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Archived from the IMDb Discussion Forums — The Killing of Sister George
ground_x — 18 years ago(July 01, 2007 09:51 PM)
Okay, so I watched this as part of TCM's sweetboy festival; and I am confused. This was not the saddest film in the festival; I'll give that to "The Children's Hour." But in some ways. "Sister George" is more nuanced. Yet am I really supposed to sympathize with George (Reid)because she is "authentic?" She is an abusive, mean drunk. Those around her made her that way?!? Hold up: Let's think about two other films: "The Pawn Broker" and "Once Were Warriors"in both, major characters are mean bastards; in the former, a misanthropic holocaust survivor, in the latter, a marginalized (and violent) Maori. Like George, these protagonists are, to put it mildly, not nice people. Is this more understandable because they are oppressed? Okay, maybe I am the archetype of the straight white liberal who don't get it, but is there not an objective definition of a**hole?!? Molesting nuns and bullying S & M (the cigar butts), for crissake?
As for Childie (York, in a truly brave role), okay, so this is the stereotype of gay arrested development (yeah, many stereotypes do have some basis in reality). But the point is that GEORGE WANTED A BOTTOM. How is this morally superior to Mercy (Mrs. Price) wanting a babydyke? As for Mercy, do bear in mind that this is also a film about limeyswhat we perceive as pretense is their sense of reserve.
Now, as for THE scene: Remember, it starts with Mercy talking to Childie's doll. She is being a polished flirtis this now malevolent? Mercy goes for it But she was not there for a one night standshe takes Childie away. Now, how is this any different from the ubiquitous cop-rescues-hooker-from-pimp fantasy? Why the hell would Childie want to stay in this relationship? Would you? Yeah she's dim bulb, but she is basically kind. (As for her abandoned child, this is forty years agocould she keep her kid?). George may keep it real, but she is almost never kind.
I accept some sociobiology, and I believe that men really do care more about looks, to wit: maybe I unconsciously cut Childie and Mercy more slack because they are physically attractive, and George is not. But I don't think so
Peace,
The Groundhog -
NegligentHero — 18 years ago(July 01, 2007 10:44 PM)
I'd have to say I agree with you. The original poster had good points as far as her being quite the negative influence on "Childie" but, in the end, Sister George really DOES turn out to be the tragic victim of if all, in spite of her obviously flawed characteristics. Tho, I do admit, I also felt a twinge of sadness for Alice as well. In the end, she seemed to be more lost than the afore mentioned hypocrite Mrs. Croft (fully agree 100% with your "closeted politician" analogy"). It's sad that so many lesbian themed films have such tragic endings, yet, some (such as The Children's Hour as well as this one) have such a strong "be yourself no matter WHAT people think of you" message behind them that ultimately I feel as tho the tragedy itself IS the moral. Don't be afraid of who or what you are.
It's a message I learned a long time agoand fortunately have never really had to face.
"Had you fought like a man, you need not have been hanged like a dog!" ~Anne Bonney -
ground_x — 18 years ago(July 02, 2007 02:54 PM)
Thank you for your serious replies. This is why I say, when compared to "The Children's Hour," that "Sister George" is even more nuanced.
First, what do you think of the criticism of negative stereotypes? I find nothing here that is an indictment of lesbianism; these could be any three human beings.
But as for Mercy being "the closted politician"I really will have to watch this again! Because she disapproves of groping nuns?!? I don't see it yet, I just do not see the difference between her pursuit of Childie and the tired cop-rescues-hooker fantasy. (And what incidentally, does Alice lie about? All I heard were paranoid accusations)
Maybe I should not say this, but Mercy and Childie kind of make a nice coupleat least there's no yelling -
NegligentHero — 18 years ago(July 24, 2007 10:58 PM)
As far as the "paranoid accusations" I'd have to watch it again, but you may have a point. And, as for the "no yelling" I think the key word to remember here that's been left out is "yet".
"Had you fought like a man, you need not have been hanged like a dog!" ~Anne Bonney -
knight-in-black-leather — 15 years ago(March 14, 2011 12:55 AM)
That's part of the problem I had with the film: Sister George was completely UNlikeable. I really didn't care for any of the characters and found the acting to be quite absurd and over the top at times. Also, the film was MUCH too long and was very bored by the time the ending finally came.
"This is a faithful sayingJesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief."