Why is Holden's last sentence so terrific

Shanny 2021-12-22 08:01:04

(Very subjective understanding, it may be unreasonable. Short comments can’t be put here)

At the end of the film, Holden said to his comrades before leaving the POW camp: "If you meet me at a street corner in the future, please pretend you don't know me."

This should be my favorite line in this film.

Originally, according to Hollywood's more common routine, Holden's character should complete the transformation of values ​​at the end of the film, from being alone to participating in the collective theme, and to prove his transformation through the final adventure.

Here is a comparison of "The Spy in Cairo" shot by Wilder a few years earlier. At the beginning of the story, the French girl only wanted to save her younger brother. However, at the end of the film, the actor persuaded her to understand the greater interests and chose the overall situation. Sacrifice yourself. She followed the above routine.

Holden in "Battlefield Army Soul" seems to have to walk the same way until he gets into the tunnel and lightly said to his comrades above: "If you meet me at a street corner in the future, please pretend you don't know me."

One sentence denies the possibility of him submitting to the collective, and it is reminiscent that he ventured out to save the officers. It seems that he was not trying to obey a certain collective interest or to atone for his self-interested behavior before. It seemed that he was just trying to escape by the way, leaving this group that didn't understand him and didn't like him. He doesn't want to have anything to do with this collective in the future.

He is still the cynic businessman who pursues individualism. He has not changed.

In my opinion this is absolutely extraordinary.

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Extended Reading
  • Kathryn 2022-04-21 09:02:28

    It's risky to incorporate comedy into the war genre, but Wilder doesn't need to avoid anything, because based on his experience, he just needs to follow his instinct to do what he should have done a long time ago. You see, the last point of humor is to give How ironic and powerful. ps: Preminger is also a genius in acting. 【1953 Top Ten No.9】

  • Kaia 2022-03-25 09:01:10

    The story of the prisoner of war camp, the film's humor and tension blend well. From the misjudgment of the group of traitors to the final conclusion, the plot twists, the details are graceful, and the suspense is maintained from beginning to end. Billy Wilder also injected his inherent humor and wit, the group portrait performance in the small space, the mouse race, the peek at the Russian female soldier There are many tricks such as bathing, and the gag of the two live treasures shows the spirit of optimism. William Holden played the role of the villain who is both good and evil.

Stalag 17 quotes

  • Hoffy: I called a meeting of the barracks chiefs this morning, Sefton. I thought maybe I could get you transferred to another barracks. But it turns out that nobody likes you any more than we do.

    Sefton: So you're stuck with me, huh?

    Animal: Maybe the Russian broads would take him.

    Shapiro: Not with that kisser. Not anymore.

    Duke: You got off lucky last night, Sefton. One more move, and you'll wake up with your throat cut!

    Price: You listening, Sefton?

    Sefton: Yeah, I still got one good ear.

  • German Lieutenant: Here we have a typical barrack. It houses 75 men. Every one of them has his own bunk, naturally.

    Geneva man: Naturally. It would be rather awkward to have three men in one bunk.

    German Lieutenant: As for the blankets, you will notice they're very warm. 50% wool.

    Geneva man: They also smell of mothballs. When were they issued? This morning? What do you do for heat in this barrack? No stove.

    German Lieutenant: The men here used it as a trap door, so we had to remove it temporarily.

    Geneva man: How long is temporarily? I trust not until July.