Why did Clifford grab Helga's ankle? Why would he help his attacker? He must have known he was dying. Surely he would prefer seeing Sidney arrested than Helga dead as well!
Oh and its so nice to see a film which relies on plot and raw acting rather than special effects.
Well, I always thought that as Clifford had just recovered in a dark room, and was unaware that Helga had arrived, he assumed he was grabbing Sidney.
shareAt first, I figured it's 'cause Sydney was his lover, his partner in crime, and something of a sociopath as well; since Clifford felt he was dying anyway, it wouldn't have made any difference to him whether Helga lives or dies, but he wasn't a vengeful sociopath (just because he didn't need to shoot him to use him doesn't mean he isn't one), so he reasoned it'd sit better with him if Sydney got away by virtue of pure affinity. Also, if Clifford were to survive somehow, Helga's triumph may have meant his undoing too.
But looking at it again, he does have a vacant stare in his eyes when he lifts his head, and she is wearing sneakers and sweatpants, so her foot could definitely have been mistaken for a man's. Then again, Sydney unmistakably wears khaki pants and loafers, and someone's lover knows exactly what articles of clothing are in their bedroom...
Interesting discussion; that scene always bothered me, too. But you make a good point about the vacant stare. I suppose if you're dying, gurgling in your own blood & struggling to get up, you'll grab the first leg within reach, whether it belongs to Sydney, Helga or a coffee table.
shareAnd here I thought even in his dying breath he was still attempting to create the most interesting turn of events in his 'play,' by having the old playwright kill the obnoxious psychic.
shareI have just re-saw this movie.
I believe it's just the writter's trick, for a FINAL twist. In the end there can be only one. The good one. :)
He grabs her so she will fall. He wants to be the one to kill Sidney.
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