What was the point of the violent boyfriend character?
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Archived from the IMDb Discussion Forums — John Q
RynoII — 11 years ago(December 15, 2014 06:03 PM)
The character who beats his girlfriend, who were both taken hostage. When the gf gets the gun, instead of using it on John Q, she decides to mace her boyfriend instead, in order to get back at him.
This came off as such a needless and therefore cheesy subplot, which does not have a theme, that has anything to do with the story. It was just an eye roller for me. Anyone think so? -
Manton29 — 10 years ago(December 02, 2015 05:04 AM)
I was just complaining about that annoying subplot to my wife. Worst thing about the film in my opinion, and there were quite a few things that I felt didn't work very well. It ended up being worthwhile viewing for me, though, largely on the basis of Washington's performance.
If to stand pat means to resist evil then, yes, neighbour, we wish to stand pat. -
Manton29 — 10 years ago(December 02, 2015 05:12 PM)
Update: currently watching deleted scenes with director's commentary. He says that guy was primarily created as someone who would be unsympathetic to divert that unsympathetic attention away from John Q in case he appeared unsympathetic because of what he was doing. Then, he goes on, Washington showed up and it was clear he needn't have worried that John would appear unsympathetic. Also, that violent boyfriend had more scenes that were cut which might have made him feel more necessary/interesting had they remained. Making films is complicated and the edit is often the final draft.
Manton
If to stand pat means to resist evil then, yes, neighbour, we wish to stand pat. -
Toadman005 — 9 years ago(November 01, 2016 01:00 PM)
My favorite scene of the movie is when his abused girlfriend has him helpless on the floor and totally emasculates him with a kick to the balls. Very empowering and humorous, relieving the tension briefly.
Say, do you hear that? It's the sound of the Reaper..