A couple of questions concerning Milky's attack and Banjo
After having watched "This is England '86", I decided to relive "This is England" yet again (Yes, in my humble opinion, this isn't just a film; it's an experience!). I've seen it a few times and it's definitely one of my all time favourites. So I did and a number of questions have been at the back of my mind the whole day today. I'm aware those have been asked and discussed before, but still..
Firstly, I'd like to hear what you think about Milky's attack. Do you reckon Combo went out to look for Milky with the intention to assault him later on? Was this in a pact with Banjo? Or maybe, he's made that decision on his own? Others will probably see it as an accident on the spur of the moment, purely provoked by overall anger, jealousy, weed, etc. I myself am unsure where I stand on this one. As we know, Combo's a very complex character. At times I feel he really did have good intentions towards Milky. He's previously said Milky's "a proud man". At Smell's party he didn't have any special attitude towards him. Often, though, my opinion sways in another direction. Let's face it, from all the people whom Combo could have approached for weed, why Milky? To me it seems like an unusual choice. The way he was interacting with him was also odd. Combo was *very* friendly given the circumstances. The scene gave me the impression they were now great mates. How come so fast? This somehow tells me there's been some hidden agenda in Combo's mind.
Secondly, I'm baffled as to why Combo smacked Banjo with a bottle over the head. I know the main argument here is that Banjo said the "wrong" thing. From what I could hear, he said something along the lines of "I want in on that". "That" referring to beating on Milky, I presume. Why would that invoke such a reaction in Combo? I know he's the more prominent character of the two, but they've always been in this together. Surely, a statement of such kind shouldn't surprise him, let alone infuriate him. I was surprised at his general reaction to everyone in that scene, including Maggie and Shaun, but primarily Banjo. What are your thoughts and observations?
I could bring up various points for disccusion(s) such as the evident remorse Combo showed after the attack and the unlikelihood of Milky actually tagging along with Combo, but I'll leave it at that.
"I may be mad,I may be blind,I may be viciously unkind but I can still read what you're thinking."