MovieChat Forums > Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017) Discussion > Suspension of Disbelief (Spoilers)

Suspension of Disbelief (Spoilers)

posted 7 years ago by r5d4d2 (694)
13 replies | jump to latest

Very good film, but too much suspension of disbelief, mostly surrounding Dixon (Sam Rockwell).

So he breaks into a local business, beats up a businessman, throws him out a window onto Main Street, assaults a woman, then assaults the man again in from of many witnesses, in front of the police station, and in front of the new police chief, and ... nothing happens.

Yes the new chief fires him, but he was not arrested? Not sued? The advertising guy was in the hospital with serious injuries. Even if the local police department wasn't going to do anything (which I find impossible to believe in 2017 Missouri with that many witnesses, considering an unprovoked assault), the man would likely have called the state police, county sheriff, or even the FBI (violation of his civil rights and serious corruption in the police department).

I know the film is about forgiveness, redemption, moving on, etc. But I found this plot thread particularly hard to swallow.

[–] marcello (0) 7 years ago

[deleted]

[–] Nankie (5) 7 years ago

True. I thought the same.

[–] Jehosaphet (1063) 7 years ago

The same thoughts definitely crossed my mind as well, but as with most movies you're enjoying, you'll find excuses for them, you know? I figured it was likely a case of things not working the same way in a little town like that, that they would in a city. The advertising guy thrown out the window knew Rockwell's character, likely knew where his anger came from and decided not to press charges...
I wrote it off as things like that could have some pretty damaging ripple affect across a small community like that, were charges to be pressed against Rockwell or a lawsuit filed against the station, and the new Sheriff decided to let it play out in whatever way the players decided they wanted it to. Wasn't exactly in a hurry to jump right in and possibly cause a lot more damage than needed..especially with being unfamiliar with these people and the relationships they had with each other.

Just my justifications at the time.

[–] theshackbluray (2) 7 years ago

[deleted]

[–] theshackbluray (2) 7 years ago

There were two other parts that required suspension of disbelief as well. First, Abercrombie wouldn't have let Mildred get away with burning down the police station. Second, getting Dixon in the police station while Mildred burned it down was contrived. Dixon being told to wait until after hours to pick up Willoughby's letter at the police station made little sense, especially when he was further instructed to leave his keys in the station. How would he have locked the door when he left? It would've been much easier for the one cop to meet Dixon outside right after the call, give him the letter and get the keys.

Regardless, these are minor gripes about an excellent movie.

[–] Jes' Sayin' (6358) 7 years ago

She had an alibi for the arson so how could he arrest her for it?

Maybe the door is self-locking.

[–] theshackbluray (2) 7 years ago

Abercrombie was clearly suspicious when James said that Mildred was with him at the bar. I think it's a safe bet that he would've questioned bar patrons who were there that night for corroboration.

I mean, it was so obvious that even Dixon figured it out.

[–] Jes' Sayin' (6358) 7 years ago

Dixon knows her well. Abercrombie is new in town.

[–] Jes' Sayin' (6358) 7 years ago

You can just assume the lawsuit will begin after the guy gets out of the hospital.

[–] Shooter1973 (22) 7 years ago

Missouri should answer your question, I didn't give it a second thought.

[–] DrRed (536) 7 years ago

Even if you can excuse the part where she assaults the dentist as some sort of he said she said/no witnesses, Theres also the part where she kicks two students at the high school in front of plenty of witnesses. Most schools now a days call the police when 2 students fight, so to believe that she could do this and not be arrested or charged is strecthing things.

[–] MovieManCin2 (26342) 7 years ago

An excellent point. I thought the same thing, but I still loved the film. It deserves an Oscar IMHO.

😎

[–] edge (126) 7 years ago

I just saw this movie today. I enjoyed it but, I was startled that Deputy Dixon was not arrested. So, I thought I would come here and see if anyone else was a bit puzzled by that. Good post r5.

Every time I think I am out.........

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