MovieChat Forums > Sling Blade (1997) Discussion > Karl's release

Karl's release

posted 9 years ago by wetnoze30
5 replies | jump to latest

Anyone else wonder if the entire story took place in Karl's imagination while staring out of the window in the "nervous hospital"? Perhaps like an elaborate daydream?

[–] baran_erik 9 years ago

No, the JT Walsh character was questioning him about the real world, so I don't think it was a dream. What I was saying, "yeah, right", about was releasing a mentally challenged double murder with absolutely no transitional supervision, no job and no place to live. Just gave him a couple of bucks, opened the door and set him loose. Or is Arkansas really that backwards.

[–] Frosted-Flame 9 years ago

Baran, I used to work night shift at a gas station in Georgia. I can attest that sometimes happens. A mentally challenged man walked into my store and told me he had just been released. When I say released they dropped him off onto the street. I had to get the police involved. He was no trouble but they were more willing to help.him than the hospital in that regard

[–] simonsteele11 9 years ago

That's really damned sad. I watched this movie again for the first time since the 90s, and I want to believe it isn't realistic how Karl's release is handled, but I know it is. I'm glad you got involved. Honestly, the best parts of this movie for me were the small bits of kindness from (mostly) strangers toward Karl--so you helping that man fits that bill, you know?

[–] finaltouchcleaning 8 years ago

I can concur with the other replies having worked for ten years in a busy trauma-center ER in the Bay Area on N.Calif. I saw a good number of homeless men and women who would try to seek shelter who had been released sometimes with no plan or family of support. So sad yet true.

[–] gottaluvafriend 8 years ago

Why would you consider that? Just curious.