Burnt picture
Why did O'Brien burn the picture of his girlfriend? I'd thought maybe he'd decided to kill Paco and knew he wouldn't be getting out any time soon.
shareProbably. Symbolic of the idea that he'd be stuck in there for a long time, and his relationship with her would be dissolved. Either way, if he's killed,...she's out of his life, or he out of hers...and if he kills Paco, he's stuck in The Big House, life ruined. Sad, tragic.
"Assaiii...assaiii!"
--Sensei Terry Silver Karate Kid III