MovieChat Forums > Zero Effect (1998) Discussion > Daryl's parents -- SPOILER

Daryl's parents -- SPOILER

posted 14 years ago by bnayor
4 replies | jump to latest

When Daryl and Gloria are in the diner, she asks about his parents, and he tells her that his dad had killed his mom and then himself. Was he saying this to coax an admission out of Gloria (as she herself was a third party victim to parental spousicide, and he had just determined a few minutes earlier that she was Starks' daughter)? Or was he actually opening up to her? I'd like to believe the latter, as :

1. his story had different and random variables (he was 13, his dad slit his own wrists);
2. he seemed to be more forthcoming and less fronting about this response to her than say, when she had asked him about the "corrodium tax form";
3. he seemed very choked up after giving the story; after all, part of the movie is about Daryl dropping his guard and becoming emotionally involved for once.

Plus the veracity of such a backstory would make the bond b/t Daryl and Gloria all the much more real & believable; and it would explain his detachment from everything.

Thoughts, anyone?

[–] transmentalist 14 years ago

Kasdan's commentary says that he's being open and honest with her (whether the story he tells is actually true or not). It's a "real" moment for them both.

[–] juviejay 13 years ago

I think it's true, though at first I did wonder. However, it would explain why he is the way he is, and why he and Gloria have a connection.

"Ronald Reagan was never afraid to raise taxes....He knew that it was necessary at times."

[–] Zando777 13 years ago

Reagan never actually raised taxes. (Tax changes under him were always cuts overall, even though some elements may have raised slightly, while others lowered more.) I hope this helps.

[–] Zando777 13 years ago

I don't think there's any question he's telling the truth there.