text:
Here's your spoiler post for today. Talk to your hearts content about the movie in the comments here only.
Please don't post spoilers in any of the other threads. Thanks
I live in Italy, so that I will be able to see the movie not before March 26th, but I'd like to add my two cents' worth to the debate this film has stirred because of its ending. Also the history of our country has been affected by devastating events such as the Holocaust, Nazism, war and terrorism. Many films which dealt with those subjects both in direct and indirect way, however staying far from stereotypes, stirred lots of discussions. Beyond the fact everyone is free to enjoy or not to enjoy seeing a given film, imho its message is the key, and here is, remembering is a must. Simply because those events did happen and change the lives of many millions of people, even the destiny of entire nations. Perhaps a film is not the right way to remember them, but in our everyday lives we are so absorbed in our problems that we often lose our civic memory sense, so also a film, a book, a newspaper's article, can be useful to bring us back to times which finally are not so faraway and think to those people who lost their own lives or their beloved ones. Even if it's just for a thought or a prayer. This matters, too. The courage of such a choice in this movie must be highlighted especially since, in Robert's case, it deserves double consideration due to his young age and to the fact he's the biggest star among young actors right now. He could have done much simpler choices or even simply keep reveling in Twilight's glory for a bit longer. Instead he made a significant step exposing himself to people's judgment, which can be harsh. The debate aroused by this film make me think of the strength hidden behind some choices, and of the courage of those who dare to make them. This, imho, is more important than any Box Office figure.
*stands and applauds*
Does anyone remember if there is a low sound of an airplane during the window scene? (not the whole scene, just for some secs). I keep trying to remember but I can't. I think there was a sound but I'm not sure..
vafla, I was thinking that, too. Very subtle...
Wholeheartedly agree! There are reviews out there that just don't get it...the main premise of the movie or the overall big picture.
Thanks for your insightful comment.
Will be watching the movie again a few times this week...my little way to support Rob. :)
I know for sure there was the sound of people in the aftermath - the scrambling, the panic - maybe sirens, but I don't specifically remember airplanes.
I loved this movie!! I thought it was a good regular movie until the second half! That's when I got more into the characters. I can't stop thinking about this movie. When I replay the scenes in my head it just goes to the end of the movie! Like it's so sad. Towards the end is where I got emotional! I would like to see this movie again and see the details I missed. I could probably get deeper in the movie that way. But I don't want to cry again!! Lol!
@Vafla89 I have been trying to remember that too! Urg it's driving me nuts! I think there was.
@Debora. Your speech made me tear up, it's that good. Well said, sweetie, really well said.
@Debora... May I applaud you also on your excellent post. I saw the movie and you first see the actor you love and then you see Tyler and you no longer see RP. He was that good for me. One of his co-star from another movie said that he was bold after seeing the movie.
I am very proud of this actor and as I fan, as you said he could ride the Twilight fame and do any old thing... but, he said he read alot of scripts and he like this one. I think he was bold to do it and as I just finish reading Water for Elephants... I can just see him as the character. I think he have the talent to embodied any role/character he tackles... I think he's that good.
Just my two cents.
I saw RM on Friday and then again on Monday. There is so much to say, but I will post one thought. Rob's performance as Tyler was very well done.
I thought it was good on Friday when I watched everyone in the movie - usually whoever was talking, but when I went in on Monday I completely focused on Rob - the goal was to never take my eyes off of him :). I tried to be very objective and I kept in mind any bad comments that had come out in the reviews about him.
Being as objective as I could, I again thought he was great. I truely believed that he was Tyler and I sympathized with the character. When the movie was over I wanted to watch more of him. I thought the performance was subtle and nuanced.
Although the week has been an emotional rollercoaster for me - I get really hurt when I read anything bad about him (by the way I thought most of the reviews were quite positive for him - not necessarily the movie) - but after watching him a second time, I actually felt uplifted because I felt that there is no question for me, that I want to seem him in more films.
I think his style is somewhat understated - but I really like that - a lot.
@Vafla89... I don't remember hearing anything... I was just so shocked after seeing the date and realized what was happening. Sorry.
I've seen it a couple times and might go see it tonight or tomorrow night. I read the review in People magazine and it just seemed they missed the movie completely..But I didn't expect much from People anyway.
I love this movie and for what it's worth, I'm ridiculously proud of Rob.
Please, vote for Rob in Box Office.
@vafla89: As I recall, the only point at which there is some ambient sound is on the wide shot of the two buildings. It is not determined - it could be the wind, it could be the low rumble of an engine, it could be an orchestral - I think the audience provides the specifics.
Tomorrow I'm going to see RM again :D
Thanks to everyone who answered my question! You ladies rock! :))
I think there was a very subtle sound.. I'll try to find some time and go see it again tomorrow! I hope I'll be able to pay more attention at the details now that I know exactly what's coming!
I'm going again this afternoon with another friend. I really love this movie and there is something about seeing Rob bigger than life at the Cineplex that is so addictive. I'm on spring break this week and plan to see it several more times with other friends before the week is out. The critic for our local newspaper wrote an excellent positive review about the movie and also about Rob. One of the things he noticed was the cinematography and how the dark and brooding hues of the beginning of the film gave way to lighter, brighter colors as Ally and Tyler fell in love, almost as if Tyler was being lifted out of the dark and into the light. I want to look for that when I watch the film this afternoon.
Haha did anyone else find that bathoom just so disgusting?! I thought the shower scene was cute but the shower was just gross! lol.
Hi guys. Finally got my internet hooked up. Looooooooong story. You don't wanna know. It's killed me to be offline till 'just now' and missing out on the reaction and debate to this film. I've looked around a little before coming here to comment and having read the script nearly a year ago, I'm not at all surprised by some of the reactions. I saw it coming. To my great relief, they aren't as bad as I thought they might be (although I've only glanced at some of it). Had they followed that original script this movie could have ended up a MAJOR nightmare for Summit. In the original story, they lead the audience to believe that it is 'present day' and that Michael died on September 11, when in fact he died in the first WTC bombing in February of '93. Then when we discover that, no, it is NOW September 11 and Tyler is standing in that buidling, well...that would have been a sucker punch of such proportions that it would have unleashed one hell of a shit storm down on this movie. But I'm glad they changed it. I'd heard about the changes and thought that they were wrong, that they should have left the original story intact. But having seen the film (four times in two days), the changes were correct. They did it just right. I could go on for days about this film and, but I'll try to break it up into several posts and not just one mammoth one.
But I wanted to say something to Debora's comment...
I agree with what you're saying, but another of my fears concerning this film is that -for Americans at least- maybe they were broaching this subject matter just a bit too soon. We are not even 10 years removed from this event, and we are not walking around with just scars from this. We are still bleeding from it. We may not talk about it much but it's still right there, right under the surface of our skins. Especially for the people of New York City (from the moment I layed down that script, I wondered how that city would handle this story). However, I think they told this story 'just right.' It wasn't an overwrought, sentimental, heart wringing tear jerking mess (although I wept, believe me, I wept). It's a beautiful film and the message of it is so simple and one that we all know...live your life, every minute of every day because no one knows how many minutes or days that we've got.
I've got lots more to say but I'll give it a rest for now. Except to say this...my instincts about Robert Pattinson were correct from the beginning. He is going to be a movie star. He IS a movie star. He was born to it. And don't pay too much attention to crtics. They hated 'Precious' too when it first came out. I'll talk some more about box office in a bit.
Missed you guys.
Christine, I think you have hit on the thing that made this show so real to me. The bathroom was such a bachelor pad bathroom. Complete with mold and taped up holes.
This film was just "real" to me. I did not feel as if I were watching a movie but rather a voyer in people lives which is why the end held such impact for me. To me it was brilliant film making!
Greetings from a storm-wrecked town. I have not been online since Saturday night, when everything went out--power, phone, etc.
It will take a while for me to catch up on previous posts--if there is anything anyone wants me to really read, let me know please.
Deborah, yes! In this way, the film reminded in part of Schindler's List, where at first we see a little girl in a red coat, and Schindler watches her, as if hoping she can get away, hoping she is safe. We watch the girl, wanting her to get away from what we know is being done. And sadly we soon see her lifeless form, still in her little red coat, on a wagon of bodies, of lives destroyed. From what i recall of the film, it was this that informed and affected Schindler enough to save whomever he could.
Remember Me followed the life on an individual, a member of a family, a friend, a lover and potential mate, a thinking thoughtful post-adolescent with all the time in the world to grow and love and do something in the world. And suddenly there was no time left at all. On a previous Spoiler post, from when I was last here (Saturday night) I tried to get across why the ending of Remember Me was not only logical but was integral, organic to the film, that there were over 2800 Tylers in NYC that day, over 2800 families, over 2800 friends, etc-- so many lives that had gone on with love and anger and everything else life has--just destroyed. Like the little girl in the red coat was a symbol of millions murdered, Tyler was, for me, not just a person wtih a life cut short, but rather a symbol beyond his own life, of those murdered that day, and the rest whose lives went on forever changed.
In my culture, we have a teaching: Whoever destroys a life, destroys a whole world; whoever saves a life, saves a whole world. Tyler and all that he could do in this world, all that he could love and work for and change and add to, were eliminated, blotted out, and so many other lives attached to his, or that could have been affected by himself, were destroyed at least in part. Think of that times millions-- or even 2800, and understand this film. It truly appears to me that many of the critics just did not understand. Perhaps we can have a charity ball to raise the funds to buy them a clue.
On Friday, I went to see the movie with my aunt and literally every time they showed just a bit of the bathroom, she would say, "Oh my gosh, that bathroom is grossing me out." XD and on Sunday I went with my cousin (her daughter) to see the movie and she made the same comments. She actually just commented on how disgusting the entire apartment was.
Welcome back, Nikola! I was worried about you!
BTW-- I got to hear and see Bobby Long last night! My first concert that was not religious, or myself performing!
I do not understand why this lad is not better known. He is just magnificent.
Haven't posted here in a while but just wanted to put my two cents in. I've seen RM twice and as a New Yorker who lived through 9/11, I'd have to say that the ending was done without an ounce of disrespect or romanticizing. I also feel that many critics were were overly harsh because they didn't want to appear insensitive (and for some because it's apparently become fashionable to bash on Rob). As for the movie being emotionally manipulative, I think all films are manipulative by their very nature. RM was a well crafted and well acted film and however anyone feels about the ending shouldn't diminish from that.
I also think that the movie (because it succeeds in making you care for the families involved) personalizes the loss for many people (including many who were just kids when it happened) who may have only had a secondhand or even abstract conception of the horror of that day and if those people came away from the movie (as many have) with a better understanding and deeper appreciation for their life and loved ones, then that can't be a bad thing.
That being said, my problem with the whole thing is that not everyone (especially those directly affected by 9/11, who lost parents, children, friends, and significant others) wants to deal with the resurgence of horrific memories and emotions in public (i.e., in a movie theatre, possibly with company). Yes, once you are watching the movie it's fairly easy to deduce where the movie is going. But I really wish Summit had been more vocal about the events of the movie taking place in 2001 NYC so that those who did not want to go back there shouldn't have had to. Had this been marketed better, all those people might not have felt blindsided and offended where no offense was intended.
I live in Toronto, Canada, and didnt even know who Robert Pattinson was,until January of this year.
This film is not a hollywood blockbuster, but its message is simple, and clear. Love each day like its your last, dance like no one is watching.
We hang onto resentments too long, we brood about the smallest things, because it is easier to play the victim, then to take charge of our lives.
Tyler is a victim of this also, ( but so are his parents) and then finally when he gets it, his life is taken from him in the most bizarre way.
The message I took away was that when a loved one dies loss is devastating, but how you rise up from it is your choice.
Tyler chose to blame the world, Ally decided to live her life. Two different perspectives resulting from similar losses.
The ending is perfect because watching Tyler the entire movie being mad at the world, means nothing when you loose him at the end , you dont care, you just miss loving him regardless of his faults...
That is the take home message, we love people no matter what, why cant we tell them when they are here why do they have to die for us to bring the mirror to our faces.
@Debora . . . you made me cry! including your understanding of Rob's brave choice in Remember Me ... you made your point well.
@Nik: Hi, there. Look forward to your views, which I'm sure will be prodigious. :)
@Christine: they spent a long time getting the grunge just right. Right is when your mother (or aunt) would say: Disgusting! Give me a cleanser and a sponge...I kid you not...lol Only mis-step was that the toilet was way too clean - but I think they took pity on Em...
@Solas: I agree that many critics were quick to judge, but not to assess...
We should post Deborah's comment against the bad reviews of this film . . . Deborah, you are a much better analyst! I just read your post over and over, and I just gasp in awe!
All you ladies have the best comments!
Rob, see how much we care about you? Heard from somewhere that you have a few friends monitor certain blogs--hope you read all this :)
Dammit girl, WTH??? Glad you're back...
So glad you got your Bobby fix...he's amazing...
Seeing Remember Me again today after work, #7 for me...
Yes, I am obsessed....
I think Rob was the only actor that could have played Tyler. And using Pierce as his dad was brilliant. This movie affected me so much. It was exactly as I pictured it.
Bachelor pads are dirty pigstys ladies. And the buildings in NY are very old. Their apartment was a reflection of that. Neither Tyler nor Aidan was responsible enough to even repair the deadbolt.
Did you also catch the filthy windows? At least the couch and bed was clean looking...
RPG, you do have it bad.... 7 times already. hehehe
Are you obsessed perhaps?
FILTM - Too.
I'm not sure if I'm allowed to post this here but this quote is from Kristen Stewart (Parade Magazine, March 16th, 2010)
I wholeheartedly agree with her.
Her review of Robert Pattinson in Remember Me.
"I think he's bold and different. It wasn't an easy character to play. I thought he was really good in it."
I haven't really posted about RM since I saw it, but I've had some more time to think about it, & I have to say that up until the end, it was a good movie. Once it gets to the 9/11 stuff, I feel it just becomes manipulative.
I don't have a problem with Tyler dying, I just don't see why 9/11 was pulled out of thin air. He could have died many different ways without the gut punch of the Twin Towers. After they show him in the building & everyone looking up, that's it, there's nothing else about 9/11 in the movie. All the aftermath scenes could be anywhere, in any city. If they had really wanted 9/11 to mean something, we should have seen more of New York afterwards. Instead there was that brief little bit so the audience could go OH!, & then nothing else.
