MovieChat Forums > A Walk to Remember (2002) Discussion > Should Landon Have Apologized?

Should Landon Have Apologized?

posted 10 years ago by nogalace
9 replies | jump to latest

When Landon showed up @ Jamie's house following the "in your dreams" put down earlier that day, the first thing out of his mouth, imo, should have been an apology. It was obvious by the look on his face after she walked away in the hall that he felt bad about & regretted the comment. And when Jamie first opened the door, his expression also indicated he knew he was likely in trouble. Now, I have to believe that Shankman and the other powers that be must have discussed various scenarios for this scene, and an apology had to be one of the options. Maybe they decided it wouldn't have been keeping in character, at least to that point in the story. However, I disagree, and here's why: First off, Landon wasn't a bad kid, though he could certainly be a jerk, as he was to Jamie on several occasions. He had a good relationship with his mother (though understandably not with his father), was generally respectful to other adults and wasn't the kind of hard a** that deliberately goes out of his way to make other people miserable. Though it's not entirely obvious as to his feelings for Jamie up to this time, his look of regret at the lockers indicates they were there, though not strong enough to face down his friends. Thus, in my opinion, it would have been completely in character for him to apologize - and it could have been given in one of two segments in that scene: immediately after Jamie walks out asking "what do you want?" This would have been the more sincere option. The other would have been as she was walking back into the house. It wouldn't have come across as believable and probably would have been seen by Jamie as a semi-desperate attempt to save his sinking ship. But she still would have noted it and the scene could have finished as it actually played out. Plus, an apology would have made more sense than what Landon actually says: "Jamie, I can't just be your friend." Frankly, I'm not sure what that's supposed to mean - maybe not "public friends", thus the earlier "secret friends" comment? This is possible as it could explain Jamie's "people can see" comment when Landon sits down at her table in the cafeteria after the play.

[–] wlp325 10 years ago

When Landon shouted "dammit" as he descended the front steps of Jamie's house, I took it to mean he was frustrated that his actions lost him his chance to practice his lines for the upcoming play. He knew he'd likely be in front of a full house on the performance night, and didn't want to look foolish. Your correct his expression following his "in your dreams" remark was one of regret, but I believe it was because he believed he might have just blown his best chance to get useful help for his part in the play.

As he went up to Jamie's front porch following that hall scene, he did have a very apprehensive expression, so he knew he may have blown it with regards to Jamie's help. And of course she confirms this when she opens the door, sees who is standing there, and calmly closes the door -- without a word.

I do agree with you an apology was very much in order, but I believe the more appropriate time was when he sat down at her table in the cafeteria. He had to have picked up on Jamie's reaction to his unscripted kiss in the school play, i.e., she went along with it, then kept solid eye contact with him well after the final curtain fall. She was intrigued, despite what Landon had done to her earlier, and I believe the following cafeteria scene would be the perfect time for Landon to offer a sincere apology and to make it clear he would never do it again.

Rest in peace, Roger Ebert. You were the best.

[–] nogalace 10 years ago

I'm not sure he was all that worried about having extra help for the play as they were rehearsing every day at school anyway. No, I think he was upset at not being able to practice lines etc. WITH Jamie. More importantly, however, he was mad at himself because he figured he'd just blown any opportunity at all with her, period - and I think that's what the "dammit" mainly concerned. When she sent him packing with the "thought I saw something good in you" line, the look on his face spoke volumes about his screw up. This day was the first where we (as viewers) got an inkling as to his growing feelings for Jamie. It was from here on that he needed to prove to her (and maybe himself) that he was a good person, capable of good things and most importantly, to win her back. The next four scenes - prior to the play - bear this out. He first looks her up in the yearbook and sees her ambition to "witness a miracle" - perhaps a veiled hope for a cure?? He then finally breaks thru to the kid he's been tutoring, taking an unconventional approach - which Jamie had specifically told him to try (and which she notices). Then the montage, with Landon working his butt off, learning the part. Finally, Landon sucking it up and apologizing to Clay Gephardt (which Jamie had also indirectly suggested he do) - taking his barbs without retort and actually belittling himself - something he'd probably never before considered doing.
The cafeteria scene absolutely would have been the other opportunity for him to apologize, and again, he should have - especially after his emotional adlib during the play, when he was totally was stunned and amazed with Jamie's transition, and talent - I'd NEVER say ugly ducking to swan - no red blooded American male could ever look at that face - no matter how ridiculously she was dressed - and say ugly ducking........ AND while he did profess his affection, both in the cafeteria and out, an apology was needed and should have been tendered - if not here then sometime before.

[–] wlp325 10 years ago

Landon was the type of guy who could treat girls any way he wanted and they would still afford him unconditional adoration. Jamie broke from this pattern and basically gave him a slap in the face. When she sent him packing with the sediment there was nothing good about him and she would waste no more of her time, that, I believe, is the moment someone finally got through to him, and the transformation commenced. Before that moment he was basically being a smart-as to her more often than not, and never feared any consequences of his actions because he never experienced any before -- until the porch scene. Even after she closed the door on him the first time, he still thought he could talk his way back into her good standing -- because he always had before. Not this time, not with this girl.

With his mindset there's no way he would come to her and apologize. He still had some growing up to do, and he had to get back on Jamie's good side before an apology would be greeted with anything other than total disdain. To me the first possible opportunity for an apology was the cafeteria scene, but given the way that scene played out, even this may have been too soon -- she was still quite wary of his motives. He, of course, never did directly apologize to Jamie, but he very much did apologize for his poor treatment of her to Reverend Sullivan inside the chapel a few days later, a conversation she acknowledged she knew about. Perhaps the closest he could come to a direct apology to Jamie was giving her the pink sweater.

Rest in peace, Roger Ebert. You were the best.

[–] nogalace 10 years ago

You're surely right that Landon probably never had to deal with a girl like Jamie - one who not only wouldn't put up with his attitude - but calls him out on more than one occasion. I especially like the look on his face after the first play rehearsal when she tells him his "act only works on an audience." It's like, did I really just hear that??
While I still think he should have apologized ASAP - on the porch, he did come close in the cafeteria, where he certainly was sincere in telling Jamie he missed spending time with her and that she inspired him - though, as you pointed out, she wasn't totally buying it at that point. The sweater (& subsequent apology to her dad) may have been his best, though incomplete compromise. But hey, it all worked out in the end......

[–] wlp325 10 years ago

But hey, it all worked out in the end......

Yes and no... They fell for each other deeply, but for so short a time.

Rest in peace, Roger Ebert. You were the best.

[–] nogalace 10 years ago

Sadly true. At least they were able to spend a few wonderful months together, with, as Landon said, "more love than lot's of people know in a lifetime."

Tis better to have loved and lost than to never to have loved at all.....

Tennyson

[–] nogalace 10 years ago

Damn - can't even quote a poet without adding one to many to's...............

[–] wlp325 10 years ago

No problem. It's so nice to discuss these topics with intelligent, thoughtful people.

Rest in peace, Roger Ebert. You were the best.

[–] natalie-zayas-bazan 10 years ago

in the scene where landon's friends mock jamie with the posters, he repeats 'i'm sorry' over and over'. he may have been apologizing for that one specific incident but i think he was also apologizing for everything prior. actions speak louder than words, and the way he treats he for the rest of the movie MORE than makes up for it. if she didn't accept his apology, she wouldn't have dated him and sure as hell wouldn't have married him.