Comments on: 01/13/11 – In The Closet

By: Toby Bartels

Toby Bartels — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 06:15:57 +0000

>I am really not of a fan of [â€¦] jokes against any minority

How about Catholics? Not a joke exactly here, but Jay is unlike any Catholic I’ve ever known, and I know quite a few. (Upon reflection, I take that back; I know ONE Catholic like Jay. Possibly you also met him and took him as reflective of the whole group? He actually might have encouraged that, false as it is.)

By: Peter Lewerin

Peter Lewerin — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 20:40:43 +0000

Maybe this is a cultural issue. In a “considerate society” culture like Japan’s or USA’s, it seems (to the outsider at least) that being an “asshole” or “douchebag” is about the lowest you can sink. In an American narrative, an asshole character is almost always a villain (or possibly a comic relief character). In a European narrative, such as the French films Bruno adores, everyone can be an asshole, and rudeness, insensitivity, callousness, etc aren’t at all uncommon in character interplay, even between characters who are lovers or the best of friends.

One interesting example is comparing the character of Raoul Wallenberg in the films “Wallenberg: A Hero’s Story” (American) and “Good Evening, Mr. Wallenberg” (Swedish). In the American film (which I’ve only seen a part of), Wallenberg is kind, witty, and resourceful. In the Swedish film, Wallenberg is antagonistic, gloomy, and a bit of a jerk. The latter portrayal seems more realistic considering the circumstances, but very much against the rules of American drama.

By: Peter Lewerin

Peter Lewerin — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 15:46:38 +0000

@Ronald, Jay can say that because that’s how strong their friendship is. She can hear him say that and while it may make her want to kill him, it doesn’t make her want to drop him from her friendslist.

By: Christopher

Christopher — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 22:03:05 +0000

@Ronald, fair enough, but try to imagine other definitions of “friend” that others might hold.

Both Bruno and Jay have strong opinions on life and belief, and they are simply okay with the other spouting their opinion and mocking each other over it. Sometimes they both push too hard, but they both realize they need something from each other, that there is something in the other that they’re missing.

By: Ronald

Ronald — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 21:19:43 +0000

Bruno’s heartbroken over losing Donna and Jay calls her relationship a “veniality.” Sorry, but IMHO that’s not much of a friend.

By: Christopher

Christopher — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 17:58:40 +0000

Excellent synopsis, Peter!

By: Peter Lewerin

Peter Lewerin — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 13:46:54 +0000

Jay and Bruno are birds of a feather. They are brutally honest towards each other (which Lenny mistakes for insensitivity here) but they do care about each other. Jay is also the only friend Bruno has (yet) who actively tries to help her to not walk her lonely road of hurt.

By: Ronald

Ronald — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 11:12:19 +0000

I’m not sure I get in what way Jay is Bruno’s friend.