I don't have a problem with 9/11 being in a movie because it happened & nothing can change that, but if you're going to use it, then you damn well better not minimize it into a trivial moment designed to rip emotions from an audience.
@Debora: ITA about Rob taking risks and making bold choices. I think his next two projects reflect the same spirit. Like you, I hope, despite the drubbing, he has the courage to believe in himself, and continue to risk, because it's infinitely more interesting to watch him in something like RM or Bel Ami, than any number of 'safer' projects he could have chosen.
I really get irritated when I read critics saying that the ending to this movie is "unforgiveable" and "insensitive". It has almost been ten years, and while it is a heart-wrenching time in our history, we need to be reminded. What did the signs say all over Ground Zero in the days after the attacks? Never Forget 9-11-01. Not to mention the fact that the matter was broached very tastefully. This movie has left me reeling, and those are always the best movies for me. There is nothing better than coming into contact with something that puts you in a different mindset and gets you to think.
On another note, Robert Pattinson was amazing in this movie. I can't wait to see him in future roles.
I have to say that Robert is really, really freaking good looking on screen---is he that good looking in person?
His screen presence is so strong and magnetic, you can't take your eyes off him. Emilie Ravin surprised me! She got a strong screen presence too, not as magnetic, but equally strong. That's why the movie is strong-the characters---all of them are strong. The whole darn movie was good! Can't believe the bad review. Specially critics who says Emilie & Robert has no chemistry!
I don't get it being pulled out of thin air - they said 1991 in the first scene, then 10yrs later, making it 2001. There was major press of a huge twist ending. It shows that it went through the summer (beach scene) school restarting for the little girl. His death could have happened another way, but I think they slowly lead you there. the little girls hair cut got more gasps in the theater I was in than the ending
Box Office...
Yes, I am disappointed in that it opened under 10 million as I was hoping for something closer to 20 mil. However, it had some pretty stiff competition especially with Alice. I think this one could have 'legs' though. Oh, it'll never hit a 100 million, but it could pick up a little steam. I think word of mouth on this will be very good and some will go see it because of that and others knowing that it deals with 9/11 will stay away. I'll be honest. If Rob were not in this film and I'd heard how it ended, I would not go see it. We've had two other films that dealt with this but they were actual recreations of that day and I still haven't seen them. This is the FIRST time we have placed a fictional character in that event and yes, while that is a very dicey propostion, it is also a very brave one. We've got to face this sometime, I just wonder if less than 10 years removed, is not just a bit too soon. But it is a beautiful film and I suspect it will do better around the world than here in America.
And we cannot expect that every film that Rob makes is going to be a several hundred million dollars hit like the Twilight films. That just simply is not going to happen. But overall he got good reviews and I think the assumption is, he's here to stay and he's going to a major career beyond Twilight. He is.
Got more to say (you're kidding), but I'll come back in a bit.
Saw it yesterday and I completely fell in love with it. I took my friends with me and they weren't Rob fans at all and they completely fell in love with him after seeing it. I did cry at the end (who didn't!). I liked the meaning behind the film. It was just perfect and I think I actually like Rob in this movie more than in any of the Twilight movies. He did an amazinggggggg job:)
@Solas: re Bobby - do I here the beginnings of a freshly minted 'follower?' ;) Great you enjoyed the gig.
@Marna: this is what I felt about the ending: Reverence. Allan Coulter directed that ending with Reverence....you can feel it, and that is why your heart got tug a little and you cry a little. And Robert standing by the window was so haunting, I still can't forget it. There is NO explosion, NO falling, NO action, NO bright lights, NO gushing of tears, NO devastation - - - just a faint bell sound, sounding slow, faint, reverently summoning us to listen and focus.
mrna--I so don't get that. I did not see it minimized or trivialized, nor did i see it as pulled out of thin air. It was present in my mind the entire film, from the time it showed Aly's mother murdered as 1991, and then showed 'ten years late.' Maybe I am just too weird, but my mind automatically calculated that this was now taking place in 2001, summer, in NYC. My weird mind, burned with the memories and effects of the attacks, right away defined the film as occuring just before the attacks, because those attacks were a defining moment that changed everything-- the world for many of us would now be defined as pre- or -post-9-11-01.
Not worry for the box office, the movie has got one week and we must be pacient to see the good numbers.
But, it´s very difficult to be air at the same time against a big production and more a movie with Johnny Depp ans it´s not the same being in 4000 theatres to 2000 foe example, they don´t compit with the same "wheapons".
The most important is the quality and the critics can think that Rob is more that Edward Cullen and he can act a lot od characters.
The box office in the US don´t care, a lot of movies don´t well there and in Europe is a successfull.
I can´t wait to see the movie in Spain.
Wow Tree - welcome to the world of Rob - I can't believe you have only found him 2 months ago.
My fave parts of the movie were all of the scenes with Rob and Ruby - he was so sweet and caring with her and loved the comment Aiden made to Emilie when he said he'd only seen Tyler look at one other female the way he looked at her and she was much shorter and shared his DNA!!
So many scenes I loved - took my neighbor to see it who had no idea of any of it and she loved it.......she's very critical too so I thought that said a lot.
@Kathie - I'm so sorry that the ending of the movie had such an effect on you.
I hope you can come to the realization that they were trying to get people to show more love to each other, trying to get us to not take advantage of those we love because anything can happen to take it away and that wasa very tragic reason that the movie depicted.
We had discussed this reaction in earlier threads and feared it's response - please don't blame the movie for bringing it up again - blame Bin Laden - the asshole we have yet to catch after 9 freakin' years..........and we have to remember what he and his hellions did to us and never forget the innocent victims of that horrific day.
sgh--that's ten years lateR.
AP-- I met some lovely people whilst waiting for the doors to open, and they each came from far away and do so for most if not all of Bobyy's gigs! I was blown away! One woman said she spent $750 for the long weekend; she came from canada and has gone to see Bobby 47 times, saving her vacaton and sick days just for himself! Some were from Virginia, some from California, and they go all over the place in the states and Canada to see Bobby! He recognizes them at this point. They guided me through the process and as there wre no seats, we as first in line went right up to the stage! They got his song list when he was done, and his guitar pick! They all have his autograph at least once, and they all were taking what appeared to be moving pictures rather than just photos (not sure quite what it is, technoklutz that I am) with their cellphones.
I do not see myself being a fan like that; I plan to get his CDs and perhaps see him when he is local to wherever I am, but simply not in my character to get autorgraphs, take photos, collect stuff, or follow ANYONE like that. But he is surely worth going to see and hear.
@Marna - so sorry it effected you that way.
It was gut wrenching.......but a fictional story that dealt with real life issues and inevitably - real life events.
There were many ways to find out about the ending prior to going to the movie by reading online, reading the script, talking to other posters, reading spoiler threads.
Would you have gone to see the movie if you had known the ending ahead of time? Marna and Kathie?
Hey RPG. Hey Ap. Hey Solas. Hey everybody. Hey.
You guys are hitting some nails on heads here, especially that Tyler represented all of those lives so randomly taken. Depending on the choices we might have made in our lives, anyone one of us could have been in those towers or on those planes at that exact moment. And those who died? Depending on their choices? They could have been somewhere else at that exact moment.
I didn't feel that this was exploitive at all and I feared that it could have been. They did it just right. But, Kathie said something here that I have also worried about; those who were too close to all of this and how they might react. I have worried about 9/11 families and their reactions. The emotional trauma that this could trigger. It did with me and I knew it was coming.
I don't know if I've shared this here. I don't think so as I've tried to be careful about what I've posted about all of this. I used to live just two blocks south of the WTC on Broadway across from Trinity Church. Our bedroom and living room windows faced the towers and every morning when I opened the blinds, that is what I would see. I left NY in the summer of 1999 and moved to Washington, DC. On the morning of 9/11, I was living in McLean, VA., kitty corner from the CIA and about 4 miles from the Pentegon. I suffered from post traumatic stress for several years and it took me nearly five years to be able to get back on a plane again (I had it in my crazy head that planes were 'evil'). And this is why I was having such a fit over this script, the original one. I just couldn't imagine how people were going to react who had no clue as to what was coming. And I thought they needed to leave it that way. But I was wrong. They had to make these changes. Had they suckered punched the audience into thinking that 9/11 was in the past, oh my god. It would have been horrible.
As for critics...yeah, alot of them were/are gunning for 'vampire boy.' It's to be expected and he's going to have to spend the next several years winning them over. And some he never will. But his standing in the industry is FIRM. And THAT is what matters. He's going to be just fine.
Two things and then I'll shut up.
That bathroom? OH! MY! GOD! And that apartment. Went I first saw it, I started laughing and thought...holy shit, they found mine and Hughie's apt. I swear, ours was in the same shape. Although we were in Hell's Kitchen (I did in the East Village for awhile though, in an even worst one). It was so damn realistic. THAT is exactly what apts. (for the young and struggling) look like in NYC. I've always hated it when they depict characters who are waitressing or working in video stores, yet they live in these 'nice' apts. That is total Hollywood bullshit. They nailed it here. And that tub? When I moved in with Hugh (strictly platonic) his roomate (that I was dating), moved out (I told him I'd date him, but I wouldn't live with him. So, he moved two blocks over which was really stupid 'cause he was over at our place all the time anyway. Still...I wasn't 'officially' living with him. Oh who cares?) But I had to scrub that bathroom for two hours just to get to the point where it merely looked dirty. Boys are pigs. God love 'em.
Tyler's journal and Charles. Next post.
@Solas: wow - 47 times? Now that's a serious 'groupie.' I didn't imagine you might be in that category, but sounds like he has a fan, all the same. And CD's don't cost quite as much as airfare. lol
Christine - the bathroom was icky - but it was a guys pad........Tyler had said "we live like pigs" so it wouldn't fit into the scene if it were spotlessly clean.
In the VIEW interview - Barbara Walters alluded to the shower scene and what happened afterward.......like they had jumped right into bed after it but they didn't. And she kept mentioning his "fangs" - sweet Rob never said a word to correct her...........she's clueless like so many others who are quick to judge him when they know nothing about it.
That EW thread was making me really angry - I had no idea there were so many that want to see Rob fail. I've only visited sites where people LOVE him so much - that made me sad but it also showed how much emotion Rob stirs in people - almost every post was about him in some way.........and they had Damon, Depp and DiCaprio to talk about too...........I guess everything has already been said about them so the sharks are onto the new guy in town.
What a crappy business it is.
I really would not blame Rob if he bowed out of it for a long break after BD and WFE and became a producer and worked behind the scenes. Would hate to not be able to SEE him but would understand the need to escape the personal slings and arrows of the press and critics all over.
good post Debora
Personally, I didn't feel 9/11 comes out of nowhere. You're told from the beginning that it's 1991 with the NYC skyline and Twin Towers in the background. They discuss terrorism in Ally and Tyler's Global Politics class early on. You're always reminded that it's NOT present day (smoking in bars still allowed, American Pie 2 in the cineplex, Jackie Mason greeting you in a cab). Tyler goes downtown every morning. The music is ominous. It's 2001. In NYC. So no, I don't think it's a twist ending.
But it is a surprise for those people who walked into it expecting a romantic drama (which was how it was marketed). It's a real shame that the end is overshadowing the merits of this movie. There will always be detractors but I really think the reactions would've been less harsh had the 9/11 element not been a surprise because I think the harsh criticism is a knee-jerk reaction to the shock and an angry response to feeling duped more than the actual use of 9/11 which has been used countless times on television dramas (Law & Order for instance). I know people don't like spoilers but in this case I think marketing it as as family drama taking place in 2001 NYC would've prepared people (critics included) to judge the film based on merit.
For the record, I thought Rob was wonderful and will see this again. I brought my 65 yr old mother and a co-worker and I think Rob now has two new fans who will recommend this film. So I think RM will have legs. And that Rob will be fine. But we've all agreed to prepare people and tell them ahead of time that the story is set in NYC 2001 because I still can't forget that one woman who ran out of my theatre in tears when she realized what was happening.
I don't understand why the 9.11 ending is so offensive to many people. It was a real tragic event in history. It was used in a right and tasteful way in a movie which is supposed to be based on reality.
Why no one has issued with movies that are based on Iraq war, Vietnam war, Pearl Harbor, etc? Will it be better if 9.11 is mentioned in a movie 50 years later?
I think many critics are so prejudice and unfair to the movie.
Welcome back Nikola6... I was waiting to read all your review and thoughts.
@Nik: I posted on earlier spoiler threads about the ending, so won't reiterate, but I agree with you about the way they handled it, and the need for the change.
Yeah, I used to get so mad when watching movies set in NYC and they'd show these huge loft apts or ones with with incredible views, definitely not rent-controlled, and they'd be occupied by couriers, or booksellers, or students. Well, there are some incredible apts available, as for Columbia Uni staff, but that's the exception, not the norm in Manhattan, or even Park Slope. Or even Hoboken. lol So I was all for the grunge...in fact, I knew a guy who worked at the Strand and his apt was similar although he didn't have so much stuff - I think the movie version was a little 'over-dressed.' ;)
Okay. Going back to read comments and my fears are being realized. I haven't read all the critics comments but I hear you saying that some are angry over using this tragedy to tell this story. And then Marna's comments. This was my fear. And this is why I'm so glad they changed it from it's original concept. THAT was the total sucker punch and had they gone that way, this film would be causing a MAJOR controversay. Believe it or not, they softened it. And it didn't come out of mid air.
The opening shot of Ally and her mother on the train platform? What is in the background? The twin towers. As Roger Ebert said, from the opening shot, this film didn't cheat us. They gave us the date...1991 and then told us...TEN YEARS LATER. We saw Caroline's school term end, we went to a beachhouse, we KNEW we were in the summer of 2001. Labor Day was mentioned. The story was leading us closer. When Tyler took Caroline back to school after those little bitches hurt her (when he swung that kid's desk around, that was so freakin' great), there on the blackboard it said...Thursday, September and the rest was blocked. Oh yeah, they dropped breadcrumbs the whole way. But you had to pay attention.
