MovieChat Forums > About a Boy (2002) Discussion > what was the significance of this scene ...

what was the significance of this scene ?

posted 8 years ago by Henry_Marzini
5 replies | jump to latest

One scene I was always a little puzzled by was when in the park after Will successfully defends and exonerates Marcus over the duck's death, Marcus then imagines he's seeing his mum, who cheerfully waves at him briefly then fades away.

There was another similar scene later in the movie when Will imagines his dad in the supermarket.

I've always wondered what was the point and significance (if any) of these two scenes and was wondering could someone elucidate them for me ?

Crop Rotation in the 14th century was considerably more widespread after John.

[–] smoko 8 years ago

@Henry_Marzini There's a similar scene in Forrest Gump, where Forrest imagines Jenny walking towards him and then she fades away. I think it's meant to show that they really miss that person, as if they're seeing a mirage.

I think both those scenes in About A Boy should've been cut, especially the one with Marcus - how can he miss his Mum when he lives with her?

[–] PatriceLeGraisseux 8 years ago

I was a bit puzzled By that scene as well and came to the same conclusion because sometimes I think I might have seen somebody and I always assumed
It's Because you miss that person that you imagine them. Also, because Marcus was having an okay time just then it seems as if his mom being there might have made it a perfect day.

[–] Henry_Marzini 8 years ago

I think both of you have cracked it. I always assumed it might have been due to him missing her, though I thought given that he actually lived with her and the fact that he actually seemed a little surprised and bemused by seeing her it might have signified something else but nonetheless I think you're both correct,
Thanks for the replies !

Crop Rotation in the 14th century was considerably more widespread after John.

[–] kendrasudden 8 years ago

I thought it was because, at the time of Marcus being at the park, his mother had attempted suicide and was probably nearing death. With his close relationship with his mother and his insight of her depression, he "saw" her in the park and started to become anxious as to how she might be doing when he's not with her. That was take away from that scene.

As for Will, I think his aborhition wasn't connected to Marcus' experience. I think it just symbolized that- in Will's head- his father is always around (due to his hit song) and the director wanted to explain to the audience (visually) how Will must feel when he's out in public and his father's song is always playing

[–] janet-conant 7 years ago

You took the words right out of my mouth, kendrasudden.

It was at that very moment when Fiona has overdosed. It was almost as if Marcus knew something was going on. He was having fun and thought of his mother.