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Post by augiesannie on Nov 20, 2013 1:23:50 GMT
This photo was posted elsewhere for other reasons, but I also like it because it reminds me of why I like the dinner scene, a great invention by Ernest Lehman. We get a little glimpse into the family's aristocratic lifestyle - the way they dress for dinner; the crystal and silver, etc. (Don't know how much of this that's how everyone did it, vs. Our Man being so formal). And we know that a lot of chatter wasn't tolerated at the dinner table. And yet . . . the children squabble at the table like all children do. "Why would she want to see you?" I wish they had not cut out the shot where Gretl shows Maria which fork to use. Any other thoughts about the dinner scene?  |
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Post by lemacd on Nov 20, 2013 1:50:52 GMT
i can't remember if it was in the book or mentioned in the original movie or, and this is quite possible, invented in a fanfic i read, but it seems that dinner was the only time in real life that the entire family was together and so i can see how making it a formal event made sense. and if all the children had different governess/nurses/what have you that dressing the children up for dinner would be a HUGE event in the great nanny competition. none of that is part of the movie, obviously, so we are just left with the impression that it is all part of high society living. and i think there is definitely an element of that, too.
all i know is that my children would never get out alive.
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Post by indigoblue on Nov 20, 2013 23:31:58 GMT
I think it is true to the tradition in that type of house in pre-war years. If you were maintaining a housekeeper, butler and governess (and presumably a cook and nanny amongst others), then it would have been normal to have had the silver out at every meal with the cut-glass goblets, starched napkins and wine at lunch and in the evening.
As for the children: they would have been 'seen and not heard', i.e. present but silent unless spoken to, with no banter/bickering as in the film!
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Post by augiesannie on Nov 22, 2013 12:16:15 GMT
....just came on over to this thread after the hysterical exchange elsewhere about lisab1991 and her avatar of the Captain chewing and chewing and chewing during this scene. It did make me think (once again) of how well he improved even small scenes that I"m sure he felt were beneath him as a great actor. "What IS the matter, Marta?" just nails it at so many levels - he sounds imprisoned by these children, desparate to get away, but dutiful too, like he can't ignore them crying but he wishes he could. One of you once said you didn't like all the crying. |
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Post by utility_singer on Nov 22, 2013 12:25:59 GMT
He's just brilliant. To me, it's the little things like that that are the hallmarks of great acting---that touch of irritation with Marta, the wiggling fingers, the embarrassed little shrug after "Edelweiss", the disconsolate exhale when he comes out and hears the children singing so sadly.
Which reminds me, in the festival scene, when they get in formation for "So Long", he gives a little jump and looks down at Gretl when she pops out and grins. I wonder if he did that on purpose, or if it was just a true reaction from him being drunk? lol
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Post by lemacd on Nov 22, 2013 12:46:30 GMT
that chewing avatar is too much... but you're right. it was done to perfect. even chewing, the man has chops. wait, what? yeah, i said it... more coffee stat.
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Post by augiesannie on Nov 22, 2013 13:57:03 GMT
that is so well put @utility_singer.
I always wondered the same thing about that jump! (there's a whole 'nother line of inquiry about how well rehearsed they were for a festival they weren't supposed to be in, but I've got a backstory in my head to explain it. unfortunately I have to get to work now so it will have to wait.)
I also love, at that moment, the way he grabs JA's hand and leads her to the rear of the pack.
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Post by utility_singer on Nov 22, 2013 14:13:04 GMT
I also love, at that moment, the way he grabs JA's hand and leads her to the rear of the pack. YES. And the look he gives her is swoon-worthy. |
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