MovieChat Forums > Frances Ha (2013) Discussion > Teared up when...

Teared up when...

posted 10 years ago by B_jiffy
11 replies | jump to latest

I teared up when France and Sophie made eye contact at a social gathering after France's show because I thought about an earlier scene in the film where Frances was describing the kind of relationship she wants to have.

So at that scene I knew Sophie was "HER PERSON," her Best friend.

In the earlier scene she said:

"It's that thing when you're with someone, and you love them and they know it, and they love you and you know it... but it's a party... and you're both talking to other people, and you're laughing and shining."

I love this part. The only issue I have is that it was too obvious. I was able to reference that earlier scene right away.

WHat did you think about those scenes? And what was your favorite part of the film?

Are there any other films like this? (like coming of age, trying to find yourself, friendship, lovelorn)

[–] shelemm 10 years ago

It was just a moment, with nothing said about it, so it was as simple, direct, and beautiful as can be.... which is why you teared up.

[–] panteleon2 10 years ago

No it was more than a moment, Frances was very firm in her ideas of the life she would have and that look was one of them. She didn't settle with anything, a boyfriend, a good appartment, easy life, a good work. She wanted things her own way and in the end i think she made it happen.

[–] SamuelLJedi 10 years ago

Yeah thats pretty much how it played for me too. It was a nice arc and ending.

[–] SamuelLJedi 10 years ago

But its an empty realization. I mean, we aren't given anything from Sophie to feel good about her. So neither should Frances. But she does and I think that is what the film maker is typifying about the generation. Empty promises and the fools who believe in them. Frances is the eternal fool. But its a poetic and strong statement by the film maker as in a way we are all fools. This film maker just took it to the next level. Interesting to see where he will go next.

[–] shelemm 10 years ago

Empty for who? Frances seems to get out of that moment just what she hoped for. I thought it was beautiful, and so did the OP. So I'm guessing it was empty for you....

[–] SamuelLJedi 10 years ago

I think the film makers are pointing out that Frances got something out of that moment, but that everyone else was just kind of there like the ending of Black Swan or something. Perhaps they knew her well enough to know what she was thinking. But I didn't get the idea that Sophie or most of the rest of the cast had anything to offer Frances, even if they were as impish as she was. I felt the scene was positive. But there was something missing. Yeah at the end she was getting compliments and everyone was there but everyone was also made out by the film maker to be pretty vapid during most of the film.

[–] pooploserbq 10 years ago

I don't know why I thought she was kind of forcing the moment. she was waiting for her to look her way, it wasn't something that just happened as she said, she waited and waited until she looked, and then she felt happy.

I also think it's the movie's way to say that although Frances has grown a little, she's still obssesed with Sophie... someone very important for her carreer is there saying she did great, that it was her's and it was beautiful and she just ignores it to have this forced "moment" with sophie.

[–] shelemm 10 years ago

I'm sorry it was forced for you, but whenever something doesn't work in a film, it is yet a question of who is at fault.

Here is what happened in the film:

Sophie drifted away from Frances.

Sophie becomes bitter about Frances rejecting her choices.

Sophie realizes the terrible mistakes she made. She admits this privately to Frances.

Sophie goes to see the dance Frances choreographed, reconnecting with her,

Fake moment of bonding? After the profound grief and intimate scene of regret Sophie and Frances went through?

Doesn't make much sense. If she's going to show up at her dance, I think the moment is real and deep. After all, they were once 'the same person, different hair.'

[–] donrocin 10 years ago

Just watched the DVD and liked it a lot. I thought the scene across the room was touching and wasn’t too obvious to me as I didn’t even make the connection with her thoughts on love till I read your post. So thank you. I liked the scenes of her running and the one when she comforted the young girl…I thought they summed her up…kind, always spending herself and getting little back. The last scene with the mailbox was brilliant. I love last scene resolutions. The only movie I can recall about evolving girl friendships was Bridesmaids.

“When you give trousers to a monkey, the trees will end up with lots of scarfs.”

[–] 10 years ago

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[–] henrimaine 8 years ago

I love this part. The only issue I have is that it was too obvious.

That was a great scene. And yes, it was kind of "obvious". I mean, it wasn't a subtle brief eye contact between Frances and Sophie. Rather, Frances openly stared and smiled at Sophie like a fool. But I think the filmmakers made the scene in this manner to show that Frances herself instantly recognized that moment as the kind of moment she had been longing for. That's why she "overacted" during this moment, she was just so happy that the moment had finally arrived.