MovieChat Forums > Sydney (1997) Discussion > Different Interpretation

Different Interpretation

posted 15 years ago by koreakoreakoreakorea
4 replies | jump to latest

I thought the character of Sydney had some religious implications. Sort of like a human God. Up until Sydney whacks the hostage on the head, he's a completely selfless elder who loves but still holds his "children" accountable for their actions. Jimmy, SLJ's character, is more concerned with the gun he loves than with his friend John C. Reilly. I thought he was sort of a satan character (don't make me for a racist). Up until Syndney's past is revealed after Jimmy and Syndey talk in the car, my interpretation of the movie was these Sydney (good) and Jimmy (bad) fighting over the soul of John.
Once Sydney's past is revealed, things get a little bit grey, as they are in real life. Sydney's not all good. From the "this is not easy for me" speech Jimmy gives, he is rightfully calling out Sydney for his murder. He even calls sydney out on some of his bs self righteousness
So that was my interpretation. A clear depiction of good and evil, sort of a God vs. Satan thing, but played on a human stage and therefore is broken and not quite so clear. Estranged from his son, but likely because of his own faults.

if anyone chooses to comment, I'm going to ask you with all the heart and sincerity I have,we can hold back on an internet debate about "stupid christians" and "devil atheists." That is my hope.

[–] panterfun 15 years ago

Actually, i thought something similar. I thought that Sidney could be considered John's guardian angel. He really was almost non-human. He had no human appetites. He helped John without judgment. He was always there for John. He knew everything and could do anything. I didn't quite buy the explanation that he was doing it merely to make amends for shooting his father. It never quite added up that he could go anywhere and do anything. It seemed odd that he had no connections of any kind to anyone. As a gangster, wouldn't people, people in the casinos or the cops or other gangsters be watching him? He was unseen, in his black suit. And John was such a dope. I never quite bought that Sidney really loved him. Why? Anyway, I loved the movie and was completely engaged. Just love Gwynneth Paltrow! Can't help thinking how a nice story with great acting, great atmosphere can be more compelling than $300 million in special effects.

[–] reezykeezy 14 years ago

Would god shoot John's father in the face?

Oh well, you know.

[–] netshopper-2 14 years ago

No matter how mild mannered Sidney was, you know he was shady in the first scene when he meets John.

[–] s0570272 14 years ago

No human appetites? I guess if you leave out cigarettes, coffee, gambling, money, then yeah his character had no human appetites.