MovieChat Forums > The Temptations (1998) Discussion > Otis seemed like a bully.

Otis seemed like a bully.

posted 10 years ago by jackiefoxybrown
4 replies | jump to latest

If both Otis's and Blue's relationship was anything like the movie portrayed.....it seemed as if Blue was always strongly swayed or pushed into making a decision based on what Otis wanted. Example, Blue seemed apprehensive about kicking Ruffin out the group the first time around. HBlue didn't even want to vote him out. Then Otis got a bit verbally aggressive and voiced that Ruffin had to go. I guess it was so apparent, that even in another earlier scene, Ruffin mocked Blue when Otis asked Blue his opinion on wether Blue should stay or go. "Yes Otis, you're right, Otis."

[–] TrueEssence 10 years ago

I don't think he was a bully, or was like one. It's been a long while since I've seen the movie but I remember it well and it's on right now, I think Otis just really cared about the group and the members in it. He was always keeping an eye on his family and trying to make sure they were okay even if he was failing himself. David got dangerous and destructive and Otis peeped that early. So did Paul. Eddie and Blue were a bit more forgiving in the film towards David. Blue was always reluctant because he wanted everyone to have second and third chances and though that's not necessarily a bad thing, when it comes to the well being of the group, it's not always a good look on how things are.

Otis was business minded and he did not like the drugs and alcohol at all, not with any of them.

That's how I see it anyway. I loved all of them, I know the movie took some liberties, and it does seem that Blue leaned on Otis a lot because he did not know how to verbally say everything that he might be feeling, and he did tell David something along the lines of 'I miss you but you're hurting the group' or something like that.

[–] pjpurple-1 10 years ago

The welfare of all the people has always been the alibi of tyrants. Albert Camus

According to what he wrote in his book Otis was somehow designated the leader because he was so level headed. He says that after a number of years he got tired of being "hall monitor". The guys were old enough to know better and he really didn't like scolding them about drug use, being late, missing rehearsals,etc.

[–] MarkAntney 10 years ago

Wow, I thought I was the only one that saw/see it the way you do TrueE?

Though, in a human nature sense, I think Otis was a little jealous of David and you know why I believe it,...

If you're a person that Work Hards (Otis) and you have a person with immense talent (David) potentially wasting it (or Flaunting) right in front you (drugs, late, partying, challenging status in/of the group) you can't help but have some resentment towards them. Ghandi or even Jesus Christ would resent that:):):)

And by the same token a person like David,..will have resentment towards a Hard-Charger, Focused, Grindstone,..person like Otis. And I bet on more than one occassion the two had some knock-out-drag-out arguments or fights??

And I'm not even going to get into the genius of each, $$s, the people that had to be each of their ears,..too easy.

Add that, most of the other Temps (to me) were a lot more like Otis, than David.

To me,...it's a miracle that they lasted as long as they did together and gave us great music.

Lastly, you could make an argument Otis was manipulative, I don't agree but a Bully,..not even close.

In retrospect, I'm just mad they/the business/Motown/We,...couldn't save Ruffin from himself, same for Marvin Gaye.

[–] Ltay328 10 years ago

Completely agree with this!