MovieChat Forums > The Prince of Tides (1991) Discussion > The Father -- Violent?

The Father -- Violent?

posted 17 years ago by jacksommersby
9 replies | jump to latest

I've never understood why Nolte in the opening voiceover describes his father as "violent"? We never see nor or told that he's violent. He never hits his kids or anything.

Thoughts?

[–] Treg1980 17 years ago

Come on really watch this great movie and you will understand why the father is violent.

[–] jacksommersby 17 years ago

I've seen the film plenty of times, thank you. Emotionally violent? Sure. But physically violent? Nope.

[–] Treg1980 17 years ago

Yes he was, if only for how he grabbed Lila.

[–] rosarypliers 16 years ago

Just because it isn't shown it does not mean he didn't beat his wife and/or the children. I often think about the dog food dinner she prepares for him. I think it has several meanings. Actually, he inspired her by offering his French food to the dog. She thinks he's primitive, that's why she thinks dog food would be appropriate for him. But she is also hurt and wants revenge…but she cannot do it openly, because he would brutally beat her (I think it speaks for himself that his abs are often exposed…and this kind of shirt is also called a wife-beater!) So her revenge is secret. She prepares something disgusting for him, but in a way it cannot easily be recognized and decorates it lovingly.

[–] highdopaminelevel 16 years ago

it may have been seen a couple of times but one can't call his physical abuse non-existent..sure we weren't able to see some cheek-slapping or black-eyes but if you watch the movie again weren't the scenes where Henry hits his son while they were eating Lila's french food and where he shoves Lila and grabs her wrists in the birthday scene enough to show markers of a very violent person?

Come to the supermarket in Old Peking..

[–] CasseroleWorshipper 12 years ago

Given the very violent nature of a lot of domestic abuse cases, he didn't really hurt his kids that bad, physically. Doesn't justify the behavior though, of course.
I don't mean to impose, but I am the Ocean.

[–] trickg1 12 years ago

It's really only hinted at in the movie, although it's shown that he's emotionally abusive as well as physically abusive. It's described in greater detail in the book.

Also, having grown up in a home with a father who was a stern disciplinarian, I can tell you that even infrequent violence is violence, and it has the same effect.

"My name is Gladiator"

[–] pypsqweek 11 years ago

You need to read the book.

[–] Pegasys9 11 years ago

They may not have shown it, but I'm sure he was violent. Reminds me a lot of my father...he even used the same line,
"This is my house, you're just a guest in it."

Must be a southern thing.