MovieChat Forums > Mrs. Doubtfire (1993) Discussion > I never understood. Why does Daniel go s...

I never understood. Why does Daniel go so overboard with the petting zoo?

posted a year ago by JohnnyCastle (393)
5 replies | jump to latest

I really don't get it because it starts off with me kinda hating Daniel, even as a kid I felt this way.

To start with he quits his job, which I could see as somewhat respectable now as he's drawing the line of a cartoon character smoking in the scene. He's very talented and should be able to find other work. He feels a responsibility to the kids out there, it's honorable.

But then he has this insane party where his house is getting destroyed. Yea the kids were having a blast but seriously? It was so irresponsible.

Am I supposed to be on Danielle's side as if Miranda is just no fun at all, or does this come later on?

I guess it sets up Daniel as being irresponsible but a good father who changes for the better. Interesting, maybe it's just a complex film which is good.

[–] blindfolded (1618) a year ago

You're supposed to see him as immature and irresponsible, but clearly loves his kids. That's part of his arc. His immaturity put his relationship with his kids on the line and in being Doubtfire and talking to Miranda, he realizes all the ways he went wrong as a father and husband.

Plus he picks up cooking and cleaning skills...and learns a bit of discipline for his kids

[–] JohnnyCastle (393) a year ago

Yea thats true. So it's unfortunate he had to get divorced and have his kids taken from in order for him to become more a more responsible and mature man. But he does do it and its a great movie. Daniel's not really being done wrong at all in the movie, but I guess I almost wanted it to be that way. As if he did nothing wrong, but the way its written is that he was wrong and needed to grow. But he always was a great person and loving father, just needed more order in his life.

[–] blindfolded (1618) a year ago

Totally agree that it's a shame it comes to that.

But that's what I like about this movie. As absurd as this movie's premise...this is reality for a lot of families and a lot of children. As much changing that a parent can or will do, the damage has already been done and the parents have grown too far apart. It was too late for Daniel as it's too late for a lot of parents.

I'm glad the movie does not end with them getting back together. That's the underlying message of the movie (pretty much explicitly stated by Doubtfire at the very end) "Its unfortunate this happened to your mom and dad, but it's not your fault and it doesn't change that they both love you."

[–] Mustang (5421) 9 months ago

The main thing would be that is funny (or supposed to be) and suits Robin's erratic humour. But it also sets him up as a big kid who just does things on impulse to make his kids happy. I would be pissed off to come home and find animals running through my house.

[–] strntz (12254) 9 months ago

I think anyone would be pissed with farm animals inside their house.

Correct on the other points as well.