I see the scene as a feeble attempt to demonstrate his superiority and feel good after Mattie insults him regarding his incompetence in his pursuit of Cheney. But we see ourselves how silly it is and that Mattie is right - throughout the film he is all show and no substance, complaining, making excuses, trying to promote himself, until the ending. It is significant his tongue is torn up since this is his principal weapon. His badge and spurs means nothing in the wild without grit and determination.
I can see that your dislike for the scene of him spanking Mattie's little booty has caused you to amnesiatically not remember that LaBoeuf:
a. Saved Mattie from Chaney.
b. Made a 400 yard shot that killed his desired target...and not Rooster. Thus he saved Rooster too.
c. Made the trek on his own.
I am sure the OP finds many things "triggering" and would like all such scenes and references to be omitted from her/his experience.
Everybody was imperfect in this movie...and that's life.
A. Rooster was riddled with flaws.
B. LaBoeuf was definitely no brain surgeon.
C. Mattie was too obstinate and confrontational for her own good AND because of these characteristics put herself as well as others in danger. She is shown to have died an "old maid" FOR A REASON. She was at least mildly racist.
We live in a more civilized and luxurious society and we don't do, or have to do, the same things people did back then. People, mostly men, could be whipped (with a whip) for transgressions. There were no dental plans, central a/c and heating, no health insurance, no hot showers, no refrigeration, no microwaves, no kleenex, no flushing toilets.
LaBoeuf wasn't a gentleman and seemed to have boundary issues, but I am not even sure he would have been out of place in 19th century Texas.
If I were in his position and perceived Mattie's continued presence a threat to my safety and work I MIGHT consider doing what he did.
On November 6, 2012 god blessed America...again.
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