Why didn't Alex kill the dog? - Fatal Attraction (1987) Discussion

[–] NebulousGirl 8 years ago

I'm guessing the directors thought perhaps killing the bunny was easier to believe for the audience? I also feel the dog was more of a pet to the adults, but the bunny was specifically for Ellen, and Alex knew that it would send more of a chilling message to Dan and his wife that she was not afraid to target their child.

reply

[–] highpriestess32 8 years ago

Actually, Alex (however unhinged), had built up a rapport with Quincy the dog in the park that Sunday. Ironically she probably did love animals to a point but the rabbit was synonymous with the domestic "bliss" that Alex witnessed when Ellen was first presented with it. If you recall, she was in a frenzy of sorts at the time, added to the fact that the dog was rarely left unattended unlike the rabbit which was housed in a hutch at the back of the yard.

Alex had made a vicious tape recording and delivered it to Dan's seceratary. She trollied his car with acid then followed him home, sneaking up to the window to witness the scene of said domestic bliss. The rabbit was the easiest target and she was able to use it as a warning. By leaving it in a boiling pan on the stove she was able to leave a very clear message - that she could infiltrate the house and basically do as she pleased, therefore leaving Dan a calling card of some arc.

"These days you have to boil someone before you can sleep with them"

reply

[–] bearuk 8 years ago

I think you have it there highpriestess. It was in that moment where Alex sees Dan, with wife and child, holding the rabbit in the cage, the joy of everyone in that moment, making her sick to the stomach...

reply

[–] highpriestess32 8 years ago

Well that's just how I perceived it - a symbolic way to trash that domestic bliss. I noticed also how there seemed to be a lot of puritive white in that scene. Beth's white cosy clothes, Ellen in her white nightie, the white rug (if I recall), by the roaring fire and of course perhaps a directional intention - a white rabbit. There was something virginal and innocent about the whole scene! And I am sure it was no coincidence that Alex, by contrast was in some PVC black jacket (good vs evil maybe!).

Just a random observation - I could not say how long before the Gallaghers arrived home that Alex had departed but the pan was pretty full and was boiling away. Bit of artistic licence there however in that the blood seen around the bunny's neck was still fresh and although its head was above water level, that blood would have likely turned brown from the steam alone. Lol 

"These days you have to boil someone before you can sleep with them"

reply

[–] Melancholy11 8 years ago

Killing the bunny hurt his daughter, which in turn hurt him more than killing the dog.

reply

[–] americanadian25 8 years ago

Maybe Alex knew that Dan's daughter really wanted that rabbit. Been a while since I've seen the movie but even I don't think Dan mentioned the rabbit to Alex, she may have picked up on that and thought it was a more effective way to send a message.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gRMaUo9cbA

reply

[–] MariaLoathesDTWig 8 years ago

Simply because the dog wasn't at home ! Dan and his family took the dog with them when went off to visit the grandparents.

http://www.imdb.com/board/bd0000005/thread/247745514?d=247745514#247745514

reply

[–] highpriestess32 8 years ago

Even so, Maria_Helena, I don't think Alex would have made any attempt on Quincy even given the chance. I understand what she did to the rabbit was heinous but she had a rapport with the dog. Had Quincy been left alone at any time, I imagine he would have greeted Alex as he had spent time with her - making it very hard for her to kill him.

Also, she wanted Dan to KNOW it was her doing which is why she went the extra mile and placed the dead rabbit on the stove in a pan of boiling water. Yes, we know the dog was rarely if ever left unattended aside from the night Dan was at Alex's apartment but for some reason I don't think she would have been able to harm him in any way. Those breeds are very placid and she would not, I feel, been evil enough in spite of her hot-headedness!

"These days you have to boil someone before you can sleep with them"

reply

[–] LAtvGuy 8 years ago

I always thought it was symbolic of the way they used to say a woman was pregnant... The rabbit died.

reply

[–] MariaMitchell 8 years ago

I always thought it was symbolic of the way they used to say a woman was pregnant... The rabbit died.

That's an expression I've never heard before..

reply

[–] LAtvGuy 8 years ago

That's an expression I've never heard before..

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rabbit_test

reply

[–] MariaMitchell 8 years ago

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rabbit_test

Lordy. Well, you learn something new everyday...

reply

[–] Mishelly0505 (6) 3 years ago

Yes that was the way I saw it, too. “The rabbit died” expression. She probably got the idea while watching them through the window with the rabbit. I also think if she had killed the dog it would have put off audiences. No one likes when the dog dies. And I think her character was sufficiently hated by that point in the film. They didn’t need to have her do something as drastic and awful and killing that cute dog.