MovieChat Forums > The Railway Man (2014) Discussion > Why Diden't He Pay His Bills ?

Why Diden't He Pay His Bills ?


Ok, this is an odd question perhaps.
I was puzzled by the scene where they come knocking on his door asking for money. (Eletrical bill or something) They physically had to restrain him becasue he saw them as the enemy. But what i dont get at all is why? What does the filmmaker try to make us think about the fact that he ignores paying his bills? Obviolsy its not a money matter at all. He can afford to travel between England and China at will.

Ok movie all around but the age of the actors bothers me some. Either make em where makeup or use older actors. Its confusing to see a younger person talk about his time as a prisoner in WWII.

-----------------------------
My God!.. Its Full of Stars!!

reply

I don't think the movie is supposed to be set in 2014, more like late 70s or early 80s so it makes sense that the main characters who were soldiers in WW2 don't look that old.
As for him not paying the bills, I thought the director was just trying to show the signs of PTSD where people kind of avoid their responsibilities and especially the way he tried to attack the bill collector people like they were the Japanese soldiers who had tortured him. He was constantly having flashbacks of his experience in the war.

Spoilers!Spoilers!Spoilers!Spoilers!

reply

I don't think the movie is supposed to be set in 2014, more like late 70s or early 80s so it makes sense that the main characters who were soldiers in WW2 don't look that old.


Yes, there is a caption on screen early in the movie stating that the film takes place in 1980 (or thereabouts). So if Firth's character was 20 in 1943, he wold be less than 60 when this movie takes place.

reply

I would say the film was in the 70s.

reply

It was the 80s--it's stated in the film. And the scene was to show that he was a mess.

reply

I'm curently reading the book and this was explained there.

He had the money to pay the bills but did not want to deal with the beauracracy when a bill was incorrect. This was before he had any help with his mental condition.

reply

What is the name of the book please....

reply

It's very simple actually.
The book is called 'The Railway Man' and is written by Eric Lomax.

reply

This ^^

 

Has anyone seen my wife? - Columbo

reply

It was 1980, to be precise.

________________________
This signature has been deleted by the poster

reply

It is very common for people with mental health issues to suffer with procrastination and avoidance. So it would be in keeping with his mental state, ie. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

http://www.oztvreviews.com/

reply

I find it hard to believe that the OP was puzzled by the described scene considering Lomax's mental state, that he was incapable of seeing that Colin Firth was wearing make-up to appear older than he is and that he didn't realise the film was set in 1980 when it was plainly stated. Did the OP just have this film on in the background while hosting a dinner party or some such other distraction?🐭

reply

[deleted]