MovieChat Forums > Trick (1999) Discussion > Gabe was unlikeable and self-centered

Gabe was unlikeable and self-centered


I finally got around to renting "Trick". I couldn't root for the protagonist Gabe because he was incredibly self-centered and unlikeable, although he did change throughout the course of the night, it wasn't enough for me to see WHY Mark was hellbent on following him.

Since the film implies Mark could have his pick of the litter, I'm baffled what he saw in Gabe who never once asked what Mark wanted, showed interest in learning more about him, and to top it off, didn't have a place for them to screw! It's one thing to be insecure and charming, but to be insecure and conceited is another thing.

At Gabe's apartment and then later, when they are kicked out and sitting on the step, Gabe managed to make the conversation all about him and showed how superficial he was.

I guess since Gabe is the protagonist we're supposed to like and root for him, but I found it difficult. Sure he's cute, and I would've been fine if Mark just wanted him for a one night stand, but when he started saying how he felt something more with Gabe seemed so forced.

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i dont think Gabe was conceited at all, actually it was obvious the he was struggling with insecurity issues, particularly inside the gay community. He wasn't trying to monopolize the conversation on the steps, he was just trying to open up and be real, in my opinion. Mark wasn't very talkative at first, so Gabe was trying to be vulnerable, which is hard when you are around someone you think is SO hot.

Mark's feelings for Gabe didn't seem forced to me (maybe because Ive loved this movie for over a decade and watched it 10000 times), I think he truly loved that Gabe was shy, genuine, kinda virginal-seeming and/or not slutty.

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Gabriel was nuts...
Mark should have hauled ass the second they went back to the club.

I didn't understand why he was acting the way he was.

When they first went to his apt...
he came across like some 13year old virgin.... when in reality he's had a boyfriend and everything.

Then he sees Mark being kissed by another guy....he runs off like some betrayed housewife....back at the apt he says .. YOU WERE KISSING HIM...AND I KNOW YOU,JUST GONNA DUMP ME LIKE THE OTHER GUY...


I'm thinking...what the hell is he talking about...dump him??
When did they discuss being a couple?

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