Did Stevens really love Miss Kenton?
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garydiamond — 17 years ago(January 20, 2009 07:37 PM)
I always conclude that Miss Kenton "settles" for Mr Benn, one of the first men to show her interest outside of her line of work, because she figures that her love is to be forever unrequited. Even later on, when circumstances have changed so drastically, she realises it will always be too late for him to show his true feelings. All those years went by and he never visited - only in the matter of work did he appear. This is the final telltale sign that he will never be able to connect with her as she would want, even though both finally know that it could have been so much more.
It is a shame because the two demonstrate a chemistry - thanks to stellar turns from Thompson and Hopkins - which goes far beyond friendship. If the movie were set some years hence i.e. a society where women are more liberated, she could have pursued him further and perhaps weakened his resolve, leading to a happily ever after. Personally I like off-kilter romantic plots (Eternal Sunshine and Gattaca spring to mind) so I'm glad the ending is so heart-wrenching; it seems more real this way. I'm sure everyone has had some version of the relationship depicted in the film, although perhaps not over such a period of time and told so well. -
rochelle-rochelle — 16 years ago(May 27, 2009 03:42 PM)
when she closes in and tries to get the book from his grasp, watch his eyes: he stares at her longingly the entire time but unable to bring himself to act. He doesn't even try to stop her. He WANTS her that close.
That was the HOTTEST scene I've ever seen Hopkins do on film. I was like wow!!! What sex appeal!! I wanted him to kiss her! His look into her eyes and then to her forehead and hair, oh, hot damn, that was hot!! I was let down that they never admitted their love for each other. She is obviously miserable with her future husband and he refuses to admit his true feelings. I can't imagine going through life "trapped" like that. The ending of the film is very fitting. At first I didn't like it, but when I saw it again the other night, I related him to that pigeon, however the pigeon was freed. Stevens wasn't.
If there's an empty space, just fill it with a line. . even if it's from another show. -
vivian_anderson — 16 years ago(October 13, 2009 08:31 PM)
Stevens was completely thwarted by his father's example, by the expectations that were placed upon him, and the expectations he placed upon himself. He simply could not bring himself to breach the retaining wall of his dignity and express his love for Miss Kenton, and because of this, he was a prisoner.
Each expression of beautiful manners and decorum was like another bar in a jail cell.
But it kept him safe from risk. And what a tragedy that was in the end. -
monarchgirl-1 — 17 years ago(February 16, 2009 10:44 AM)
I think Stevens really did love Miss Kenton but felt that because of his responsibilities towards the house as butler that he could not devote the time to her and the house. I also thought that he was extremely insecure in terms of that he doesn't deserve and that he is too good for her.
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BlondeIsBetter — 17 years ago(March 15, 2009 11:58 AM)
Well this is the question of the entire film I think yes, he did love her. A lot of British men are like Stevens, it is very typical. I actually have a relationship like this, with, yes, a British man, emotionally distant. When they do let down their guard, it is just like leaving these tiny little clues, they let down their guard in spite of themselvesThen, when they realize that they have revealed too much, the wall goes back up, even stronger than ever.
It is very heartbreaking This is such a wonderful, beautiful, and realistic film. I love it. This is really I think the best Merchant Ivory film, and might even be Anothy's best, even though I love Silence of The Lambs This performance is, well, superb Love this film..