Not the easiest of scenes to watch, but it's that unease that makes them so effective, therefore, so memorable. Both moments are almost interchangeable with one another as they each share common traits (the incredible music, the solitude of the bathroom, the instrument used), specifically the lone character stirring quietly in their own dark thoughts. As they have both passed that point of contemplation, who knows exactly what it is that may be dancing through their heads, but there is clearly a sadness mixed with a false sense of bravery that is plaguing them during their weakest of moments. Two very powerful, poignant and intensely crafted scenes from two wonderful films.
I was just talking about "Rules" not too long ago on a podcast. It was not as good as some of Ellis' adaptions, but there was still something uneasy that kept me watching the whole thing. The scene you featured is a perfect example. Moves slow and makes you squirm. Tenebaum's scene is effective as well but the Rules scene, well, rules of the two.
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ReplyDeleteRules is a lot better than I would've expected before seeing it. There's a few issues, but overall the film is solid with a good performance by Dawson.
And I agree that the Rules of Attraction scene is better than the Tennebaums one. The emotional impact is vastly greater for some reason, though, Tennenbaums is vastly superior otherwise.