Redeeming Jimmy
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Archived from the IMDb Discussion Forums — New York, New York
brazil_chica — 19 years ago(September 29, 2006 03:48 PM)
I know, that sounds horrible, but somebody has to stand up for him! I can't believe I'm actually the only one, even of those who like this movie, who understands Jimmy. I'm not saying that he's a great guy and they should've ended up together afterall (the bittersweetness of the ending fits so perfectly that, despite my initial protestations, it could be nothing else). I'm just trying to present a different point of view from the two-dimensional description of him as a selfish jerk. There's alot more to him than just that.
Personally, I actually see myself falling for a guy like Jimmy. Charming, talented, despite the explosive side. Granted, I wouldn't have the sh*t to put up with him for too long, but then, I'm not a great believer in "living for love". That's just the thing though. Not only were they
both
very honestly in love with eachother, but also, given Francine's submissive nature, its no wonder she lasted. (It only lasted little over a year really, if you think about it.)
You have to understand her own position really. (And I really can't agree with whoever said it was the society of the 40s and what women were like back then - its a lot more about Francine's own character than her situation as a woman.) She did
truly
love him, and despite how cruel he could be sometimes (afterall, "love is blind", isn't it?), he could also be extremely loveable and charming, because, deep down, he also loved her, just never showed it properly - it would almost be against his character if he acted any other way. You have to admit it was extremely romantic how he just rushed her to the nearest justice of peace, just like that, after reading a poem of her's. The way he coaxed her into doing it, however, wasn't, I'll admit, but there you have it.
I guess the contrast between the Technicholourful settings and the dark tone of the story itself was too much for most people. I think it must've taken people by surprise to go watch a musical (which are normally v. happy & gay, and especially, with happy endings) and be confronted with such a heavy drama. I know I was. But I loved it, either way. Maybe it would've been a greater success if it was made into a regular, happy musical (still a parody, if you like, but nonetheless happy), and leave the Jimmy&Francine story for another movie. But then, it wouldn't be the movie we all love so much now.
As an afterthought, I'll just repeat somebody else's question: who
did
Jimmy call that night at the Harlem Club? Any thoughts?
nitwitoddmentblubbertweak -
Chwelve — 19 years ago(October 20, 2006 10:30 PM)
I agree. The Jimmy character is too often given an easy label, when in fact he is a very interesting, very loveable character with a lot of really wonderful characteristics in addition to his flaws. Great great movie
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gazbomb — 19 years ago(December 13, 2006 03:12 AM)
I dont think jimmy called anyone that night in harlem , he just wanted to get away from the unfolding scenario.
francine was clearly working herself up for confrontation before the scene in the club because she knew what was coming next .
Whether jimmy and francine loved each other isnt that important , the film is really about the clash between commercial artists and vanguard artists and whether or not they can coexist . A theme scorcese returns to later in his career.
Jimmy despite his impulsiveness and fecklessness is true to his art and his talent even if sucess evades him , while francine becomes a huge star she has clearly lost control of her life . Despite his cruelty jimmys decision was honorable in a way - he wanted to stay himself .
As scorcese points out sometimes the unhappy ending can lead to a happier ending.
The fact this was made so close to taxi driver is incredible for me -
joliet_jane — 16 years ago(July 16, 2009 12:51 PM)
I thought about it, but nah. Jimmy is a piece of crap. The scene in the car arguing about the baby is horrifying. It's a great thing that women can become successful on their own and leave sexy but awful men like Jimmy behind. That's the only nice thing this movie seems to say.
Now, Jake La Motta
there's
a magnificent beast of a man worth some love!
Hey, did I just do a 3-year bump? I sure did. -
sfla — 15 years ago(November 13, 2010 09:25 PM)
Agree with joliet jane. Jimmy is a pathetic, shallow, uninsightful pig with no honor, no morals, no ethics, no heart, and no intelligence.
He is a pathetic moron.
The type of woman that falls for this kind of guy is either psychologically/emotionally damaged, or charges by the hour. -
lubin-freddy — 16 years ago(January 13, 2010 01:36 AM)
I've just commented on another thread, but I'll repeat myself.
Jimmy is obviously a controlling and violent person. But I agree that he definitely had a redeeming side, as do many difficult Scorsese characters. I see it in a different take on his walking out on Francine and the baby. In many ways he was consciously setting her free, understanding that he was holding her back. It was a kind of self-sacrifice.
"Sometimes you have to take the bull by the tail, and face the truth" - G. Marx