As someone who hadn't read the book before seen the movie...
Posted by Martine on December 11, 1997 at 15:28:06:
In response to Love or just regret?, written by Mary P on December 09, 1997 at 19:48:12
] The last scene of the film showed a sense of sadness and regret, but those who haven't read the novel, wouldn't know that it stemmed from a REAL love for Marianne.
As someone who hadn't read the novel when I first saw the movie (I have since!):
1) I think the fact that he still loves her was quite clear (why else would he have taken the trouble to come and watch Her wedding from high up on a hill, misty eyes and all...) However, I agree that the "love" one perceives in him doesn't have all the background that the confession gives. It isn't as clear and strong as during his explanation of his side of the story (One more thing though: we do learn from Col. Brandon ealier in the movie that Will had meant to propose to Marianne. But that's not the same as hearing the man himself saying he loved her, of course.) And
2) The regret, even the bitterness are, as you pointed out, self-evident in the movie. In that respect, this scene has a touch of genius. I mean that ET managed to concentrate a lengthy explanation of Will's regrets in a few seconds and get to the point. Pretty good, I'd say!
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