But this is why I was so against people going into this spoiler free. Not with this film. I always thought that people should know so that they would have a choice in seeing it or not. This wasn't just another movie. This happened. People died. And we haven't dealt with it yet. And I feared the emotions that might be triggered again because of this. It was all I could do not to come to this blog and scream...'YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE GOING IN'. But I couldn't. I'd have been banned.
And yes, I thought that if they didn't have Michael die as orginally written (in the first bombing), then havin Tyler die in second attack would have been exploitive in the extreme. Why use that event? For what reason except to tie it to his brother's death? That was the original ironic twist of the story. But, I don't know. Having seen it, I'm okay with it. The REAL sucker punch was gone and I didn't see having Tyler die that way as being exploitive. I saw it as being RANDOM and I realized that ALL of those deaths were random.
I am so sorry for those who have been hit hard by this. I know that I am reeling from it and I knew what was coming. This thing is haunting me. I can't shake it. Truthfully, since I read that script nearly a year ago, it has put me right back to that day. For nearly a year now, a day hasn't gone by that I haven't thought about it. I still say it's a beatiful film and it will more appreciated in the future than it is today. One day we'll be able to look more directly at this and then I believe this film will be seen in it's true light. Sometimes, we need perspective in order to truly 'see' something for what it is. I believe it will be seen as brave as it is the first one to tackle this.
Still gonna talk about Charles and that journal. In a bit.
So agree on all points...
The ending did not come out of nowhere at all...it was leading up to it the whole time...all the hints were there...we knew it was 2001, we knew it was summer, (school out) and then labor day..
I thought Will, Allen & Rob handled it so gracefully & respectfully....
@Debora: Well, said.
Oh, and the bathroom/shower/apartment...
@vafla89: I don't recall the sound of a plane.
@ Debora: *Standing ovation* Non avrei saputo dirlo meglio! ;D
In Italy, we have had our good share of terrorist attacks, Left and Right, between the Red Brigades, Armed Revolutionary Nuclei (the train bomb attack at Bologna station in 1980 was a close one for me: that was the train my family and I should have been on, but we ended up taking the one before), and not to mention the Mafia, blowing up our streets (one of the reasons why I moved to Australia)... but in my memory we were never hit by something as *massive* as 9/11. As I said, I was so horrified when it happened that I couldn't even think, but only now and thanks to Remember Me was I able to make a *real*, personal connection with this tragedy. That's why I can't stop thinking about it, I reckon.
Tyler is a fictional character, but getting to know him, he becomes real and you start to really understand, at a deeper level, that behind each of those 2800 people there was a story, a family, a life, a person with a whole life to live that was suddenly destroyed without a real reason. Each one of those lives by itself was a *huge* loss and it is good that every now and then someone reminds us of what was lost that day, because our memory *does* tend to blur way too quickly, sometimes.
NIkola--to me, it was not a choice. No one chose that morning, saying, Planes are going to hit and I might die but I choose to go here anyway. Even the rescuers had no idea they were in danger after the attacks; did not know about the buildings' structures. So it wasn't actual choice; it was life. Just part of everyday life, with life taken away.
I have suffered PTS not only from the attacks (became afraid of clear blue skies and airplane engine sounds for a while), but also have survived terror attacks and even after over 30 years, it still comes back to me--it is more like constant stress syndrome. Everything on th enews, so many movies, even certain clothing-- freaks me out and makes me want to take cover. I think that is one reason I liked the ending in Remember me better-- it wasn't graphic or maudlin.
I thought it was ironic that Tyler was at his dad's office and his dad was NOT. His father should have died, but no, didn't happen that way. That is so realistic to me and gut wrenching. Its a film that will NOT be forgotten, in my book anyway. Its a classic for me.
Welcome back Nik, everyone has missed you, and it's always such a pleasure to read your posts!
@Femroc, I DID know the ending before seeing the movie, so I didn't get the shock of the surprise. I knew how it would end, but not the specifics.
I have to admit, that I have a connection (I'm sure there's a better word, I just can't thin of it) to 9/11 that colors how I feel about it even more, so maybe that's why I'm having this reaction. I'm a native New Yorker/New Jersey/East coast girl who now lives in California. Without going into the whole tedious story, I was the legal guardian of my mother. She was living in a nursing home, & had Alzheimers. Around 5:00AM on the morning of 9/10, I received a phone call from the nursing home telling me my mother had died. Because I was the legal guardian, I couldn't just get on a plane & immediately go to NJ, I had to fax signed documents all over the place to take care of her. I was going to go back home on the 11th. I was woken up on the 11th by a phone call from my boss checking to make sure I wasn't on a plane, & that's how I found out about the attacks.
Needless to say, I was not able to get back to NJ, my nephew made all the arrangements for her cremation, & I wasn't even able to say goodbye. Even though my mother's death was from natural causes, & had nothing to do with the attacks, I will never be able to separate the two. I think that's why I just don't like to see the events of 9/11 treated like an afterthought.
@Cheer I think the difference is that when people go to a Pearl Harbor, Iraqi or Vietnam war movie, they know what they're getting into. If they think they can't handle it emotionally, they stay away. That's not the case here.
As for people hating Rob...
Oh yeah. He shot to worldwide major superstardom (what am I saying? he's Edward Cullen; a worldwide cultural phenomenom) in less than a year and for some, he's just a Zak Effron wannabe (who's ugly and has not talent) who got lucky with a franchise that they think is a piece of shit anyway. He's got lots of detractors. And all he can do is work hard over the years and try to win 'em over. And some he will. And some he won't.
Not a big deal. Some hate Pitt. Some hate Depp. Some hate Crowe. Some hate Clooney. Doesn't matter. What matters if is you are 'universally' hated. Rob is not. And the press likes him. Overall. Once they've met and interviewed him, they come away charmed. His peers know how good he is. And Hollywood is sold on him.
He's going to be just fine. And I don't think he's going anywhere. He's got too much ambition. Yeah, I hope he takes a break of about a year or so once he wraps Breaking Dawn. But he's going to be a major star for the next 30 years or so.
I worry 'bout lots of stuff. Rob Pattinson's longevity as an actor is not one of them. He's not going to always make 'popular' choices in his film career. I just don't think he's a 'play it safe' kind of actor. He's going with his gut. His problem is going to be Hollywood trying talk him away from his gut. They'd love to make him the next action/adventure/comic book hero star. Nope. For that, might I direct Hollywood to one Mr. Taylor Lautner. And I'm not slamming Tay. I think he's going to make a fine 'movie star.' But he's not an artist.
Rob is. And for the most part, those guys usually misunderstood by the masses.
I think the critics' reaction to the film's ending is rather ridiculous and immature. I really don't understand HOW the ending of the film was offensive to anyone at all. In fact, I think the critics' reaction to it was more offensive to the event of 9/11 than the film could possibly ever be. By saying that the film's characters weren't worthy of being incorporated with this event, and that the event was used lightly and not dwelled on throughout the film, they are implicitly stating that the thousands of people who did die on that day, and who prior to it had normal, personal lives, untouched by politics or other "worldly" matters do not deserve to be commemorated. Every movie made about 9/11 prior to Remember Me, has either dealt with the issue as a political statement, or depicted the heroics of firefighters or police officers who risked their lives to save others once the tragedy struck. No one ever thought to consider the thousands of people who were in the tower, the true victims of the event, until Remember Me. Remember Me was the first movie, that to me, made 9/11 more than about terrorists and numbers, and showed me, and countless others I'm sure, who weren't personally impacted by the event, that this event significantly touched and changed HUMAN lives. Tyler and his family were only a small segment of the grand scheme of things, and if viewers are so tragically affected by his singular death, imagine the incomprehensible grief that thousands of deaths, just like his have caused. For people who were affected by the event personally, I think this is a cathartic experience. Not everyone affected by this event was a cop or firefighter or politician. Many of them were simply fathers, son, mothers, daughters with no idea about any of it. I think this film's ending, far from being offensive, is a homage to the memory of all the ordinary people who lost their lives in this event, and shows the people who have lost loved ones due to the event, that they are remembered, and that their pain is understood. To find such an ending, which outside enriching the actual story of Remember Me, is perhaps the most realistic portrayal of 9/11 itself offensive, to me just shows that our society is not ready for films that deal with the real emotions and implications of such a catastrophic event, and can only handle its portrayal on a superficial plane. To me, this refusal to accept 9/11 and the REAL lives it touched is far more offensive and saddening than any vulgar ending to a movie could possibly be.
Oh Marna...
I am so sorry. This is a double whammy for you. Of course you'll never be able to seperate the two. I really am sorry. But as I said, this was my fear about this film. That it would not only trigger the trauma of that day, but it would pull other triggers too.
I still say, it's just a tad too soon for this. I think if they'd waited maybe 10 years, we'd be seeing, maybe, some different reactions. I don't know. But still, what a brave move on their parts. They handled this with such dignity and grace and it could have easily ended up a tear jerky, sentimental, EXPLOITIVE mess.
And I swear I'm gonna get to that journal and Charles. But I keep reading comments and getting sidetracked.
It's so good to be home. I've missed this place so much. And thanks so much for the welcome back.
@nikola6 - you have been missed! It's so good to see you're here and about. Hope all is well.
Welcome back to the voices of ROBsessed! Yours makes a difference.
I think this movie told the story that every single person who perished that day had their own story. It wasn't just lives lost, every person there touched someone else in some way. Robert Pattinson played the part of just one of those people... how devastating Sept 11 was... and how many lives that were touched is remarkable. This movie moved me like no other movie has in a very long time.
At least Roger Ebert liked the movie and gave it a B. Good review.
I read one review that said Ally was 5 when her mom was murdered, that would only make her 15 ten years later? If she was 21, then she would have been 11 when her mom was murdered.
Welcome back Nik!
There are some really soulful, thoughtful comments here. You gals were really moved by this film. I am sorry that some were offended? I guess maybe you should read the Newsweek editorial about 9/11 and this film. Still, for some I guess it was overload.
I am bummed about the boxo ffice especially since box mojo shows a sharp drop off on ticket sales on Remember Me Saturday!! I still haven't actually seen a day by day break down but BoxOffice shows it 4th after Shutter Island. We know what a beautiful movie it is and I'm sure word of mouth will spread the news!!
I have to warn you guys... this one is going to be a long one =) I just hope no one hates me afterwards...
Summit Entertainment made ONE mistake in making this movie... they did lead you to believe that it happens after 9/11...
Being a New Yorker, and a complete Remember Me virgin (by choice I didn't want to see any spoilers or read the script or any reviews) until I saw it opening day, first showing of the day, I took this film to heart and can safely say that it completely changed my life.
That being said, when you see Ally's mom getting killed, you see the Twin Towers in the background, that's a stab in the heart enough with the traumatic event of her mom being murdered right in her face and seeing the towers all at once. When we fast forward and it says "Ten Years Later" I automatically thought oh no, its 2001! But then there's that purposely inserted, kitchy little scene, which I think is THE ONE MISTAKE in the film, in where we first see Ally and Tyler together in the "global politics class"... The professor is talking about ethics and terrorism and says something like "in lieu of recent terrorist attacks..." leading you to believe that September 11th has already/just happened. The weather matches up with what would be considered Septemberish or even Octoberish kind of weather here in the city as you don't really need more than a denim jacket or a sweater until early November sometimes, and after that you get so caught up in the love story, the family drama, and all of the other lovely aspects of the film that you never realize that winter doesn't come... You completely forget about the moment and then all of a sudden - bam! The rug is pulled out from under you and you are left not knowing what to do.
Having said all of that, the movie is indeed a masterpiece and I don't think that they could have handled it any better. Remembering that day vividly, and passing by Ground Zero every single day, as I go to college in the area - I know for a fact that the effect that day had on people is strong.
I was lucky enough to see it in a theater full of adults, there was no one under 18 there, me and my best friend probably being the youngest at 21. I myself spent a lot of time after the film completely silent, except for my sobs and (forgive me for being gross) when I puked in the bathroom from raw emotion taking over. I can safely say that I had a panic attack and a partial mental breakdown all rolled up into one after the film ended. I KNOW what it felt like to be Caroline waiting after school for someone who wasn't going to come for you... I KNOW what it felt like to see the coverage on television and get phone calls and running up to my roof in the city to see the ashes falling down... and I KNOW what it fells like to know someone lost that day and to live with the gaping hole in your heart everyday because you walk by and remember all the lives that were lost on that day, simply because of the location where you go to school. I may have been young, but that day is forever ingrained in this country's memory, no matter the age.
part 2:
After the movie, I walked out of the theater with my best friend supporting me and I saw a grown man (around 55 years old) standing outside the theater with tears streaming down his face. He had gotten up and ran out of the theater when they zoom out and Tyler is at the window. I looked at him and tried my best to smile, and walked over and put my hand on his shoulder and handed him one of my unused tissues. He looked at me and said "Tyler was my son that day, Tyler was my son on that day" and I just lost it all over again. I hugged him and my friend joined in and the three of us sat in the cafe of the theater and drank coffee and shared the silence for a while... just to not feel alone. Tears all dried up, we began to share stories and the weight lifted, if only a little bit. We exchanged names and emails and I hope to hear from him again, if only to know that he is really ok.
I will never forget that experience and I am so happy that I got the chance to meet him. This movie is what made that possible! It made me run home and call, text, hunt down, every single person important to me and tell them that I loved them because no matter if we will never get over that fateful day, the appreciation for living every day as your last eventually wears off, and I am glad that Robert's wonderful portrayal of Tyler gave me the jolt I needed to remember to get my life back on track and to never take anything or anyone for granted.
Like I said before, Remember Me is a masterpiece from beginning to end. The cast made it wonderful, but Rob made it astounding! I think there is no longer any doubt in anyone's mind that he is amazing and will have a long, long career ahead of him!
Writing this made me tear up and I hope that I didn't offend anyone, and forgive me if my thoughts are scattered, I just wanted to share my experience in the hopes that it would help or influence someone else out there. I've already seen it three times and will be seeing it a fourth on Thursday night - I simply can't get enough. Even though it is hard to watch knowing what's coming, and reliving it over and over again, there is something poetic and beautiful about the film that demands more than a one-time watch. Rob really hit the nail on the head when he said "They just don't make movies like this anymore" and I'm very glad that they made this one!
