MovieChat Forums > Stalker (1980) Discussion > Question about the wife

Question about the wife

posted 9 years ago by piggoli-imdb
6 replies | jump to latest

Great movie and very much edifying too. But does anyone else believe that the wife at the start and the one at the end of the movie are two diametrically opposite personalities/characters? It is hard to believe that the whining wife would suddenly become so caring, forgiving and understanding just on seeing her husband return safe? I believe the happy ending is a contrived one. Or is it how it is in the book? Imo in real life wife would go on b*tching about it even more as the man returns and then get a quick divorce, prolly make out with that writer guy too

[–] Cuisine 9 years ago

I don't see the ending as contrived, but instead saw the way she acted in the beginning to be the flawed aspect of her character and intentions. If she hadn't overacted to such a certain degree at the start -- such as flailing around on the ground and weeping -- the ending would've been perfect.

But you're right, Stalker's wife is a flawed aspect of the film -- maybe even the only flaw. A shame really; it could've been easily avoided if her performance was more understated and subdued at the beginning. I had no issue with her being upset at her husband leaving -- that was consistent with the story being told -- but the way she absolutely broke down on the floor was quite ridiculous and quite frankly inserted some unintentional humour into the film; an emotional impact most probably opposite from the one Tarkovsky was attempting to provoke.

[–] pabloxjustice 9 years ago

I don't think it's flawed at all. Based on her last speech, she bases her happiness on being together with Stalker. She got terrified of being all alone with her child.

[–] Cuisine 9 years ago

Fair enough - I see your point. It has been a while since I've seen it so I may need to re-watch it to see if that scene still bothers me.

[–] Graybell 8 years ago

I love the wife's final monologue, and I consider it central to the movie. As to why she changes so much, a couple of reflections. First of all, at the beginning her husband is leaving, and she's afraid what will happen. At the end, he has returned safely. So her change reflects the change in her situation. Also, I think it's realistic that lovers who fight fiercely with each other can really love each other.

[–] bertoam 8 years ago

Exactly, she's very happy that he's back. See NO flaws at all, she's Mater Eterna in beginning and in end. No over-acting also, I mean..this is NOT realism , but all poetry + metaphore so I cant understand that some of you complain about her over-acting !!

[–] bertoam 8 years ago