MovieChat Forums > Splash (1984) Discussion > The Only Thing I Don't Like About This M...

The Only Thing I Don't Like About This Movie...


...is Walter Kornbluth (Eugene Levy's character). He exposes Madison in front of all those people, and later on when Kornbluth sees her in that tank at the lab he gets worried because she looks pale. Well, just what should he have expected Dr. Ross and those other scientists to do with her?! Some "man of science"... It disgusts me that Madison actually kisses Kornbluth *gags*, I honestly and truly don't think I would've been able to forgive him.
In addition, it gives me the creeps that Freddy was in the lab while Madison would've been nude. We know how he is...

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[deleted]

*bump*

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It's a case of a scientist developing tunnel vision in their pursuit of evidence for validation. He had a single-minded focus of exposing her and proving he was right to those who doubted him. He wasn't thinking about the consequences.

Think of any fictional or real life example where a scientist develops something that ends up being used for sinister purposes. They get lost in the science, the accomplishment.

Scientist: "I bet we can cross a human with a spider."

Everyone else: "Why?"

Scientist: "Because science. That's why."

Military: "Here's some money, get to work."

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Exactly, mikedegot.

He wanted to prove himself right so badly, he completely lost sight of everything else.

He also likely never thought of a mermaid as a 'living thing' that had feelings.
He clearly sees Madison for the first time while she is in the tank, looking utterly beaten.
Cornbluth realizes what he has done, who she is, and then realizes what his research team plans to 'do' with Madison.


"I'd say this cloud is Cumulo Nimbus."
"Didn't he discover America?"
"Penfold, shush."

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Besides, what does keeping her in water have to do with her getting sick? She was getting sick from unhappiness and containment. As for Freddy, AND Cornbluth, they gave her a shirt and wrapped her in those sheets right away to pull off the escape, so she didn't even have time to dry first.

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I'm surprised that people aren't complaining about the judgmental way Allen reacted.

No. Walter Kornbluth was a dick in his pursuits. But, he did realize that he was wrong when it was right there in front of him, what he did. He wasn't a horrible guy. He could just be a total dick in his pursuit to be right.

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Something else I'd like to add: in fantasy movies, TV shows, etc., mythical creatures try to keep their true selves hidden at pretty much any cost which I totally understand. But then Kornbluth proves that merfolk exist by exposing Madison; I wonder if Madison's fellow merfolk would forgive him for that...

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I'm surprised that people aren't complaining about the judgmental way Allen reacted.

When I saw this as a kid, even then I was surprised at Allen's sudden about-face.
As an adult, it still seems a bit odd.
Yes, I can understand him being freaked out (you found out you were in love with a mermaid! Plus, he was kidnapped & experimented on briefly).

But he acted more huffy than freaked out.....like he discovered she was married or something!



I'd say this cloud is Cumulo Nimbus.
Didn't he discover America?
Penfold, shush.

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Oh, but what would the movie be without him? Perhaps it would be an even more delightful feature for some, but at the same time it would be a bit too sappy for others.

As others said, he wasn't a terrible man at the end of the day, he just wanted to prove himself so bad that (I'll give him the benefit of the doubt) he became too reckless and naive to care about the consequences. Besides, he's kind of a pathetically funny guy.


You want something corny? You got it!

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