God bless & Carpe diem!
I am a Texan. If that tells you anything. We are basically very conservative people, love our country to the core, very patriotic, loyal to our country and our state. I am also a big Rob fan. I was a tiny bit skeptical about this movie going in b/c it is basically an American story being portrayed by a cast largely of Europeans. I know 9/11 affected the world, but it is like watching someone else tell your family's story. Know what I mean? Ok, that being said, I must say that I loved this movie. I found it to be very tasteful and not offensive in any way. For any critic to say that is just trying to take pot shots at the movie for some reason. I loved it. From the amazing acting right down to the photography, this is a great movie. I have seen it twice and it took me through a full circle of emotions. I tend to delve into people's hearts and emotions and this movie does just that in a subtle way. Rob compared this to Ordinary People and Terms of Endearment and that is exactly the right comparison. I think everyone can identify with these characters in one way or another.
This is not an offensive movie, it is a great movie and I think both genders will relate to it and enjoy it. I hope it wins some significan awards.
@femroc - Totally agree with your comments about bin Laden. Thank you for the focus point.
@janehofstra & Marna: Ok, I will repeat myself a little. I posted earlier that this ending is bound to be divisive - some thinking it gratuitous and some 'earned.' Marna, I'm sorry for your loss and I do understand. I lost a friend to the attack, but I don't feel this film used the event as an 'afterthought.' It's the underlying theme of the movie. I think, Jane, if they had made too much of it in advance, the whole film would have been perceived as just being about the event, and that too is misleading. I personally was glad to see a film that referenced it, but without being nothing but. I find those films very hard to deal with.
However, it was personal for all and I am not trying to persuade anyone their viewpoint is invalid. I just think the filmmakers were not intending to simply shock or use the emotional punch in a parasitical way. It was part of Tyler's story as it part of many New Yorker's, and more.
@alliecullen, thank you so much for sharing this. Love and hugs.
My two cents on the fabulously crappy apartment.... yes its a pigsty because they're guys and it's a NY apartment, but I also saw it as a metaphor for Tyler's internal self. He's a mess of negative emotions and everything is turning to shit in front of him. That apartment reflects that.
Fantastic comment.
alliecullen, what a beautiful, extraordinary comment, thanks for sharing it.
Oh my God, I burst into tears when I read the 'Tyler was my son that day' part. I'm at a loss for words. Thank you sooo much for sharing your experience!!!
Well I have finally seen the movie! And I want to say that it was better than I expected! I mean I expected it to be fairly good, but it was better than that. It was very good actually.
The acting was really good on everyone's part, the chemistry between Ally and Tyler was very strong, and also the brother/sister chemistry with his young sister Caroline was excellent! This young actress, I think she will be something big when she grows up, and she really looks like she's Robert's sister, she looks like him more than his real life sisters! And I also want to say that I always knew that Emilie was pretty, but in this movie especially the last shot of her face as the movie closes, she is indeed very beautiful, and again I see her making a good future for herself in movies.
And Robert, well he was amazing with a capital A. And I am glad that he is getting to work with good talented casts now, since the two leads that are with him in Twilight leave a lot to be desired. Robert is very talented, and I think that this movie proved that beyond a doubt.
And Pierce here was SO good! The scene when Tyler and his father are facing off had some great and memorable acting.
Basically everyone did a really good job, but I've got to say Tyler's roommate and friend was annoying for the most part, but he did have a few funny lines.
And now we come to the ending, I think that this movie-while it is making good numbers as it is-could have made more had the ending had been changed. Yes it was very tastefully done, and I understood what they were trying to convey through it, but I still think that it would have been better and I would have prefered it more if they had killed Tyler off some other way, or better yet gave it a happy ending.
Anyways this way a very good movie, I would give it a 4/5 stars.
Well said, AP.
So many important points to this movie. Its kinda like "It's a wonderful life" And each comment here is so powerful and correct.
Thanks to all who are sharing their insite and how they viewed this film. I also sat stunned at the end, even knowing what was coming. Couldn't see straight due to tears and I didn't know anyone involved in 911. The acting was so good I was totally lost in the story. The visuals didn't hurt either. This movie shows a lot a thought went into making it. It is not haphazardly thrown together. It is very powerful.
Contact a family member now before its too late. Hugs and kisses, especially ROB PATTINSON. (not a smirk, I mean it)
Three friends and I went to see this movie on Saturday. We were all in agreement. We LOVED this movie. It was the best movie I have seen in a long while. I did not feel like I was watching Edward. It felt like a real, true, authentic portrayal of this character. I did not read any spoilers before seeing it in order to give an honest review, so I was very surprised by the ending. I thought they handled it delicately, and purely. I thought Rob was amazing, and I felt his emotion as he portrayed Tyler. I have had younger siblings who were picked-on severely, and it felt so real to me, the way he portrayed that emotion, as well as all the other emotions about his dad, and loving broken people, etc.
This movie touched me, and it has stayed with me since watching it. Well done Rob, and cast. You did a beautiful job. This is a movie that should be seen. This story deserved to be told and I am so glad I experienced it.
Nik, I wholeheartedly agree that Rob is a natural born movie star. He will grace us with wonderful work for a long time to come.... if he so choses.
I don't agree on the script change, in that I believe they should not only have changed Michael's cause of death but also Tyler's. Not because it is too soon to start circling around 9/11, but because this was not in any shape or form a film about the attacks.
So Debora, a movie touching upon this devastating event does not bother me one bit. But having this movie randomly bring in 9/11 IMO only hurt the story and didn't enhance it in any way. Even Coulter understood that bookending the two deaths with the 2 WTC attacks was overkill. The "bolt out of the blue" could have come a million ways, most logically with the character absentmindedly stepping off a sidewalk into the path of a car. NYC classic (no Rob pun intended). The lesson of the importance of letting go of rancour, forgiving and seizing the day would have been just as impelling. In my mind, even more so.
I think it was a basic error by an uneperienced Fetters to bring in a major catastrophic event to explain the characters' deaths. Rob compared RM to Ordinary People, and he was right to do so. RM was a story about "ordinary" personal tragedies and was all the more poignant for that intimacy (tho already overly coincidental). Slapping 9/11 on the end drew attention away from that story, and may have even subverted it. Did the last life-altering scene with Ally getting on the subway have the impact it should have had? How could it, after the 9/11 gut punch?
All of that said, this is still a lovely movie up until the contorversial ending, which doesn't merit getting up in arms as if it were "shameless exploitation" as some have claimed. It simply didn't serve the rest of the movie well.
RM has some wonderful performances and tales of heartache and personal growth that I'm sure would resonate with many many people.... if they could just be convinced to go to the movie theater.
I don't mean to sound down here, I'm very proud of Rob and the filmmakers. But someone needed to tell Fetters to trim the fat from his script, and I truly think that Summit should have seen this negative reaction coming from the very start. Yet I'm proud that Rob disagreed with me and stood up to take the hit on this, because he obviously believed in the intrinsic value of this film as it stands. And I love that he's a stand-up guy!
ITA Cerulean Blue
The apartment is a bachelor pad. Men are pigs... Rob claims his London pad looked this way.. hehehe
@alliecullen: so good of you and your friend to be there for him, and to allow him to grieve. To be able to share is so important.
Mea culpa Gozde for being such a long-winded Debbie Downer! Am just so disappointed that more people won't see this movie...
Should have finished my thoughts...so at the end when he's resolving his relationship with his father and things are starting to clear for him, we see him in Charles' office and for the very first time he looks comfortable, and even welcomes the clean, ordered surroundings.
Allie--thank so much for sharing that; the story of the father brought teaars to my eyes, reiterating what I keep saying-- 2800 Tylers, etc.
I wish I knew the writer for Remember Me, and could speak with him. I want to know if what I see in this film was intended, or if i am chanelling my english Lit teachers who seemed to read too much into most of what we had to read. I suppose we all bring our background and experiences to whatever we see, but I related to this not only as a survivor of terror, of watching the attacks and knowing who was behind them, of counseling traumatized children and anxiously awaiting my own son who was in charge of peace-keeping forces in europe and went under armed forces lock-down in Europe, but also i related to some imagery and words that perhaps were not meant to be there, yet pulled me just the same: In my culture/path for life, the prayer for the dead starts out with the Hebrew word 'Remember.' When I was little, we used to have pins with that command-Remember- commemorating our lost ones in the Holocaust. There are several biblical commands to remember that we daily recite with this word; remembering is part of our path. It is also in our tradition to place rocks on the gravestones when we visit our loved ones who have passed on; I was not aware of it in other traditions. So to me, even the title of the film was like a prayer for the dead, and a command that holds more import than just not forgetting someone.
Now I'm crying again. Hard. This was my biggest fear. That a NYC parent who lost a child in that tower on that day would walk into this movie unaware and have to lose their child all over again.
While I think this is a beautiful film and they did it with such reverence, it's still going to hurt people. I hate this. I have so worried about the city of New York and this film. New York is my second home. My birth parents were from Brooklyn and that is where I was conceived. New York is in my blood. And my city is still in pain. It hangs over the broken skyline like an ominous cloud. I guess they should have marketed this differently. They should have given people the choice. I am so sorry for what it's made you remember. God. Such a jumble of feelings. And speaking of choice...
When I talked about choice, I wasn't saying that some 'chose' to be there. I was saying that by choices they made in their lives, they were put in the path of that event. Suppose I'd chosen to move to Boston that summer of 1999 instead of the capitol? And suppose that on the morning of 9/11 I'd boared a plane to California to see my sister. And suppose I'd chose the earliest flight? I'd have flown out of Logan and I would dead right now. That's what I meant by choices. We make them everyday and we don't know which way they will lead us by nightfall. That's all.
And jinglymastoon...
Your comment was absolutely perfect. The thing about critics is...they don't like to be fooled. When it comes to films, they think they know it all. They think they know every plot, every which way a script is going. They have a real smugness about it all and when they get fooled, they get pissed.
If ever there was a film that requires perspective, it's Remember Me. Watch and see when the DVD comes out, if the reviews aren't a little different. Some things require a second viewing before you 'get it.' Once the 'shock', the 'punch to the gut' is not in play, I think the true meaning of the story will come through for alot who just simply don't want to feel anything other than their anger right now.
As I said earlier, I was so worried about the exploitive nature of this film, but Tyler's death wasn't exploitive. It was random. They all were. THAT'S what this story was telling us. Anyone. Anywhere. At anytime.
I have a feeling, this film is going to be talked about ALOT over the years. And that's a good thing. Right now, were dealing with the 'knee jerk' reaction.
Loisada I agree with all your thoughts about the ending. You went into detail that I failed to put into words in my above post.
And I agree that overall this was a very good movie!
Since I had to work all weekend I didnt get a chance to see RM until today. I LOVED it. I didn't think I would, but I did. It was VERY emotional. The ending tore my heart out. It brought back memories of 9/11 and that was hard. After watching this I felt like I lost someone I love to that tragedy....namely Rob. I know he was only "acting" but it made you think of all the people that had a brother, son, friend or boyfriend such as Tyler. Rob's acting was absolutely phenomenal and if he doesn't win an award for this I will be surprised.
I enjoy reading all these comments and seeing what everyone thinks of this movie!
I personally loved it! I was shocked at the ending but I kinda new something bad was gonna happen. But not that bad! I thought 9/11 already happened for a sec. I saw it with my sister and my friend. My friend isn't really a Rob fan. But she did say he can act in this and act in general(I think she is a fan now(:). Rob blew me away! I didn't think of Edward for one minute!!!
I think the ending fit with this movie! I think it will help people feel closer to what the familys and friends felt. No one can feel what they felt but this was probably close to it! I know what it's like to lose someone you love!! I've losed both of my Grandparents, My Great Grandparents, and my Aunt. And recently one of the cops in Chicago that got killed attended my old church and was a friend of ours. So I felt those emotions when I saw this movie. I cryed so much! Have you ever had when you cry at a real sad thing and you can't breath so you make that sort of gasping for air noise? That's what I had! And my leg!! I will never forget how much it was trembling! I've never had that! I had it kinda in the begging but at the end it freaked out!!
My friend's little sister was too little to remember 9/11. She was curious about so she actually looked it up on youtube and watched it! I think she was trying to feel what they felt in the movie.... And she did. But overall I loved it!!! I can't get it out of my head!! Esp the endind! :'( Wanna cry thinking of it and when I see the poster for it or when I think of the scenes.
I am amazed to see how much we exchange and share about RM, amazed to see the incredible number of soulful, carefully worded comments coming in day after day since the first spoiler threads began to posted. It seems that this is a movie which stays with you a long time after. I think someone said it had a "haunting" quality. Ultimately, I think one of the reasons it stirs such powerful feelings may be because it touches on some very deep, universal things in our lives : the fragility of life, the necessity to love, always and without restraint, and express this love without fear, because it can be ripped away from us so suddenly, the unbearable pain of sudden loss, the violence and absurdity of fate… it's a story about love, life and death. About us. Personally, I find it has made me think again a lot about death, and I sometimes catch myself walking in the street and suddenly thinking :I'm alive… I'm alive… those I love are still alive, and with me - what a joy and what a great gift to be alive and to be still in the world.
It's like the message in RM was everywhere round me now. For example : I'm reading a book by Paul Auster (Brooklyn Follies), and I found this passage which reminded me of RM :
Grieve endlessly for the dead. Grieve for the men and women who were good…(….) Grieve for the young who died before their time. Grieve for a world that allows death to take us from the world.
Soory for the long post... It's so wonderful to share with you all.
Solas, I get what you're saying, but still disagree. Because while 9/11 is a composite of 3,000 different lost lives and stories, it became a national tragedy that threw the United States into collective grief.
If the movie wove more characters into the plot line (like an Altman-style Short Cuts the day before 9/11), I think it could have been a powerful prayer for the dead and act of remembrance.
But in my mind, one single story is not enough to do that. Tyler doesn't encapsulate America in any way, and I think he would need to in order to be the face of such a heavy loss as 9/11. If that was the point of RM, it could have brought in pictures of other missing victims, or other families mourning, to draw the story out to the wider human level. (Not that I would like to go that way either..)
