|
One of the best things that I find about this film is how parents are portrayed through Ralph's eyes.
They are far from perfect: Ralph's father is seen to be stubborn and foul-mouthed and his mother somewhat sneaky or underhanded. Yet there is an undercurrent of hero worship: the "Old Man" (played by Darren MacGavin) is the best swearer around, capable of impossible feats (fixing the reluctant furnace), his mother while never having a chance to sit down to a hot meal some how manages to keep this rambunctious family together and fed, even if those Depression time meals featured boiled cabbage.
Ultimately his parents are seen as sagely and wise, though still imperfect. The "Old Man" for acknowledging Ralph's boyhood need for an air rifle to feel grown-up and his mothers admonitions of "You'll put your eye out." Their imperfection in that they are not omniscient when Ralph gets away with his lie.
We should all be so fortunate as to resolve the love-hate relationships with our parents.
|