MovieChat Forums > Following (1999) Discussion > Why did 'the guy' try to rob with Cobb h...

Why did 'the guy' try to rob with Cobb his own flat?

posted 17 years ago by roorybacky
17 replies | jump to latest

I just can't figure out why would he do that.

[–] sdckapr 17 years ago

Why did 'the guy' try to rob with Cobb his own flat?

The young man had seen Cobb "analyze" the people in a previous robbery. He wanted to hear how Cobb thought the "flat owner" was cool or great. Notice how disappointed the young man is when Cobb is tears him down.

[–] 17 years ago

[deleted]

[–] sdckapr 16 years ago

I didn't think that he was actively seeking any compliments. The impression I got was that, given his fascination with voyeurism and admiration of Cobb's analytical skills, he just wanted the most objective, honest feedback about his own lifestyle that could be offered. That he'd spent so much time and effort evaluating other people and he was curious as to what it would be like on the receiving end.

Obviously, he was hurt by Cobb's biting (and painfully accurate) descriptions.

My impression as well is that he was "hurt" by the comments (especially since they seemed to be very accurate) which is why I don't see him wanted "the most objective, honest feedback about his own lifestyle that could be offered". If he truly was looking for honesty, he would not be hurt by the truth.

He did not consider himself to be the loser that Cobb described, so did not expect to hear that he was a loser. The young man wanted "the most objective, honest feedback about his own lifestyle that could be offered", as long as it made him out to be "cool"...

[–] 16 years ago

[deleted]

[–] smoko 16 years ago

Inspired_Neurosis

social networking is, to me, the most fascinating source of social commentary on my generation

Oh Christ, your generation is so screwed. Spending all day criticizing and insulting each other anonymously, you're all going to end up as basket cases.

Now if you'll excuse me, I've got some trolling to do.

[–] tykjen-1 13 years ago

+1

The Escape from Limbo, Inception ending.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5R3_ToFRGg

[–] Ace19444 15 years ago

wait, what? lol what are you talking about? Just because you want somebody to be honest with you doesn't mean that you have to be emotionless about it. I've written a few things in the past and showed it to people to see what they thought and just because I wanted an honest answer from them doesn't mean that it wouldn't sting if they thought something was done badly. On the contrary, if I hear about flaws more than compliments then it gives me a direction to go with my work, probably like this guy would like to hear what an outsider would think of his life so he could maybe find another direction to take it.
It hurts when someone points out your imperfections, but it's infinitely more damaging to have someone delude you into thinking you're perfect.

[–] psdhart 15 years ago

And when Cobb found the jobcenter card is what really blew it

[–] jabberttp 14 years ago

This reminds me of the following (no pun intended) quote:

Don't ask a question you don't want the answer to.

Not sure who that quote can be attributed to. Perhaps myself from years back? Don't know.

But apropos here.

[–] ginahoy 15 years ago

Do you think Cobb eventually realized whose flat it was?

[–] sdckapr 15 years ago

Do you think Cobb eventually realized whose flat it was?

My impression is that Cobb made the remarks he did, since he did realize it was the young man's flat...

[–] jtf1986 15 years ago

He already knew. He said as much to the blonde girl.

[–] Sanctuary20 15 years ago

sdckapr, for once I have something over you :) If you guys remember after the 2nd reveal, The Blonde clearly mentions how Cobb had Followed The Young Man after The Young Man first followed him. He thought he might have been police or something but then discovered that he was a 'sad little *beep* waiting to be used'. So he knew the moment he got to the entrance of the flat. Love how the scene takes on a different dynamic after watching it the first time.

[–] sdckapr 15 years ago

sdckapr, for once I have something over you :) If you guys remember after the 2nd reveal, The Blonde clearly mentions how Cobb had Followed The Young Man after The Young Man first followed him. He thought he might have been police or something but then discovered that he was a 'sad little *beep* waiting to be used'. So he knew the moment he got to the entrance of the flat.

Yes I had forgotten why I had the impression he knew it was the young man's flat. Good catch, thanks for reminding me and pointing where in the film it took place.

[–] Sanctuary20 14 years ago

No worries dude. You're incredibly informative 99.9 per cent of the time, I just HAD to take the chance to relish correcting you ;)

[–] sdckapr 14 years ago

You're incredibly informative 99.9 per cent of the time, I just HAD to take the chance to relish correcting you

Take your digs when you can get them!

Just to elaborate on the comments (and to be "incredibly informative"). Your comment about Cobb following the young man came out when the young man asks the Blonde why he was being used by them:

Young Man: Why me?
The Blonde: You set yourself up for it. Cobb noticed you following him days before he actually approached you. Initially, he thought you were police. And then he followed you.
Young Man: He followed me?
The Blonde: He followed you and realized you were just this sad, little fv cker waiting to be used.

There is another time even earlier in the film when the Blonde asks why they had to break her window:

The Blonde: And did you have to break my window? Couldn't you have found a key or something?
Cobb: No, that would've been three spare keys in a row. Even Bill's not gonna fall for that. God, it was so embarrassing when we went to his place. Right under the mat just like I told him. That's totally pathetic. It was a new mat as well. I think he bought this mat just so he could put the key under it.

[–] mckenna_eoghan 14 years ago

Cobb knew it was his flat. DO you remember the scene where Cobb is talking to the Blonde and he says that Bill probably bought a mat just so he could hide the key under it. Cobb had planned everything. Cobb knew Bill would bring him to his flat so he could hear what he would say about him, This way Cobb could manipulate him into wanting to seem cooler. Bill got his haircut like Cobb and begun dressing like Cobb and because of this and Cobb could frame him for the murder.