I still love this movie as a memorium to a human life, to the value of any single human life. I simply think it should have stuck to being an intimate and singular story, with a broader humanistic moral to tell. Every Man never grows old.....
Rumgone: Thanks for that; Paul Oster is a craftsman with the words. His NY Trilogy was just so finely worded, as if he were a glassblower creating delicate and powerful and beautiful masterpieces, but wth words rather than the glass and heat and breath.
@AP We'll agree to disagree (: RM isn't a 9/11 movie so I'm not suggesting that it should've been touted as a 9/11 film. But by making the 9/11 element a secret, Summit gave people a reason to call it a twist ending and other people to feel betrayed. I am truly sorry you lost a friend in the attacks. Another poster commented that the movie should be cathartic for those who were affected firsthand, but that's just not the reality for everyone, and even if it were, nobody wants to have an emotional catharsis in public, unexpectedly, perhaps on a date. As I mentioned, one woman ran out of my downtown theatre in tears. I just think movies (and all products really) should be marketed so that the buyer knows more or less what to expect. I knew what I was getting into, and having ran through the streets shell-shocked that day, I knew I would be affected which is why I saw it alone the first time and with select people the second time. I also think that knowing about 9/11 did not take away from my viewing experience.
Though like you, I don't have a problem with the ending either. In fact I think it's a very good film that deserves to find an audience. Rob should be proud of his work, I know I am. I am recommending RM to my friends and family but giving them a heads up on the year and place beforehand. For them, the events of that day is not a secondhand or abstract notion, they don't need a film to personalize it for them and I think it'd be cruel to send them in blind.
Loisada, just as Terms of Endearmant was not only a story of a mother and daughter and husband, but also an intimate llok at lives loved and lost to cancer; just as Ordinary People was not only about one family's dysfunction but also an intimate look at dysfunction and pain and loss and coping, Remember Me is way beyond Tyler himself, way beyond just telling of death at an early age. His life WAS NYC: lived there, played there, walked and biked the streets and fought and suffered the fights and went to the schools, etc. The whole movie was showing NYC from its underground to its skies. Again, to me, 9-11 is integral and organic to the movie; I wouldn't have it any other way and it would not be as meaningful to me any other way.
thank you all for your kind words... I don't know why I haven't posted on here before, because I've been on this blog at least 50 times a day for over a year, but now I feel like we are all just one big happy Rob-family and I'm glad that I posted and that I was able to share my teeny little story ;)
@ nikolas6: I know what you mean, that was one of my biggest fears after seeing the writing on the chalkboard and having it happen right before my eyes ripped me to shreds. Like you, NYC is in my blood, I was born and raised in the Bronx, my best friend in all the world is from Queens, and I have been a Manhattan girl for the past 11 years... the city still hurts, as does the country and anywhere that an attack or tragedy has occurred, but I also think that people... I don't wanna say "forget" because that's not the right sentiment, neither is "getting over"... but I guess I'm trying to say that people become complacent after some time has passed. To me, this movie was a blessing in that it reminded me to never forget and though I live in the shadows of that day every day of my life, I think that it's almost cathartic to be able to see it play out from a different angle... does that make any sense?
I do agree though, they should have given people the choice. I don't know if it would have done better or worse, we can't know because it isn't an option given to us now, but I think it would have done a lot better. People would have been intrigued to see how it played out and how they would have accomplished it. The reviewers would have known before hand and maybe they wouldn't have felt so neglected and manipulated and been so harsh, and maybe they could have saved some people some pain, but the fact is that they didn't and at the end of the day there is no way for us to change that =(. I do agree though that it should have been marketed differently because a friend of mine said that when she went that night there were a lot of young teens with their parents (because it was rated pg-13) and that the parents were extremely upset at the ending. Not because there was sex or cussing, but because the ending was so explosive and devastating that as adults they couldn't handle it - and they brought their kids with them. I personally think the film should have been rated r too.
@ solas: You are so right! 2,800+ Tylers on that day, so sad but so true... that day was so random, no one could even fathom it as a possibility that something like that day could ever happen, I know I didn't - and I think the movie wanted to capture that feeling with inserting it so fast and randomly as some people have said. And I loved your comments about "remembering" as becoming a part of our path, so true and so poignant!
@janehofstra: thank you - I know I was but one of many on that day. I do take your point although I think, even forewarned, some might still be overcome. For me, there is no shame in that, but I know others may not feel the same. :)
I like what was said about how the film might be seen in time. Guernica caused a storm in its day, but now it is art.
I'd also like to say that I used to be a regular poster but haven't posted here since last summer and am now remembering why I liked it here so much. I enjoy reading everyone's insights; you're all very eloquent and thoughtful and I'm glad that Rob has such a fan base.
"I really appreciate this other part of the human experience - the common bond."
Beautifully said. I absolutely agree with you. There is something beautiful about knowing that you're not the only one... that we can all experience something together and walk away with the same emotion... it's a powerful and beautiful thing.
You are kidding me right about someone commenting on the clutter and dirt of the apartment. It's a f......movie people, not someone's real home. Sheesh!!!
Just came back from third time to see Remember Me and I agree with some of you that there is an airplane sound while he is at the window. Third time was just as good as the first.Can't wait for DVD.
I had forgotten about this, but it also bothered me that Tyler's father wasn't in his office because he was taking his daughter to school, something he didn't do before. This is pretty much what happened to the chairman of Cantor Fitzgerald, he took his son to his first day of school, & because of that, he didn't die with the 650 employees of Cantor Fitzgerald that were in the building already. I think Will Fetters could have come up with a different reason for him not being in the building than directly copying somebody else's tragedy.
Thanks a lot to all of you for sharing your thoughts and your feelings today - I'm feeling really touched by all your stories and personal experiences. It's unbelievable to see that a "little" indie movie has been able to arouse such powerful emotions in all of us.
Here's an interesting read of writer Will Fetters reacting to the reactions to Remember Me. Sorry, don't how to create a clickable link:
Such amazing, heartfelt comments. I really am proud to be a member of this community. I know that I prattle on and on but I listen too and there are some tremendously wise voices on this blog and I have learned from them. Thank you. Now to Charles AND Tyler's journal...
I always had a problem with Tyler taking that journal with him that morning and having it wind up on the ground in the debris. I thought that would fly in the face of reason because of where Tyler was standing at the point of impact. In the elevator you saw him inching up towards the 90th floor. He was standing in that window looking out facing the plane as it came towards the building. He was standing at the LITERAL point of ground zero. Anything on that floor would have disintergrated. They would have found nothing of Tyler (not even his teeth), let alone a paper journal. It would have been gone. And I still stand by that. He shouldn't have had it with him. However, it made for a great visual at the end of them film to have it lying anonomously on the ground. And after 'seeing' the impact of what had just happened and the aftermath, I just couldn't quibble about the way that journal survived. Who cares?
But I got the journal wrong. I thought it needed to survive so that his father could read it. So that Charles could know who his son truly was. But that's not what the journal was about at all. That journal was really a letter to Michael. As angry as Tyler was with his father, he was also mad as hell at his brother. For leaving him behind. And he needed to work through that. And he did with that last voice over saying that he forgave him. That journal was about Tyler growing into the man he was suppose to be. Not some salve for a father who was cut off from his own feelings. This is one of the aspects of this film that I loved. There was no soppy sentimentaliy to it. No screaming. No hysterics. No melodrama (I've had to laugh at critics calling it a melodrama. It was much to sparse in it's emotionaliy for that tag) As I said, they did it just right. And Tyler died at peace with the world he'd been so angry with; he forgave his brother and he discovered in just the final moment of his life that his father did love his children. The look on his face as he watched those pictures go by on his father's computer. That look said it all. He knew. And the fact that at that very moment, his father had finally begun to put Caroline first. Yeah, Tyler died just as peace was coming to him. Which makes it all the more heartbreaking, but kinda good too.
As for Charles. God, I thought Brosnan was wonderful in this film. If they'd waited to release this until later in the year, I think he'd be on the short list for a supporting Oscar nod. He was that good. That look on his face as he's looking up at that building, knowing that his last son is gone. To have lost them both at just 22. Oh that look on his face. Not melodramatic hysterics, but just unspoken agony.
Watching this, I just thought Charles was a cold prick. And I think he probably always was to some degree. At the very least, driven, self involved and like alot of men, very far removed from his feelings. But I do believe he harbored guilt over Michael. Michael gave up what he wanted, caved into his father's wishes but he just couldn't do it, so he hung himself. And Charles buried that and pushed his family away. But...
Tyler's death seemed to have brought about alot of positive changes in the lives of the people who loved him. Nobody was wallowing. Nobody broke. They went on. As life does. It goes on.
Brilliant film. I think it's going to be 'remembered' long after all of this 'noise' has died down.
@ janehofstra - thank you so much for posting that! I loved to hear it from the source. I hope this helps people that don't "get it". I feel really bad that he feels so personally attacked.
Once again, wonderfully said. That was one of the things that got me to cry so much after the film was done and I was thinking about it... Tyler died knowing that his father loved him and was making the change. That's what I loved about the ending, Charles didn't die because he was taking Caroline to school. He didn't wait for Tyler to die and THEN change, it was something that was happening anyway. It started when he ran to her after those horrid girls cut her hair and when he took her to school. It's so easy to change after a tragedy, but to see that he was doing it on his own made it so bittersweet! Pierce was definitely amazing!
Another things that made the tears come that much harder was when they show Aiden (the best friend) at the end in class. He has Tyler tattooed on his arm. He lost his best friend that day and chose to remember him in the same way that Tyler remembered his brother. Tyler was a brother to him and I thought that was beautifully done without layering on the cheesiness like they could have!
I'm worn out and can't finish reading all these. This film is generating a lot of comments both pro and con. I have always thought a great book or film does that so RM looks like it will grow as time passes.
Nik, so glad you are back. I always enjoy your comments and had been wondering when you would making them again.
Rob is smart, ambitious, courageous, nice, talented, stubborn, you name it. He is going to keep picking roles that appeal to him (thank goodness). He's here to stay.
@janehofstra: thanks for the link to Will's interview. I hadn't seen that. He must be reeling a little from the critical onslaught but I hope he knows many people do appreciate RM.
@Solas: Follow the link. You will be glad you did. :)
I saw Remember Me with my fiancee this weekend and was VERY impressed with Rob. Watching him was totally worth the price of admission for me.
Here I look at pictures of him daily, but even I was taken back by how BEAUTIFUL he was on the big screen... in motion... without the overdone makeup and lipstick. (I DO love the supernatural "look" of Edward, and have hopes that Eclipse will get it right.)
I cannot comment on the end of the movie because I knew what was coming and left before it did. My guy however stayed till the end and he was very moved by it. He literally could not talk about it the rest of the evening without choking up. He was surprised it was a serious film and not a "chick flick" and said he was definitely going to be recommending the movie to his friends. It was win win for both of us.
I wonder if those under 25 really get the emotional impact of 9/11 though... I remember not being able to watch T.V. without crying for weeks afterward.
@janehofstra: thanks for posting the link to Will's interview, I was hoping for something like that.
I also wanted to mention the interview contains another link to the author's own review of Remember Me, which is also very honest and generally positive. One very interesting thing is all the comments by people who have loved the movie. They are well worth a read and remind me very much of what we see in this thread. I can only hope the movie will get a good word of mouth and a great buzz.
I think the problem is that taking time off from work to take his son to school was out of character for the Cantor Fitz chairman, that was part of the story. He did something he didn't normally do & it saved his life. Tyler's father was acting totally out of character when he took his daughter to school, it seems like a direct copy to me.
I find it interesting that on a blog devoted to Rob, we are really discussing the end of the movie more than Rob's performance. I don't know if everybody associated with the movie meant for the ending to overshadow the rest of the movie, but it seems to me that that is what is happening.
There are too many wonderful heartfelt comments for me to respond too.... but it's because of Rob & this film thatvtgese stories & insights are shared...
the journal comment & Tyler dying with peace & forgiveness in his heart got to me the most.
Charles was beginning the change on his own.., tylers letters to Michael were heartbreaking, and he finally found forgiveness, and realized his father did love his children...
The aftermath of Tylers death showed that his fingerprints did not fade from the lives he touched...aidans tattoo, Ally riding the subway... the journal laying there may not have really survived, but it was powerful to have it there...
Will is proud as he should be...and although I understand the pain & wounds this may have opened for many...it's a brilliant film.... and Robs gift to us his performance in this film.
I see your point Marna, and you're right. Charles actions did mirror a real life event. Probably not a coincidence at all. As for discussing the ending of the film even more than Rob's performance...
Well. That was quite an ending. I knew it was coming and for months I wanted to warn people here. I feared the pain it would cause and the backlash that might ensue. I think in these initial days after the film's release, it's that ending that is having the most impact. But...
Rob's performance was tremendous in this and has insured that he'll have a career beyond Twilight. Even the critics of the film have said that. He is here to stay. And one critic (who trashed the film) said that the camera was completely in love with Robert Pattinson, something that is paramount if an actor is going to have a substantial film career. And it is in love with him. There are some great talents out there whom the camera is not in love with. And they work. But they'll never become legendary stars. On the other hand, you've got great stars with minimal talent but...the camera loves them and so, they go on. In Rob's case what we've got is a talented 'artist' wrapped up in a beautiful movie star package. And that's rare. Those are the stars who go on to legendary status. I'm not saying that will happen for him because I do not have a crystal ball. But he has been blessed with every gift and at 22 has had worldwide stardom handed to him. If he doesn't end up with this legendary career it will be because he threw it away with both hands. The ball is firmly in his court. What he does with it...we shall see.
And did someone mention a Newsweek article? Did they do a piece on this film? Was it favorable? Anybody got a link?
And again, thank you guys again so much for your kind comments to me. I do appreciate them so much.
When Tyler died I felt like I lost someone so close to me! And I think that was one of the points too. I was devastated and a bit angry. This movie moved me! Mostly the second half did. I've been reading the comments all day. I agree and disagree with them. I hope the cast doesn't pay attention too much to the critics out there giving this movie bad reviews.
Hi all you girls !
i'm from CHILE, and a huge rob pattinson fan !
in here, the movie opens may 13 ¬_¬, so, as you can imagine, AM DYING!!
