MovieChat Forums > If Someone Had Known (1995) Discussion > Mixed feelings about this movie ***Spoi...

Mixed feelings about this movie *Spoilers!!!**

posted 16 years ago by duesouth1420
8 replies | jump to latest

I don't think there was a good message sent in this movie AT ALL!

First of all Jimmy was a CREEP but this was evident BEFORE she married him. When he let himself into her bedroom and wouldn't take NO for an answer he was showing signs of abuse right there. When she was protesting he kind of slapped her on the cheek to silence here. That was a huge warning sign.

Secondly, if ANYONE ever had family support it was THIS GIRL. She had loving parents and a sister (who lived right in town) she COULD have gone to. Her father being a detective with the POLICE Department didn't hurt either. When you are getting beat up like she was all this emotional" mumble jumble" about "I don't want to let Daddy down" just doesn't cut it.

Thirdly, I would have to say it WAS murder. If she had shot him while they were wrestling for the gun I would feel differently but she definitely murdered him (premeditated).

And finally how "hottie" Jimmy ever fell for Kelli Martin in this movie is baffling to me. Wow, did she ever look FRUMPY!!!"

[–] MistressKitty 16 years ago

First off,abused women never want to tell because they know people wont understand and will somehow blame them,also like abused children,they still love their abuser.Her father was very verbally abusive to her mother and look how he handled the abused woman case!! he was no winner himself,not much better than Jimmy
Secondly,everyone knows that abusers whole MO is to distance you from family and friends,to end all of your support system so they can control you.
Finally,you seem like a very shallow person with your comment on Jimmy with Kellie,he is really gross to me and she is cute as can be.

[–] duesouth1420 16 years ago

So, you are saying everyone who is abused blames themselves, distances themselves from family and finally gets to the point where they just shoot the abuser while they are sleeping? I am sorry, and I realize the point you are making but there has to be some other answer.

My last comment was shallow, however, I do not apologize for it. I still don't know why he fell head over heals madly in love with her: she looked like a frump and had the personality of a wimp. Maybe that's why.

The sister really should have had the lead. Of course the sister would probably have kicked his sorry ass out of the bedroom when he accosted her and hence, no movie.

Maybe the point of this movie was to show that women PUT themselves in these situations. The bedroom scene tells it all in the very beginning.

And it STILL was MURDER!

[–] MistressKitty 16 years ago

Yes,some women,especially young ones dont see the warning signs of an abuser,that is why the subject needs to be brought up more to young girls.

I have lived in an abusive marriage and got the hell out,but some women dont have the strength,monetary means,or family and friends to help them,so they feel stuck,do I think murder in self defense is the answer?

Of course not,I think education of young women and abuse awareness being more proactive is the way to keep these women from getting themselves in this in the first place.

[–] duesouth1420 16 years ago

Maybe that is what bothered me about this movie. This girl did have the monetary means and the complete support of family and friends but rather than seek help (because it may disappoint "daddy") she chose murder. Rather baffling and not a good message especially in that she got away with it.

However, I do understand the points you are making. And kudos to you for getting out of an abusive relationship. That must have been very difficult and for that you have my complete respect. Thanks for the insight.

[–] KAnnD86 16 years ago

I agree with your post. I made a similar post when I first saw this movie, but people seem to be misunderstanding it. I've seen a lot of Lifetime movies, many about abusive relationships and this one seemed really odd and didn't send a good message in my opinion. It basically just confused me why everyone was acting the way they were when in real life it would be have been completely different.

Tomorrow's just your future yesterday!

[–] wilsonandrewc 16 years ago

Since Katie's father was emotionally abusive to her mother they should have had a part after the part where Jimmy asks her out and she accepts and before the part where she runs downstairs and leaves for her first date with Jimmy and here's my dialogue for it.

Katie Liner: It's hopeless.
Ellen Liner: Honey, you look beautiful.
(Jack enters)
Jack Liner: They'll be here any minute, Ellen.
Ellen Liner: I'm all set, Jack. I'll be right out.
Jack Liner: You mean you're wearing that?
Ellen Liner: Should I change?
(Jack exits)
Katie Liner: Mom, why do you let him do that?
Ellen Liner: Katie, he didn't mean anything by it. He's really just...
Katie Liner: No! Don't make excuses. Dad is treating you crummy and you're acting like it's your fault.
Ellen Liner: Shh. Honey, be nice. And you're gonna have a wonderful time tonight.
Katie Liner: Yeah but, don't you deserve to be happy?
Ellen Liner: If you're happy, your father and I are happy too. How about putting a big smile on that face before that perfect man of yours sees you all upset?

[–] 16 years ago

[deleted]

[–] fiatlux-1 12 years ago

Katie was not the brightest bulb in the box. The scene where he snuck into her room & slapped her FACE for protesting was the biggest red flag I ever saw.
I thought he was a schmuck from day 1! He was sleazy to boot.

And while they did *frump* up Kellie Martin to some extent for the movie, there was NOTHING sexy about Ivan Sergei here either! He is not nearly as good looking as he thinks he is, he's goofy.

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

Mixed feelings about this movie ***Spoilers!!!****

Mixed feelings about this movie *Spoilers!!!**