The first time I read the book, the second time I read the book and just seeing the film I've always came to the conclusion that Miss Fortini is a closeted lesbian, perhaps still taboo to be out so she takes the only opportunity to check Ellis out in the fitting room. Quite sad actually.
shareI considered that, then when I saw a deleted scene on the DVD (where she first accompanies her into the changing room) it firmed up the theory in my mind. Strange that they didn't do more with it.
There was another deleted scene where a member of staff leaves rather than serve "coloured" people with a new brand of specialist hosiery that has just come in. Ms Fortini explains to Eilis that they need all the customers they can get so wouldn't be turning anyone away, and was she OK with that? (Eilis is, of course). It seemed like an oblique way of addressing bigotry, be it racial or sexual.
Yes she was a lesbian, she even offered Ellis to shave her cat.
shareI would hate to think that she would take advantage of the trust of a young woman like that. She seemed to me like she just wanted to help and was more forward than the average person.
shareI think you are projecting, though I didn't watch the deleted scenes. I think we would have seen a little more of that aspect of her if it were a significant part of her character. And saying she went in the dressing room with her out of some perverted voyeuristic desire is ridiculous and homophobic.
shareI did not see her as a lesbian. She did not hit on her or try and take advantage when Ellis was homesick. She was actually happy that she met Tony and asked her if he "Talked about his mother and baseball." When Ellis said NO she pointed out he is a keeper. Basically she was a professional woman who cared about her employees.
shareIn the book yes she was definitely a closeted lesbian. Miss Fortini kept touching Eilish on her bottom when she was trying on her swimming costume in the change room and she wanted Eilish to undress in front of her.
In the film they toned that scene way down so there was virtually no suggestion of a sexual attraction to Eilish on Miss Fortini's part. Just another example of how they sanitized the film by taking anything controversial out of it.
The Players of The Game are the scum of the earth.