MovieChat Forums > Knives Out (2019) Discussion > something I've realized bugs me

something I've realized bugs me

posted 4 years ago by ADBruno1985 (3304)
5 replies | jump to latest

Obviously, Harlan didn't *know* he was going to die, which is the only real saving grace in the problem. Granted I've only seen this movie once and it will receive the multiple viewings it clearly deserves once I get it on Blu-ray. So maybe I missed something. But I digress. Anyway.

Harlan was clearly very intelligent and imaginative. After he changed his will to leave everything to Marta, it seems like he should've told her. Okay I know, maybe he wanted it to be a surprise, or maybe he didn't want it to ruin her work ethic or sour her relationship with him or anyone else. However, it seems he would've realized that he'd be putting her in a tough spot to inherit everything like that. Especially with her mother being undocumented. It seems like he could've found a quieter way for it to happen. Or, better yet, he could've helped resolve her mother's legal status while he was still alive, so it wouldn't be hanging over her head during the circus. It's even stated a few times through the movie that Harlan (and now Marta) had resources that could help with this. And Marta's certainly smart, but since he'd had those resources longer, Harlan probably could've cleared that up in a jiffy.

[–] gantz8596 (203) 4 years ago

As you said, He doesn't know that he's gonna die soon. And I think from the few interactions between those two, Harlan did appreciate Marta's work ethic, intelligence (from playing go), and her integrity (she can't lie).

[–] Wint3rFir3 (6929) 4 years ago

I agree with you. He obviously assumed his death was imminent, regardless of the exact when. So talking to her and to her family would've been the least he could've done, to prepare her better against his family.

However, I think this was part of his plan - he wanted her to face off against his family and the unknown waters she'd be treading with them, to earn the money. He was kind of sadistic in that way. All the Thrombeys were supposed to be seen as bad people, Harlan no less.

[–] ADBruno1985 (3304) 4 years ago

^I really like that, thanks

[–] Wint3rFir3 (6929) 4 years ago

No worries.

[–] Philhelm (472) 4 years ago

This part was hokey. It would have made more sense as a motivator if Marta was in the U.S. illegally, since it is unlikely that the police would have gone after her mother. For that matter, I wonder about Marta's immigration status. She had a mild accent, so it would stand to reason that she was not born in the U.S. Maybe she was married at some point or had employer sponsorship.