MovieChat Forums > Seeking a Friend for the End of the World (2012) Discussion > Most Powerful Scene

Most Powerful Scene

posted 11 years ago by tabbycat
37 replies | jump to latest

For me it's the last scene with housekeeper Elsa.

In their previous encounter, when there are still weeks left to live, Dodge gently tries to urge Elsa to go home and spend time with her family. Does she not understand how things are? He's not sure. Maybe Spanish-language TV doesn't cover apocalypses? It's inconceivable to him that she would knowingly spend her last days dustng his couch.

Now, with only hours to go, he finds himself face to face with her again, in his home, cleaning. Still mourning the loss of his dreams, he takes out his frustration on her for refusing to face reality -- or so it seems. "Go home!" he snaps. What the hell is wrong with this woman who'd rather vacuum his apartment than spend time with her family? She starts crying. Then we see his face, and see that he gets it. They part for the last time with a tacit understanding that each person faces the abyss in their own way.

As a younger man I once imagined all the things I'd do, the places I'd go, if I found out I was dying of some dread disease. Then I read about a man dying of cancer who went back into the office every day, same as before. When asked why, he said, "More than anything, I just want to feel normal again."

[–] ToHelenBackAgain 10 years ago

I found the interaction with Elsa deeply poignant, as well.

The entire film is terribly touching, at the same time that it's very funny. I was moved by all the scenes noted in this topic, and have one to add: When Dodge wakes up to find that he has a dog now, and immediately begins taking care of it as if they've always been together.

Spare the rod, spoil the child, incite a civil war.

[–] ozone1965123 10 years ago

I just saw this film and it was completely different than what I was expecting based on the commercials I remembered. There were a lot of powerful scenes (positive and negative) but the ones that touched me the most involved children. Early in the film I was really bummed watching the adults at Warren’s party completely fall apart in front of the kids (shooting heroin/encouraging young children to drink). But the scene at the beach was really uplifting. When I first saw that little blond haired girl, I felt sad because she would never get to grow up. But then seeing how happy she was just being at the beach with her family made me feel so much better. She was carefree and unburdened like a child should be, despite the fact that the world was ending. If I were in the same situation I'd definitely rather be at that beach with those people, than at Warrens shooting heroin in front of kids or rioting.

[–] elduderino09 10 years ago

For me the most touching scene was when she said she wished they had more time. He understands that there never would have been enough time. We all are facing our own apocalypse, hopefully it's a greater distance in the future than 21 days. Really a well done film.

[–] TheWumberlog 10 years ago

I completely agree with you. I first saw this movie three days ago and I haven't been able to get that scene out of my head -- the little girl chugging vodka at an adult's encouragement while others in the same vicinity do drugs and hook up. It made me sick to my stomach. I know IRL there are crappy parents who really wouldn't care for the welfare of their children anymore once society began to crumble. I think that's one of the reasons this ended up being by far more depressing to me than Melancholia.

In Melancholia the little boy was always looked after. Even Dunst's character makes his peace of mind her priority at the end.

[–] rose1222 9 years ago

I agree, I was bummed.seeing that too. But it was cool.to.explore how different people would behave. It wouldn't be just one thing. People are so different.

[–] TheMociety 10 years ago

I agree, OP...that scene is powerful and shows her character as well as his.

If you're not taking any steps forward, you're not moving at all.

[–] DramatisPersona 10 years ago

Penny: I wish I'd met you a long time ago. When we were kids.
Dodge: It couldn't have happened any other way. It had to happen now.
Penny: But it isn't enough time.
Dodge: It never would have been.

It was both romantic and peaceful, yet pensive and melancholic.

If you're in true love, there is never enough time to be with the other, e.g. "time flies when you're having fun".

Passionate Open Expression Through Rhyming Yearning

[–] duke_badguy 10 years ago

very powerful

[–] Heatsbaby 9 years ago

It's so interesting reading about what people found most affecting. The scene with Elsa did make me wonder about a lot; there were so many layers to it and no clear cut answers. Does she feel sad leaving Dodge because she sees them as friends? B/c she perceives him to be alone and feels no one should have to die that way? B/c if she leaves that is acceptance of the end? I don't know, and I only really thought more about it upon second viewing.

I also found the scene b/w Dodge and his father very powerful; when Dodge asks the favor but there is so much bitterness he still holds against his father, who still falls into some of the same traps that you just don't get better at - like the mention about Dodge's mother potentially sheltering him too much. I don't know, I was so moved by how much Dodge seemed like a kid again, trying to defend his mom, angry and hurt by his dad ("well, just say it then"). I think knowing that they had no time to mend those wounds made it bittersweet and poignant. Yes, they came to an understanding by the plane ride and had made some peace, but there was so much that was left unaddressed and never would be.

[–] bruce0987654 9 years ago

The scene of Elsa in the car showed that she was sad to see Dodge reunite with (I think) Olivia because she would not be able to be with Dodge (because she harbors loving feelings towards him). To an extent, Dodge's effort to return to the girl in the house represents the separation of Elsa and Dodge. Also, Elsa does not have anyone to be with. Her family is across the pond.

This is pretty textbook rom-com, although it is hard to explain the psychology behind the couple's interactions. Typically, both have strong feelings of love that they withhold because of logistics (apocalypse, stranger, etc) and conflict, but at a turning point one or both realize that they need each other, placing their love for each other above all else (safety, even family).

Essentially, she realizes that she needs him in her life.

[–] nomisueil 8 years ago

You mean Penny right? Because Elsa is the cleaning lady.

[–] bruce0987654 8 years ago

Yeah Penny.

[–] movybuf 9 years ago

The scene on the beach killed me. Seeing the families there acting like things were normal and seeing the faces of the children who had no idea what was going on. I can't imagine how difficult it would be to be an adult and know that your children won't be able to grow up and live a full life.

[–] shaundee 9 years ago

Yeah the beach scene

[–] wal2914 8 years ago

The phone call to her family. I absolutely broke down when she found out they named the baby after her. It was a powerful scene, beautifully acted by Keira. There were so many wonderful, memorable scenes that I will never forget.

[–] Milya 8 years ago

I'm pretty sure they named the baby after her sister, the one who died when she was born.

"Penny: ...We had a sister but she died when she was born. I still think about her.
Dodge: What was her name? What was your sister's name?
Penny: Patricia. Patricia Hope Lockhart."

[–] wal2914 8 years ago

Ah! Thank you, I didn't get that point. Thanks!

[–] anniegoolihy66 8 years ago

I don't think she ever said what the baby's name was (I'm definitely going to watch it again!), but I think "Hope" would have been most appropriate.

[–] joerattz (6) 6 years ago

I thought both Penny's name and her sister that died at birth were the likely choices. They did not let us know the name of the baby. They left it up to our imagination. And I love that.