@Nikola6: Here's the Newsweek article, it's actually a fresh take for a change:
I believe his journal would have survived-one of the clearest memories I have of the collapse of the WTC was all the paper floating in the air. Paper was one of the very few things that did survive-log books, memos, datebooks and letters littered the landscape. I thought how odd that paper would survive and that was about it-no phones, no computer screens, no desks, no chairs-just million upon millions of papers floating in the air!:(
Ok, just saw the trailer and I screamed! Haha idk why! Started to tear up! Lol just thought i'd share that.
Yeah RPG...
All my foaming at the mouth over that journal and changing that script were all for naught. They did it just perfectly.
Remember how I worried about this film ending in despair? It didn't. Tyler died at peace. Charles was stepping up. Caroline had her father back. Ally stood on that same platform and got back on that train (that closing shot of her lovely, luminous and yes, hopeful face. Perfect) You saw a soberness, a serious to Aidan (and yes, I loved that he had Tyler's name forever remembered on his body). I left the theatre reeling and sad, but not in despair. Life went on. As it should.
Beautiful, lovely film. I'm just so sorry that initially it's being overshadowed by the 'punch in the gut.' Expected though. Hopefully with time, the perspective will change. But no one associated with this film has anything to hang their heads about. They set out to exploit no one. I still say and always will, this film is a homage and will be viewed quite differently as time passes.
Lol, I want to cry when i see that too Christine!!!!
I think its a cop-out to say that people under 25 don't really get the meaning or effect of September 11th. I'm 21 and I can safely say that I not only felt it, but lived it just as hard as anyone else. I saw the movie 3 times, once with my best friend who is the same age, again the same day with my mother who is 58, and again with a group of co workers who range from 27-30, and although all the reactions were different, they were all of devastation and heartfelt sorrow.
To put it in terms of the movie, I'm pretty sure Caroline knew the effect of that day, her brother never came back to her, and she was 11. I was around her same age on that day and lost someone as well. In my previous post I said I knew what it felt like to go up on my roof and see the ashes falling as I live in the city. Maybe those under 25 on THAT day didn't realize the impact of the events until later, but by this point, I think you'd have to be pretty stupid to not understand, no matter your age.
That being said, do I think this is a movie for all of the edward-loving-teeny-boppers, no I don't. Not because they don't "get it", but because I know that I couldn't handle it, I know my 58 year old mother couldn't handle it, and I know the man in the theater and a lot of others couldn't handle it either, so I wouldn't put that weight on someone that's 13, especially because I think they would have been completely blind-sighted - I don't think they would have been able to put the clues together.
P.S. I adore Rob's Edward Cullen as much as the next teeny bopper - he turns me into mush every time! Just thought I'd say =)
Thank you Jane for the Newsweek link. Gotta read Will's interview too. So much to catch up on. I figure it's going to take me a couple days just to go back and catch up on this blog after being without internet for nearly three weeks. And Kathy, regarding the paper that came flying out of those buildings...
Yes, there was a ton, but that debris came from other floors (and nearby buildings that had their windows blown out) that were not DIRECTLY hit on impact. Those floors and everyone and everything on them (and the planes carrying their precious cargo) would have disenigrated. Vaporized. No human body or a piece of paper could have withstood such an impact with ANYTHING left.
The building that I had lived in, just two blocks south, had most of it's windows blown out with the impact and tons of stuff came flying out. Like I said, upon reading the script, I thought having Tyler's journal with him and surviving that assault was ridiculous. But the way they did it, I didn't care. It was a heartbreaking visual and the message of the journal was gotten across.
I just didn't have a problem with it and I really thought I was going to. I suppose in the aftermath of the conclusion of this film, I would have been heartless if my focus was on the survival of the journal as oppose to the devastation surrounding it.
@alliecullen I do kinda agree with the age thing. I was very young when 9/11 happened. I did kinda put the clues together. I felt a lot of emotion towards the end! Do not regret seeing this movie one bit! I enjoyed this movie a lot!! I love Rob. Not just cause Edward tho! But I do see where your getting at when you said if teens couldn't handle it.
I wasn't able to get to the theatre till Saturday night and while the theatre was not jammed packed, it was pretty full. I went alone the first time because I just wanted to experience this by myself the first time. But that didn't happen.
When it showed on the chalkboard that the date was September 11, 2001, I heard audible gasps and 'oh my gods' throughout the theatre. But I still don't think the audience got where this film was headed. I think maybe they thought that Tyler was going to witness it from another building as the audience was quiet during the moments with him in his father's office. I don't think they realized where he was because when the camera pulled back and we knew where he was standing, then the gasps and oh my gods became much more pronounced and I could hear crying. I could see people in siloette in front of me shaking their heads in disbelief.
When the film finished, I stood up and behind me were a bunch of kids, college age kids, guys and girls and they sat there stunned. So, I began talking to them. We went outside and sat in the lobby of the theatre for about a half hour and those kids were devastated. They were all in elementary and middle school when this happened, but their lives were impacted. Maybe not at that moment, but as time went on.
What did Rob say about this? He was what? 15 on Sept.11th? He said that they were all taken out of class and set in front of the tv and were told that for his generation, nothing would ever be the same again. And I think for those under 25 they have and still are growing up in a world that has been forever changed. Their innocense was taken that day. Whether they realized that day or not, they know it now.
These kids amazed me with the depth of their feelings. They thought it was one of the best films they'd ever seen and I was left with the impression that this film is really going to resonate with young people. College age kids. Rob's generation.
I guess when we get older, we look at the young uns and think...well, they're just going to hell in a hand basket. They're not. I was so proud of those kids that night. They got it. They understood. In that moment, I loved them all so much.
Such great comments from so many people here. I lurk more than comment, but I have a request for you dedicated people: can you please, please talk it up on your facebook, your office, etc.? The box office can use every little bit of help. I even bought an extra ticket each time I went. It sounds silly, but I'm glad I did it.
Hi Nicola and Solas,
Welcome back.
So many of us posted on 2 or 3? spoiler posts preceding this one. I found them all interesting and I think (given time) you'd both like to go over them. They are probably embedded a couple of pages in, clearly marked, like this one.
So many people have had interesting and thoughtful things to share; it was one of the best posts so far--for me--on this blog. I also posted, more than once, and if you are at all interested, that's great. (Let me know what you think, if you wish.)
I've not read most of the comments on this particular thread yet, but have just come back from my 3rd time. So far, went with my BF, my husband, my sister, all of whom liked it.
There are still things to say about it, so many things to process. Really noticed the music this time around, which was very powerful, esp. at the end.
Tyler by the window: by this time we are so very emotionally invested in this character, the heartbreak is overwhelming.
I am literally in tears.
Thank you so very much for that. I'm sure they loved you too for taking their feelings at face value and seriously. You and the rest of Rob's fans amaze me everyday!
I send you bunches of hugs!
Just have to say when I saw the byline of that Newsweek article, I nearly choked. I know that guy. His name is Ramin and he's really great. Haven't spoken to him in nearly five years. I should go back and see if there's anyway to e-mail him. I used to have his personal e-mail, but when I got a new computer, being as challenged as I am, I lost alot of addresses in my e-mail address book.
I would really love to talk to him about this and I thought his take was amazing. Again, he's a young un. And again as I said, I think this film is going to resonate with the young. Now they just need to get their little butts into the theatre and support the film.
Do you guys think I should try to track him down? Oh. I dunno. He probably won't remember me. Although we did get drunk once in the West Village and got into a burping contest. I won.
I dunno.
This is a current article with Will Fetters - the very young man who wrote RM and he is saying how devastated he is over the bad reviews he has read over the last 3 days. Oh that hurts me to think Rob might be hurt over it too. : (
Please blow it off Rob and look ahead - time will help RM to find it's audience.
I want to give Will and Rob a hug!!
Will says the critics just "don't get it".
Isn't that what all of us have been saying too?
Oh alliecullen...
Don't cry sweetheart. Well. Okay. Go ahead. God knows, I've been weepy since Saturday night.
I love young people and have always connected to them. I don't why. Maybe because I don't discount them (or maybe cause I've yet to grow up myself). Although sometimes I think...'what the hell are you guys thinking?' But then I laugh and think, that's exactly what older people thought when I was young and doing silly stupid things. That's when were suppose to be silly and stupid. And if you're lucky enough, you'll hang onto a little of that stupid and silly as you get older.
I've always had young friends in my life though. Always. You'd think that being around them would make me feel old, but surprisingly, it has the opposite effect. They make me feel young. And of course, they think I'm wise and of course, I let them think that.
One of my best friends is Evan. He's 24 and gorgeous. And we run around all the time. I won't go to clubs with him though. I'd feel like an idiot. Anyway. Just rambling here. Sorry.
That's very cool, Nikola6. I had a very different experience today, but equally as touching. I went to a Tuesday matinee performance of Remember Me with a friend whose husband just passed away a couple of weeks ago. I warned her that the movie was not a comedy and did not have a happy ending, so she was prepared for that, but nothing more. This was the sixth time I've seen the film and each time the crowd has been different. I would say there were only about 20 people in the theater and most were older couples. Most of the people that I could see didn't seem to react at all to the date on the chalk board or the elevator going up past the 88th floor. However, when the camera panned back and it became obvious that Tyler was standing in the window of a very high floor of the World Trade Center on the morning of September 11th, there was complete silence in the theater. What I noticed was after the credits were rolling, no one got up to leave. Everyone sat there and watched the credits roll. On the way out of the theater I heard quiet voices. My friend said she didn't see that ending coming at all and commented on what a good movie it was. A couple leaving the theater right in front of us were talking with each other saying what a good actor Rob was. They didn't seem to know him before this film. The people behind us were talking about where they were on 9/11. Another older couple walking behind us a ways were talking quietly and there were tears in the woman's eyes. I saw the man take her hand. It was really sweet.
I just can't put into words how much I love this movie. I laugh at his expressions sometimes especially in the restaurant scene when he can't seem to get too many words in edgewise. I love his face. Not only is it gorgeous, but it is so expressive. You can read everything on his face. I start tearing up as soon as Tyler confronts his father in the board room for not going to see Caroline's art exhibit. His performance is so touching. When he says, "You didn't find him. I found him" it just breaks my heart.
Debora, your comment was the first I read on this thread tonight and I agree with you that it is important that we remember. It is too easy to forget the events that are difficult to remember. I also think while watching the film that there isn't any other young actor that could have played Tyler Hawkins with the same combination of vulnerability and anger. That is the one commonality I think Tyler has to Edward. What makes Edward so endearing is that Rob walks that line between vulnerable and dangerous very well. I don't mean to make comparisons, but I spend a lot of time trying to figure out why I am so in love with this young actor. I have a son his age and still I am so invested in him and his career. I think that is it. He brings out all of my protective instincts among other emotions. I need him to be loved by everyone. It hurts me personally when anyone says a negative comment about him. I need him to be happy and successful as if he were my own son. What a lot of pressure to put on a 23 year old young man when strangers like me are so invested in their success. Movies like this, though, make it very difficult to get all of that in perspective.
Marna - I'm so sorry - I lost my mom 2 years ago and it was the worst time of my whole life..........still is........I miss her terribly every single day and still wonder how I'll make it in the future without her loving guidance, friendship and glowing support of everything I did/do. Loss of loved ones is so difficult.
vafla89, I've seen the film 6 times and did not hear airplane noises, but you hear lots of street noises. I also don't have the best of hearing so I don't know for sure. I was actually kind of glad that they didn't show any actual footage of that day. We saw enough of that at the time. This was just handled so beautifully and with such respect for the people who did parish on 9/11. I don't really understand why anyone would be offended.
Monique, I completely agree with you about Water for Elephants. I read the book a year or so ago and didn't actually have anyone in my mind's eye in terms of how Jacob would look. Now I can only see Rob in that character. He will be perfect for it.
Lolli, as so often happens I write something and then when I actually read the previous posts, I find someone else has said something exactly what I want to say, but better. I am just like you. It hurts me to read anything negative about Rob. I know he is in a profession where everyone has an opinion and everyone won't love him and some with be jealous and some will just not get him, but I come here for safety, because I know everyone on Robsessed love Rob as much as I do. Glad we all have each other.
Okay people, the ending did not come from out of nowhere. There were hints and clues throughout the movie and if you were actually paying attention you would have seen them or heard the clues. For example: The very first clue was in the first few scenes when they they tell you it's 1991 right when Ally's mother is shot then you see it's ten years later, and if you can do the math you should have known it was 2001. Moving along throughout the movie you see Tyler at the movies with Aidan and what do you see on the screen but a clip of American Pie 2 which came out August 20, 2001! Another clue that was heard was the famous speach president Bush gave in the summer of 2001 about stem cell research. So you see...there were many clues throughout the movie that all lead you to its conclusion. No one can say it came out of left field.
i'm in tears right now, after i read the interview done to will fetters, reading how he feels heartbroken by the attacks of the critics is just difficult. I really hope Rob doesn't feel that way. A lot people, specially those stupid critics just don't get it.
RM has connected to a lot of people and will connect with many more. People shouldn't be so reluctant to face pain. Coping with pain and understanding it makes stronger and applaud Will Fetters, Allen Coulter, Nick Osbourne and specially Rob (cuz he is the face that is taking the most heat; damn i hate those hateful critics) for doing this movie, for being brave enough to do it and for defending it!
I think the journal lying on the ground was sort of metaphorical. That his thoughts, his wishes, his feelings lived on. I don't think the 9/11 reference was irreverent or exploitive at all. That entire tragedy is exactly what the message of this movie was about....you never know what might happen, from the ordinary to the down right bizarre. So live your life to the utmost. Make it count for something. Tyler's did. His father learned and began to change and embrace his daughter and life. I think that is the lesson we all should learn from every tragedy and that is the message of this movie. It was ok to reference that. It is a lesson that does not get old. This movie, I believe, showed understanding and insight to the fragility of life. And what event impacted the world in our lifetime as much as 9/11? It is ok.
That Newsweek article was great! What a relief. I was being to feel like I was in a parallel universe, with some of the reviews being so bizarre, it was like they watched a different movie.
