MovieChat Forums > Dog Pound (2010) Discussion > Why was the guard not allowed a day off ...

Why was the guard not allowed a day off for his daughter's birthday?

posted 13 years ago by Zombie55
8 replies | jump to latest

Hi everyone!

Do you remember the scene where that guard Goodyear was told that he was not allowed a day off work or even an earlier finish for his daughter's birthday? I got a question - Why is that? I mean, I know that being a guard or a supervisor at something like a juvenile correctional facility is hard work and an enormous responsibility, but why was he not allowed a day off for his daughter's birthday?

Aren't there any other staff that could cover him for that one day? And what if he still decided to take it even without getting paid, would there like be a risk that he could lose his job?

In reality, is that how the conditions for guards in American juvenile correctional centres are set, that very often such staff are highly forbidden to take a day off even when it's their children's birthday?

And then he goes off the rails and on the phone insults his wife instead of politely explaining that he couldn't make it? And then in a fit of rage, he accidentally kills that inmate who had the guts to draw a naked woman on the wall he should instead be painting?

Anyways, what did you think of that scene where guard Goodyear was not allowed a day off or an earlier finish of the day's work for his daughter's birthday? And in addition to that, how realistic did you find that scene to be? Thanks!

[–] Aidy 13 years ago

Is this a homework question or something? :) It's fairly self-explanatory why he wasn't allowed the day off. With the recent spate of trouble they needed all hands to the pump so leave was denied. This was either the boss over-stepping the mark, or maybe it is written into some jobs where holiday can be cancelled to prevent injury or harm.

That would undoubtedly stress you out and maybe even make you lash out too. I suppose it is trying to show that everyone is a victim of the system no matter which side of the fence you are on.

[–] Zombie55 13 years ago

But I'm just saying, aren't there many staff members who could perhaps cover him for that one day? And if he took it anyway without pay, would he then like lose his job?

[–] andyd-1 12 years ago

he forgot to ask in time, he was already rostered to work, he told his wife he applied for a shift change 2 weeks ago, but he didn't.

[–] croshere844 11 years ago

He also was late all the time, think that was addressed in first 5-10 minutes of the movie, and lack of respect to authority kind of brushing it off as "no big deal".

[–] SillyGayBoy 10 years ago

I thought he told the guy he marked it off and he said they were short two guys. I don't think the late part was entirely the reason but maybe a part.

[–] SillyGayBoy 10 years ago

I couldn't get my own birthday off at Wal Mart because too many lazy punks already won't work Sundays. Its lame but its how jobs I've done work unless we work for ourselves, which I currently do.

There is favoritism with people taking days off or they just expect more out of their good workers. Their crap workers also hardly got hours. The movie is not unrealistic. They also said they were short two people.

[–] TheFatDruidofNacyl 9 years ago

The purpose of the scene is to show how stressful a guards job can be and how it can affect their personal life.

As far as the scene itself they were short handed so his leave was canceled. It was a *beep* thing to do but I"m sure it was legal for them to do it. Especially if other officers already called in sick. As someone else said it can also be about favoritism.

Even though my job is sitting in front of a computer, I've been asked to work without a days notice, or have to cancel my vacation day because they were short handed. In fact in my job I can't take a day off unless I can find someone willing to cover my shift. I suspect their jobs would be even more stricter. If you are not willing to work when they need you to work they will find someone else that is willing.

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[–] McQueen1980 9 years ago

It was a plot device so that he was angry that day and kill that kid against the pipe