MovieChat Forums > The Shuttered Room (1968) Discussion > Question about Reed's character

Question about Reed's character

posted 3 years ago by ElizabethJoestar (946)
4 replies | jump to latest

So towards the end of the movie when Reed is chasing Lynley in the mill and finally corners the woman with the intent of at last having his wicked way with her, she starts tearing her shirt and bra off in a fit of rage and fear. He immediately stops his attempt to attack her and stands in shock for a moment-- and I just want to ask why?

I mean this earnestly. Did I miss something? He's been a rape-happy ghoul most of the movie and her calling him out on being "an animal" is enough to make him stop? My friend who was watching it with me said maybe she has some scar on her chest from when she was attacked by her sister as a child but the movie never hints at that... as far as I know anyway?

No one else seems to have brought that plot point up on this board, so I just want to know if there's some other reason beyond this horrible guy suddenly feeling ashamed.

[–] Wuchak (8850) a year ago

Perhaps she and her crazy (possibly demon-possessed) sister were originally conjoined twins and he saw the scar of their separation. Another possibility is that he caught a glimpse of the ghoulish sister and it freaked him out enough to stop and flee.

[–] ElizabethJoestar (946) 10 months ago

Interesting points! I really wish one of those was the case but the movie is so vague about it.

[–] Wuchak (8850) 10 months ago

I'll pay more attention to that scene the next time I watch it for explanatory details but, if it takes place in the old mill, then it's likely he caught a shocking glimpse of the maniac twin sister, which stopped him in his tracks. After all, the whole story is based around building up suspense concerning the mysterious presence in the mill and giving the big reveal at the climax.

As you point out, it doesn't seem likely that Susannah merely calling him an "animal" would suddenly give him a conscience.

[–] ElizabethJoestar (946) 10 months ago

You're probably right! That makes much more sense and I imagine it'll be more apparent on a repeat viewing.