This is a decent review too:
@femroc yours of 10:13--that is one reason why it is so hard to be a writer, poet, or artist of any kind who puts their heart and soul out there to be stomped upon. As a painter I found it extremely hard to hear negative comments after spending agonizing periods working on something. Bah. I feel for WF. Rob too because he gives his all every time he performs.
I am wondering if there is a way for someone to send a link for this specific spoiler post to Will Fetters and, if not, then to copy and paste these comments to him. I am a technoklutz and don't know his contact info, but if anyone does and can post it here or email it to me, i will copy and paste all of this for himself to read.
Everyibe needs to head over to spunk-ransom.com, they've posted something that I think we all can appriciate and would LOVE to read. The post is under the following headder: Remember Me is Worth Fighting For — Remember Me Second Saturday!
Okay, I've now read the whole thread--up to my first comment--. Like so many of you, I'm amazed and heartened by the wonderfully thoughtful and sensitive comments so many of you have made here.
I dipped my feet cautiously into the venom that is on EW from LS's exploitative and vicious attack yesterday. From that hatred to this blog and its depth just points out how special this blog is and what it elicits in us all.
There are too many wonderful posts here to address many specifically. The quality of thought and feeling is remarkable. And the stories! Wow.
I have a story too. Sort of.
Yes, I was entirely stunned by 0/11 although I'm not a New Yorker (so I cannot know a New Yorker's level of trauma).
As I posted--reluctantly--on another spoiler thread, I lost my 20 yr. old son. He'd been missing for 6 months and then he was found, dead. There is nothing as excruciating as the loss of a child, and the pain never leaves. Never.
Now I cannot believe there would not have been more interaction between Tyler and his Mom.
I remember Rob saying that Tyler could rail against his Dad because his Dad was stronger but his Mom was broken. Yeah, I'm there. But that relationship still needed illustrating. I don't think Will Fetters is mature enough to get that, to see that point of view, because he didn't deal with it. And Rob, hasn't suffered a supreme loss like that and wouldn't have seen this hole.
And also, so many of Tyler's relationships were changed while he was changing and interacting with the significant people in his life, but that with his Mom not.
In my life, we don't have answers. No one can tell us when, where or even, with certainty, how my son died. Have you any idea what that does to a mother? I don't know--like we do about Tyler--if my son was at peace or in trauma at the time of death. There is far too much devastating about it to go into detail here.
I brought it up partially to draw attention to the negligence of Tyler's relationship with his Mom, but also to explain how the ending affected me personally.
When Tyler was standing at that window and realization came to me of what doom was coming to him, the haunting had already begun.
(The music score was riveting.) I was paralyzed, unable to breathe, my heart doing its arhythmic thing staccato. I was too hysterical to cry.
Oh, there's no similarity about the death of Tyler and that of my son. But--and this is a testament to Rob's acting--when Tyler was standing at that window, and we all knew death was coming, I felt a heartbreak I have not felt since the death of my son.
Rob made this character come alive and I became so emotionally invested in his well-being that by the time I knew he would leave forever my devastation was monumental.
It was extremely personal.
Shocking and significant as 9/11 is, it was TYLER'S death that mattered, that stunned, that crumpled me, that now haunts me.
We CARE about Tyler. If we didn't, if Rob couldn't pull that off, then any tragic ending would be irrelevant.
I'm saying, yes the universal.
But it all comes down to the personal. ONE life. One life gone.
I'm not saying enough, long as this post is. I'm not explaining enough.
But Tyler standing by that window makes me scream inside with sorrow. I can't stop screaming.
I also feel as some of you do about feeling pain when we think something or somebody deliberately tries to hurt Robert.
I can't help it.
Love the guy.
And Solas, I think your idea of sharing our various spoiler threads with Rob and Will somehow. Perhaps they lurk or have friends lurk, but we don't really know.
With all the venom and shit they must be exposed to elsewhere, perhaps many of the comments here would really hearten them.
Like I said before, somewhere, that EW site nauseated me and I was unaware such out-and-out irrational hatred existed.
Jessiegirl, your post is making me cry all over again. I have never lost a child and just thinking about the possibility that is always out there for all of us makes me panic. I felt motherly towards Tyler, too. I didn't notice the lack of interaction until you pointed it out though. I saw the love there that would let him call his father and invite him to dinner to try to protect both his mother and his sister. He hated making that call. He hated having any reason to depend on his father, but he did it out of love for Caroline and respect for him mom, trying to relieve her worry. I wonder what was cut from this film? Maybe there will be more on the deleted scenes on the DVD. Regardless, I am so sorry for your loss and think you are extremely brave to share your story. Thank you. You have touched me.
jessegirl - I have tears in my eyes. I can't imagine what you have gone through. I really appreciate your insights and thoughts. I agree with all you've said. Thank you.
Yes, "a memoriam to a human life, to the value of any single human life."
AP: "sometimes we shy away from pain and grief, but its an important part of the human experience."
Yes, we need to face it. The death of one close to us MUST affect us because if we don't feel the devastation, the sorrow, it would be as if that person never existed, never impacted the lives of those who knew him/her.
Our sorrow is our homage, our respect, our expression of how much we have lost. It must be.
We must not forget.
We must not forget the Holocaust.
We must not forget 9/11.
We must not forget that one particular life that was taken from us.
We must not forget that one life.
Captivated2, Thanks for the website. That was a good review. It is nice to read people giving credit where it is due. The only thing I disagree with is that Rob was fantastic in Twilight and New Moon. I hate when people say the Twilight series didn't require him to act. Somewhere along the line he did something very right in the Twilight series because literally millions of people fell in love with Edward because of his performance. Because he took it seriously and didn't play it like a cartoon character. He brought Edward to life. But, I did enjoy this reviewers comments about Remember Me. Thanks for sharing the web address.
I finally got to go and see "Remember Me" again!! I just love seeing Rob act he really is awesome and I think that he is up for any part that comes his way that he thinks he wants to do. I was very happy to see Robert Pattinson as a Producer in the credits. Love ya Rob you did and awesome job!!
Femroc, thank you for the link to that wonderful interview with Will Fetters. I saw several friends from this website had commented. I agree with someone who asked if this thread could be forwarded to him. I hope he knows that inspite of some, not all, of the critics, his story and this film has deeply touched a lot of people in a very positive way.
ShariG and Emily: Thank you.
I was reluctant. Too vulnerable. But these threads, this movie, everyone's sensitive comments about their own lives made me brave, -and stupid.
Shari: I did see some dynamic in Tyler's relationship with his Mom. She, remember, has already lost one son. I know this. Tyler, I think, feels her searing pain and must, somehow, insulate himself against it because of his own trauma, guilt and complex feelings about Michael's death. These two are emotional wrecks.
However, it would have been possible to show some progress between mother and son. Difficult but possible.
The fact that Tyler's Mom and Dad are divorced--we don't know whether that was before or after Michael's death and that is salient--is significant. Many parents who have lost a child divorce. That's yet another layer here.
And how do those parents now relate to surviving children?
I think Tyler's phenomenal legacy is--partly--that he forces so many around him to take stock and to change (Charles, Adrian, Ally). While he is changing.
However, we know Charles so much more than we do his Mom (what is her name again?). At the end she does have a haunted look on her face but I can tell you, losing both sons in such horrible ways would easily be the mental undoing of that woman.
I think the problem of Charles' distance was easier to solve--if you will-than the annihilation that mother carries with her.
We don't see any of that. In a way, I know why:
1) it's Tyler's story;
2) Charles and Tyler are easier to 'fix';
3) Tyler's protective relationship with Caroline seems easier in that it's natural and not riddled with conflict.
Despite my perspective on the mother issue, you all know that I love this movie.
It absolutely is Oscar worthy, although, given the shit storm now the academy probably won't go in that direction.
But WE here know. We know.
Kudos to Rob, Allen, Will, the composer, all the other actors. It is a tour de force.
It is unforgettable.
Extremely good insite Jesse. Wow
Wow, I can't believe that someone else felt the same way. Why did EW.com slam Rob...........Made me mad when I read it. Totally unforgiveable. I check Rob Pattinson on Google every day to get the latest scoop. Most of it is garbage, but I can find some goodies there too.
jessegirl, Wow ITA, and I think Rob got it. That's why he made this movie. And also the other actors. They did so well because they believed in the story.
Love and Hugs to you.
I too cannot even begin to imagine what you are going through. I lost a child too, but I lost him in the womb. I never knew him. Never held him. But still, I mourn him. I just don't know what to say. I'm sorry just doesn't cover it. But please know that I am.
And I agree that Tyler's relationship with his mother was shortchanged in the film and the great Lena Olin was terribly underused. I wanted more interaction there too. In fact, we saw very little of Diane in this story. Even at the end when they know that they've lost Tyler, we got reaction shots from Charles, Caroline, Ally and Aidan but not Diane. His own mother. Why? We only see the back of her running down the street to where she'll look across the river to see that the towers are burning and knowing that Charles had told her earlier that Tyler was going to meet him there. We should have been shown her face as she too realized that she'd just lost her surviving son. Imagine, if she hadn't had Caroline later on in life, she'd now be childless. I don't know though. If I'd had to watch such a scene, I might not have made it out of the theatre on my own steam. Maybe they thought it would be too much. To watch his mother go through it again. I don't know. The relationship between mother and child is the strongest there is. I don't know. It would be interesting though to talk with Allan or Will or Rob and ask them, why did we not see Diane's reaction shot? Why was her's omitted from the story? Although now that I think of it, she wasn't a strong presence in the script either. Why?
And I hear what some of you are saying about seeing Rob -even as just a fictional character- being placed in such harm's way. It's hard for me to even think about it and I try not to let my mind wander back to that scene. I knew I wasn't looking at Rob, I was looking at a fictional character and I knew it was coming when he was going up in that elevator. I said to myself, this is it. His life is over. Not Rob's. Tyler's. But still...I was looking at Rob's face and even though this was just pretend, this event was real and it was his image that was standing in that window and it made my blood run cold.
I don't know why I love this kid in the way that I do. And yeah, we naughty joke about him alot, but my true feelings for him are those of concern for his happiness and his safety. Maybe it's the age difference between us. I don't know. But the idea of him of anything happening to him. I just can't go there.
I'm not a praying person but I ask the fates to look out for those I love, most especially my sister's children. They're young and still have so much of their lives ahead of them. And I'll admit that I've asked the fates to watch over Rob too. The only other person I have asked to be protected, a person I do not know that is, is President Obama. I ask for his protection daily because I fear for his life.
How did I stumble into all of this? I know. I went to something I knew very little about (Comic Con), to get an autograph or a picture of a young actor I'd never heard of (for my niece) and just like that...my life went down another path.
I guess that's what life is. Just random moments woven together that hopefully add some more meaning and purpose to our lives. And with that, I think I shall bid you all goodnight. It's been helpful to talk about all of this today. Thank you.
Oh. I too wish there were some way that Will or Rob or anyone connected to this film and are feeling hurt by some of the reaction, that they too could read this blog or others like it. I don't know what Rob's reaction to all of this has been, but as sensitive as he is, I don't imagine that he's just sluffed it off with an 'oh well.' He doesn't want to hurt anyone and if he feels this film has, I think that will hurt him. And that would hurt me.
Night guys.
I saw it for the first time today and I don't know what to say.
It was so sad but enjoyable. I haven't enjoyed a movie this much in ages.
And Rob, of course was amazing.
I can't explain it.
Hey Nik, been there, done that. I lost my very first grandchild. I really know what you're talking about. It hurts so much, but you can't describe it. Any family members death affects us all.
I really love this site and what we share.... Love you all and Hugs/Kisses.
I don't have any more comments to add (except that I might go see RM again on Saturday), because you all have said it so beautifully.
I just wanted to *wave* at Nikola6 and say welcome back! :D
Jessegirl and nikola6:
Wow, my hearts go out to the both of you. I can't imagine your pain. You are both the most amazing people for being able to share something as personal as that.
Stay strong, stay believing, and stay as fabulous as you have shown yourselves to be!
hugs and best wishes, allie
I have posted my opinion of the movie several times, (amazing, gripping, haunting, important) but I just wanted to comment about the dialogue on this thread. There has been some wonderful discussions of this movie. Therefor, I think it is reaching it's purpose. Everyone who sees it will have a strong opinion one way or the other and will feel the need to talk about it and think about it and reflect on the movie and on their own lives. That is what a movie should do.
That is true art!
Thanks, Nancy and alliecullen, and of course, Nicola, for your comfort and wishes, and sorry for your own loss, Nik. This movie is uncovering so many of our losses.
I can take only a minute now--at work--but will try to respond more tonight if I can.
Thanks for the response about Tyler's Mom, Nik. Actually, they did have a short shot of her in the final montage, at work it looked like, just a head shot, where you could read the grief. But not at the moment she actually found out that he was dead.
Now that moment--I wouldn't have wanted to see my own face when the police came to my place of employment and told me--is like a death for a mother. I cannot convey it. It is so overwhelming nothing expresses it. And six months of searching and waiting like that transform the hope you must have into a cruelty.
My son's birthday is in the middle of March and seeing RM during this touchstone time must have set off the process again. Yes, it was Tyler, a character, not Rob--if it were I wouldn't want to think how I would feel!--not my son, yet I am now in deep, deep grief again. I cannot talk to my husband about this.
I do not blame RM. The movie is exactly the sort of film that is worth putting down your money for.
I will probably go again, how often I don't know, because I am now compelled. Perhaps it will help me in some way. I only know that, following my instinct, I must.
I, too, like you, feel a mighty protective streak where Robert is concerned. I've said it before, it feels weird having so much feeling for someone who does not know, care to know, or will ever know me. But there it is. Dime store analysis might say 'son substitute' or something equally insulting. Oh for heaven's sake, it's way too complicated. (Because, of course, as you've also said, there is definite lust for Rob in the mix too.Can't help that either.) We are so very complex, aren't we?
Yes things were percolating inside me. But it speaks to the enormous power of this film that it could unleash such a deep and powerful well of feelings in so many of us--I've read all the comments.
I know for a fact my son would have loved this film; maybe his spirit is there when I'm watching, putting his arm around me as he used to do in real life when I was in pain. One of his huge gifts was his compassion.
