MovieChat Forums > Sleeping with the Enemy (1991) Discussion > Most ridiculous/out of place scene

Most ridiculous/out of place scene

posted 8 years ago by nestychase
4 replies | jump to latest

First of all, let me just say that I love a cheesy, over the top late 80's/early 90's movie montage. Let me also say that I understand the entire purpose of a montage in a film is to quickly advance the plot. That being said,I couldn't help thinking while watching SWTE that the scene were Ben takes Laura to the backstage prop area of the theater just felt totally out of place with the mood of the rest of the film. Up until that scene the film had a steady dark and menacing feel, and rightly so. But what never ceases to amaze me is how the scene in the theater feels like it belongs in some random romantic/comedy. Here's this woman who's faked her own death and moved half way across the country, living in constant fear that her abusive husband could return at any moment, but.......she'll take a minute to sexy dance wearing only a tuxedo jacket and try on a bunch of funny hats. Again, I get that the purpose of the scene is to quickly advance her relationship with Ben but it just feels out of place and unintentionally comical. Also,just a tip, if you're trying to sweep a woman off her feet, you don't choose "Runaround Sue" as the song you're going to dance to. Nothing makes a woman swoon more than dancing to a song about some skank who cheated on her boyfriend with every guy in town. I'm I the only one who felt this way about the theater scene?

[–] fiatlux-1 8 years ago

I agree that the scene is cheesy.
But the scene had 2 reasons really,
1. The film is basically Julia Roberts *vehicle*. I like the film a lot, but read the novel: In no way is Laura/Sara all dolled up and showcased like she is here.

2. In terms of the script, it was to show Laura relaxing in life at last. She's able to be goofy and have fun, much like the scene where we see her sit on the porch swing alone or when she is at the carnival: Laura spent her marriage acting like a living doll, not like a human.
She is able to let herself go a bit, and be silly.

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

[–] karenjm1962 8 years ago

"In terms of the script, it was to show Laura relaxing in life at last. She's able to be goofy and have fun, much like the scene where we see her sit on the porch swing alone or when she is at the carnival: Laura spent her marriage acting like a living doll, not like a human... She is able to let herself go a bit, and be silly."

Agreed. It was the first time in perhaps years that she felt relaxed enough to just dance and laugh.
.

[–] ChelleSawyer 8 years ago

I always wondered a little about the dancing at the beginning too- she doesn't really know Ben that well, so it is a little odd. I liked the fake snow and the swing; that part was sweet. I didn't like the way she kept pursing her lips and sticking out her tongue. I'm sure it was a fun scene for the actors, but a little overdone.

[–] residentevil6901 8 years ago

I always thought that scene was kind of dumb, I always took it as Ben was just trying to soften her up to slowly get in her pants.