Martin became very troubled. Their roles sorta became reversed. At first Martin chased Lucas around, then after they got together, Lucas persued Martin. Martin couldn't understand why Lucas would love him, which was why originally Martin was attracted to him, because he was so unattainable. Lucas made himself available in every possible way, even to the point of marrying him (sounds like A Walk to Remember).
I think Martin jumped into the pool because he really wanted to die when they were both happy, not when he was sitting on his hospital bed (which reminded him of a coffin) and when everyone will be weeping all around him. Martin was comforted that Lucas will love him forever, and that was enough. I think Lucas understood that as well. I'm certain that Lucas jumped in there right after him because all along Lucas has been trying to get him to go to the hospital. After Martin jumps, all we see is Lucas's shock, but it cuts to the next scene right after that.
This film reminds me so much of Happy Together, another flick about two gay men. Both movies are heartbreaking, and they leave this certain impression, like a big hole in your chest after seeing them.
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helenerigaud
17 years ago
Why take this scene so literaly? IMO, it was more of an artistic ellipsis which was quite subtle and tasteful, (just as the rest of movie).
It cleverly spared us the traditional hospital scene which was not necessary...we get the message, we don't need another pathos filled scene to drive it in, the film is already humane and moving enough as it is (even more so by going against the expectations that this kind of drama usually call forth).It's another sign of the quality of this film originally made for TV (which is quite remarkable).It was not meant to be an actual dramatic plunge into the pool (with lucas diving after him in a panic...)it was more a symbolical leap ; Martin has accepted his death. Yet it was very simple and not redundant in the least and managed to maintain some ambiguity otherwise you wouldn't ask yourselves these questions....
That's what I like with this movie, I mean the subjet was quite heavy: a love story between a straight guy and a HIV positive man who dies in the end.....But it's not for cheap drama; martin's death is not a pretext to add pathos to the *tragic* love story....we get a earnest depiction of the trials someone dying of aids goes trough...these feel like "real" people...ok boy gets unnatainable straight boy and his mother seems straight out of an almodovar movie but surprisingly enough it was still credible...
The film managed to be restrained while at the same time be quite insightful and even a bit creative in the way it gave a hint of the characters' intimate personal world..the ending scene is proof of that.
Plus I loved the humour and irony of certain lines(Martin's character was unforgettable): "you want to do the right thing and feel good about yourself? go buy a red ribbon, but don't come and try to wipe my ass with it"....brilliant!"
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