Thank you so much again. *hugs*
@jessegirl: I have only just got back and read your comments, and can only imagine the pain of your particular loss. To have someone missing....and then the ultimate sadness. That you have come through with such an 'open' heart and the evincing the same compassion as you say was your son's greatest gift is amazing. You are a strong person...
It pales in comparison to talk about RM - but the point it made at the end is one that I hope is some comfort too. It is to me. Nobody's life is a true loss. We see how Tyler's touched others and changed them forever, and how healing can begin and transform. Gah - words are so inadequate, but its what I think about when I remember those who are gone in my life. They are still here as long as I remember them, and who they are will go on, because they shaped me, in my relationships with others.
Don't hate me but I didn't think it was the best movie. There was weaknesses in the script and I didn't think the chemistry between Rob and Emile was as good as between Robsten. That being said, Rob didn't disappoint at all. I didn't feel like I was watching Edward like I do when I watch, say, Jennifer Aniston. Even though he plays another tortured soul, he played Tyler differently, even spoke differently. His acting was not overly maudlin but you did get the sense that here was a person who was slowly falling apart. I give the movie a C grade but I give Rob an A-. I think he will be like Leo, George and Brad--someone who was initially disregarded because of his good looks but has gone on to prove over the years that they really do have the acting chops.
I'm excited to see his next few movies. I love that he has chosen very different roles, that he is pushing himself in his art, but maintains his same self-deprating humor and sunny attitude.
BTW, I was a little concerned about the ending and the use of 9/11. But I thought it was handled well. I wonder why the writer chose to use such a horrific tragedy instead of something else.
I also loved Pierce Brosnan's performance. I think he and Rob had better chemistry than Rob and Emile. Of course, my favorite relationship in the movie was with Tyler and Caroline. It was sweet but not cloying.
jesse girl-- thank you so much for all of your insights and sharing. I am not as brave as you to share/talk here about my own losses yet.
'Dimestore analysis' and psychobabble will vomit various 'diagnoses' and declarations, but the truth is, many of us care about this lad who will never meet up with us not because he is a substitute son, but because, even though every human is deserving of care yet we cannot care for them all, he has put his self out there for us to know as a real person, not a paper doll or plastic toy.
AP andSolas,
Thanks for the kind words.
Re-thinking it a bit I think I burdened everyone with too much about myself. Perhaps unfair.
Not trying to elicit sympathy but trying to explain why this particular film resonated with me on such a primal level,and trying to understand its power, regardless of what review grade others give it.
Yes, Solas, 'he has put himself out there'. Glad you had a good time at the Bobby Long gig.
I'm very grateful for you all.
Enough said.
Jesse--I personally do not feel burdened; I feel honoured and touched to get to 'know' you better, and I think this is indicative of what I was trying to describe: I don't know about all of Rob's fans, but most here seem to be genuine caring people, responding to the real-ness of Rob by caring about him, and this sense of caring is not only for Rob, but is just an aspect of ourselves as caring human beings.
Jesse-- I will say that this film also resonated with myself on a personal level, in several ways, not only the loss of a child's life that could have been, but having survived terror attacks whilst those around me were blown to bits.
And even though I could relate to it personally, I never found the film itself, or the ending that so many condemn, as a 'twist' or as exploitative or as disrespectful the fallen or their surviving friends and families. I saw it as an homage to them, and saw the brilliant portrayal of very real characters as kind of a taste or peak of what could be but then never was fully realized--kind of like getting a fingertaste of the frosting of a wedding cake before a wedding that never takes place because the groom was in an accident just before the ceremony.
I thought this was one of the best heartwarming, gut wrenching; tear jerking movies I have seen so far for 2010. The relationship between Tyler and his dad was so like the one I have with my own it wasn't funny. I was able to understand what Tyler was going through, and it made me love this movie all the more, and to think I'm a female not a male like Tyler. I can't believe that people are ripping up this movie and saying it is not good, when in fact it's the opposite. The ending was a shocker, but I thought it was done in good taste, being that I lost someone dear to me on that day as well. It actually opened a door for me to be able to talk to my niece about what actually happened, she was only 6 at the time and didn't have a good memory or understanding. So thank you Rob and the maker's of Remember Me. I agree with the title of the movie. Everyone and everything that happened that day should be remembered, including my very good friends that lost there lives that day. So any body that has not gone and seen this movie I suggest that you do, I guarantee you will not be disappointed.
does anyone know where you can watch it online no download and no surbey?
@jessegirl: no burden as far as I am concerned, and I perfectly well understand why the film resonated. It is about grief, loss and and honouring those we love, in the present or the past. I'm all for love, however it is with us... :)
Jesse==not only put himself out there, but put his Self out there.
FanthatIam: Good observations.
AP and Solas:
I just got home from a long day at work. I'm always behind on the posts unless I sneak time in at work.
Anyway, I appreciate the supportive comments. They mean a great deal to me. And Solas, if you survived terrorist attack yourself then clearly--whatever the specifics of your story--you have had to grapple with trauma of huge proportions as well. I would like to put my arms around your shoulder as my son would do for me.
Yes, I see the film's treatment of the event as an homage as well. I am stunned by all the stories others here have shared, either about their own lives or about the discussions this film has provoked with their friends/family.
It is a remarkable result of a remarkable movie and I doubt Will, Rob or Allen thought it would move people THIS much. I posted on the ropeofsilicon site, urging Will, Rob and Allen to come here and read all of this incredible stuff robsessed people are pouring out.
I wanted them to feel better. I hope they do.
And, with the perspective of 3 viewings and some time to process it all, I see what Will said about the film really being about grieving; that's the theme. Seen in that light, it is an even braver film than first thought. Solas, yes his Self, absolutely right.
Now I'd like to lighten my own mood by licking and saving some of the photos from RM's London premiere.
Night all, you fierce and loving women!
Oh, forgot, Femroc, thanks for the ropeofsilicon site!
Hi I'm from Singapore & RM just hit our theaters today so I decided to watch it alone. [none of my friends were free but I couldn't wait another day!!] It was also in the spirit of the film that made me want to do something I never had to guts to which was to go to the ticket counter, buy 1 ticket & sit all by myself. I felt some weird vibes from the crowd but it didn't bother me especially after watching the film.
I loved it. The entire film felt very real, it wasn't some blockbuster movie with big effects & an expensive price tagged onto it. This is the kind of film where I actually didn't mind the hand-held slightly shaky cameras. I read the script beforehand, & to be honest it's just not the kind of films that would have typically made it off the shores of USA. If it wasn't for Rob's daring pick & his popularity, it would most probably be some small-time Indie film shown only in some US states.
I like the fact that this film was very human. We see the characters doing normal stuff that we typically do, there's no particular stand-out scene that sets the story in motion like most stories. We go through life, face some arguments & problems, & we don't necessarily get some big epiphany out of it in that moment. Yet at the end of it, I realized that every scene that was seemly insignificant is important. This film touched on so many things categorizing it in one genre just doesn't cover it.
All the characters experience something that changes them, & yet all of them chose to handle it in different ways. Tyler chose to blame his dad so that his anger, which was really at his brother, could be fixated on something tangible. Charles chose to distance himself thinking it wouldn't hurt as much when we lose our loved ones. Ally chose to live her life because she knows things can happen for no apparent reason. Ally's dad holds on tightly to the only thing he has got to lose. Life is all about the choices we make; we can choose to feel sorry for ourselves & blame others for our situation, or we can try to make the best out of it.
Change doesn't turn on a dime. It takes time, & sometimes, before you realize it you have changed. Like Ally talking about her past at the dinner table with Tyler's dad out of the blue. Before she realized that she has been living her life stuck in that event like her father, just not handling it in the same way, she has actually begun to let go of the past. & Tyler, whose hasn't been out living life since his brother's death, becomes more light and happy, although not completely losing that angst. He slowly grows to be more mature; he becomes more dependable, calling his dad to protect his mom & sister. & Charles, after the fight with Tyler & Caroline's incident, he makes the effort to change himself and stands up for Tyler's behavior to protect Caroline.
Even though some people feel that the ending was exploitation, don't all movies on wars, abuse, tragic events exploit that? Maybe its because they feel that the ending was just added to squeeze some tears out of the audience, but I didn't feel that way. It could be the fact that I'm Singaporean, but for me it felt right for the story to end this way. Life is unpredictable, & that was an event no one expected. In truth, if Tyler ended up murdered or got into a car accident, the impact of the story wouldn't be told in its full extent because accidents are unexpected & yet very probable. It was like what Tyler thought of Ally's dessert-first theory, "What are the odds?" & truth is, no one can guarantee what would happen in the next moment, no matter how small the possibility is.
I think I'm going to give my father another shot. I have been ignoring him for weeks now, & even though we may never get to a relationship I would hope to have, I don't think I want to ignore him for the rest of my life.
Thanks for sharing Simone, it's beautiful, I love your comment and your analysis !
Thanks =) @whyistherumalwaysgone
I forgot to add. The only annoying thing was Singapore's stringent censorship. They cut out the sex scene so it could be rated PG. I totally can't relate to the hot chemistry some people are describing. I'll most probably buy the DVD when it's out. But I guess the good thing is that a wider range of people can get to watch it. The youngsters especially, it's never too late for them to learn to enjoy their youth.
Simone--I hope you can get your comment, at least the last part about your dad, to Will, ROb, et al. This is something they should see.
The more I think about it, the more I insist this should not have been marketed or advertised or even implied 'romantic drama' or 'romance.' There was so much more to it!
It is really a drama of life, love, and loss. If the negative critics and people had been under that impression coming in, perhaps they would not have felt the ending came out of no where; perhaps they would have been able to see the bigger picture.
Jesse--thanks-- your verbal hugs are what I need. i actually freak out from real hugs unless I know a person very well usually for a long time. And even with most of those whom I know, I kind of stay off at the side, out of the way of hugs. When people see me at parties or really an social event, and run over for a hug of greeting, which is normal for everyone else, I used to cringe; now, because I am more aware of and don't want to hurt people's feelings, i just inwardly cringe and try my best to hug them back, or at least suffer myself to be hugged without being totally frozen. You are blessed that you had someone you trusted to comfort you with real hugs.
I do still deal with the trauma; I do still see body parts falling around myself, although not as often--I can see the scenes vividly after so much time; I avoid going to the place where the terror attacks took place, and have become so much more fearful and cautious, but in truth, I know they can happen anywhere, at any time, G-d forbid. It was very difficult, when my kids were little, not making them totally paranoid; NOT saying when I went somehwere-- I don't know if I will make it back alive or in one piece. But I always was aware of it.
Geez, Solas, you say little about it here but what you did say about your experience freaked me out. Damn, no wonder you prefer only virtual hugs--can easily oblige there.
By the way, I posted on the 'rope' comments about the guys (Will, Rob and Allen) reading the fantastic stories and all the other profound things we've been delving into as a result of this movie, but my comment was edited, and the reference to Robsessed was excised. What was left made it seem like I was talking about the comments at 'rope..', and misrepresented what I'd really said. So much for that.
Do you ladies think Will will venture here anyway, because I can't believe the stunning and superlative thinking/feeling and discussions that have been going on here. It's extraordinary. What a group!
Could you make that happen? I mean people--including Will and Rob--will read, or not, what they want to. But if the path is clearly marked, as from 'rope' to here, surely Will would venture over. Am I hopelessly naive?
Hi everyone!
My name is Rita and I've been reading your comments for some time (November 2009) because I think Rob = The Pretty :) and thought it was time for me to say something…
Remember me premiered today here in Portugal and I just saw it and loved it! Oh, and my mum cried. :) She wasn't expecting the ending.
And now I'll continue to read your comments not just because Rob still = The Pretty, but also because Rob = talent (I already knew). Can't wait for WFE!!!
Sorry for any misspelling or grammatical errors but English is not my first language, so mistakes will be made.
Enjoy life.
jessegirl, you are so much a part of my life too.... I feel exactly like you do...
Thanks for this blog. It is me too.
Hi Rita! Glad you enjoyed the film and appreciate Rob's talent as the rest of us here. :-)
And PLEASE--your English is just fine! English is one of my earlier languages and I am still making typos all over the place!
Okay, there was not an airplane sound when Tyler looked thru the window. Just saw it again last night and paid attention....
Also, so the Tyler Tat on Aidan.... missed it the first time.
Sorry looked for a spoiler post today and it didn't appear yet.
I keep thinking of the way Rob spoke of the film in one of the red carpet clips. He said it was "heartbreaking but heartwarming too"... he also said that it was difficult to describe what it was about - because there were so many different things in it.. it seems to be very hard to categorize it, but I think marketing it as a romance - even a tragic romance - is misleading because even with the word "tragic" people except lots of fluff. I keep thinking of his "heartbreaking but heartwarming", maybe it's all there in a nutshell.
ok, WTF happened....?????
Aidan getting a Tyler tatoo. No Airplane sound at the blackout. Saw this 2 times now and cried much harder on the first movie. Just trickle tears on the second. But going again Sunday for the 3rd time. Gotta support Rob. No Matter What.
I really love you ladies for creating this web site. I no longer feel alone.
Thank you so much. Kate, Godze and Kat.
Thank you Solas, that was very kind of you.
It's nice to be welcomed to a place where everyone seems to be as nuts (about someone) as you...
I loved the movie, but I absolutely love de sense of peace that I felt that Tyler felt in his last scene... after so much pain everything got in "order"... Am I making any sense? :)
I think that's why I didn't cry in the end. Everything seemed to be in their right place...
Rita, yes; you make sense. He had a peace of mind that many do not have at the end of even long lives.
Jesse--I went to the facebook Remember Me tryng to give the info for this blog and thread to Will, Rob, Allen et al. I don't know if they will get it; i wish there were a way we could make sure.
Has anyone checked again the comments about Will Fetters' interview by Brad Brevet on ropeof silicon? They keep accumulating - there are now 174 comments, many dated today and yesterday, and all of them match our love and respect for RM. All of them are soulful, well-thought, little reviews of their own, sometimes far better than anything posted by professionals (IMHO) and all of them are also a way of sharing feelings, emotions, our personal griefs. Many of them are a reflection of each viewer's personal journay in life. It's incredible. It's amazing. It's so beautiful and absolutely mind-blowing, go and read them and tell people about it! Spread the word
Link if you have missed it :