Would your enjoyment of the film diminish if there wasn't a vague presumption that the woman would seek to initiate a relationship with the protagonist because he saved her life? In your opinion would the film be as well reviewed if it played out exactly the same but the male pilot survived?
shareYes.
The injured person had to be a woman for several reasons. As you said, there’s a vague assumption that he and the girl may have a relationship after survival. He was also a guy alone for (probably) a very long time, so you should assume he wanted or needed the company of a female. Psychologically, looking after a woman may have motivated him a little more than looking after a man. You could see this subtle sexual / intimate / romantic layer in some scenes, like when he’s holding her hand and asking her to squeeze. This detail would have been lost if the injured person were a man.
On your first point, no.
On your second point, I don't know.
You're leading a bit much in your questions. Does it matter to me, the viewer? For my part it does to me. I'm more sympathetic with it being a woman than if it was a man. Also knowing she's a mother makes it even more so.
My enjoyment of the film would be bigger (and there was none) if it was slightly explained how he was cleaning her with no spare clothes, lack of hot water, let alone the diapers, etc. But... after the crapfest 'The Terror' was I'm really like ready for anything!
shareI have to agree that The Terror was terrible. I hate to say it, not having seen the whole thing, but once it came down to twisting it into some tale of paranormal (or at least fantastical) horror story I lost total interest. It could have been such a great story without having to deviate from the known truths.
share
No, but I did enjoy that possible subtext.
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