn't expect though was that this strong independent woman would NEVER tolerate an abusive man. She not only severed the relationship immediately but she made it clear that the only way she wouldn't file charges against him was if he signed up for the Quit program and completed it. It turned out though that that was the best thing that could have ever happened to Paul. He was finally able to turn his life around. If it had been Judy (who of course was abused over and over again all throughout their marriage) she would not only have never filed charges against him but would have never insisted that he attend a group or therapy or any such treatment. She was too scared to do anything like that.

I guess to sum it up, although Beth was severely injured because of Paul, his affair with her ended up being the best thing that could have ever happened to him and Judy and the kids. He finally got the help he needed.

[–] AmyJolamb 8 years ago

I'm not sure if he likes her being strong and independent. Most men like this like weaker needy women. Maybe he thought he could change her since men like this also seem to think they can control everything and everyone. An independent woman would be a threat but maybe he saw her as a challenge and wanted to break her. Or at least try.

[–] GIRobotII 8 years ago

Exactly, Amy. And Original Poster. I noted right away from Beth's first appearance, in the bar scene, her strength (thus her fearlessness in standing up for herself), that this would be a foreshadowing to come. Unlike his wife, she would NEVER allow herself to be abused. An example to sexist men that fierce/strong/tough women DO exist. How would Beth keep tabs on whether he completed the program? Through her lawyer?

[–] RoadSideAssistance 8 years ago

Her lawyer clearly had contact with the Q.U.I.T organization and the psychiatrist could definitely let the lawyer know if he called that Paul quit. I wouldn't be surprised as well if Beth agreed to sign a non-disclosure agreement in the event Paul completed his therapy. I would have to imagine there was definitely some paperwork being signed between the two parties after the incident.

[–] skinny_school_girl 8 years ago

It could be because Beth wasn't beaten down by him emotionally. An abuser will usually (not always, but usually) start off on the emotional level before going to the physical level.

Money isn't the root of all evil. Love of money is.