MovieChat Forums > Ballast (2008) Discussion > Drug Dealers

Drug Dealers

posted 14 years ago by robgtar722
8 replies | jump to latest

I feel stupid for asking this, but what happened to the drug dealers? They attacked them and when a car came by they fled never to appear again. After that the subplot seemed to end abruptly. Did I miss something?

[–] ryernl 14 years ago

This was one of my only problems with the film because the drug dealers are never mentioned or seen again, which I would think they would. They also gave no explanation of why they have not continued to bother them such as Laurence paying the $100 to the drug dealers.

[–] SeattleExigencia 13 years ago

Dealers are opportunistic. When obstacles confront them, they're more inclined to move on (greener pastures await) than raise guns. I admired the way the film captured this without typical explanation.

[–] efrank-4 14 years ago

Don't feel stupid- I was wondering the same thing. I kept waiting for them to reappear. I guess the drug dealers felt they applied sufficient revenge after beating up James and his mom. The beauty of this film is that it provokes discussion of this sort. In a Hollywood film the gang would have reappeared and Lawrence would have kicked the crap out of them and all would live together in happpiness.

[–] jeffpalfini-1 14 years ago

I think the reason we don't see them anymore is that the mother and son leave their place and start staying at the house next to Lawrence's, so the dealers no longer know where to find them. The kid told them he robbed a guy in that area, but they would have no reason to think he would be there.

[–] vaguething 14 years ago

Totally agree. It's also worth mentioning that the ending reiterates the film's theme of ambiguity, vulnerability, in their situation. Life's only certainty is what compassion they find in each other.

[–] SeattleExigencia 13 years ago

You missed everything. Just watch it again. It's worth it.

[–] mirta1 13 years ago

I thought they might turn up to, but it kind of made sense that they didn't. As someone else said they're opportunistic. Even if they know where they are they might figure it's now might be more trouble than it's worth.

[–] Withemcomm 8 years ago

It's a good question but they kept his tv & new game system for the 100 - the film never showed him playing again. Think they just wanted to bully him one last time.