MovieChat Forums > Copycat (1995) Discussion > Question about Reuben *Spoilers*

Question about Reuben *Spoilers*


Guys, maybe I've forgotten something ... but what was the point of Reuben being killed off like that, at that point in the movie? It didn't seem to fit in with anything else. Any ideas?

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nice spoil man, thanks.

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Oooops .. sorry. I've now changed the subject line so anyone who comes here'll know there's a spoiler!

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I wondered the same when I wathced the film. His death is pointless to the story.

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There are a couple of points to Reuben being killed off. One is that it happens as the inspector is supposed to be going to try and catch Peter Foley as she as had a tip off from Daryl Lee. The incident with Reuben prevents her from going, leading to the big finale.

Also there is a theme within the film surrounding taking human life. The inspector does not think it is right to kill, even if it is a criminal. She aims to wound, which she does to try and help Reuben. Only it doesn't work. If she had killed the guy, Reuben would still be alive. I think it makes her realise later, after she's wound Peter Foley many times, that she will have to kill him to save herself and the doctor.

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Thanks verucasalt079! Actually your explanation makes a lot of sense

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I think having Reuben killed off like that,allowed the 2 women to take on the killer.Which helped cured Helen at the End.Great to have a film where women take the lead,dont happen often.

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Also, in the original script MJ was a man.

Rueben's death was probably an opener for MJ and Helen to romantically bond as they were supposed to get involved (again, in the original version of the script).

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