MovieChat Forums > Another Woman (1988) Discussion > Could Marian have been a lesbian? (spoil...

Could Marian have been a lesbian? (spoilers)

posted 15 years ago by NoArrow
7 replies | jump to latest

It's never stated overtly in this movie but it seemed she got no true satisfaction from any of the men in her life - even the final passage from Larry's (Hackman's) book could've been out of his wishful imagination and perhaps not fully responsible for the film's last shot. I thought there was something there between her and Martha Plimpton (especially their last scene) but I could be wrong. And of course there's the film's title "Another Woman" and the obsession with the Farrow character.

Anyone else get a vibe? Either way, great movie.

I really gotta find better ways to waste time.

[–] WarpedRecord 15 years ago

That is an interesting observation. The first time I saw this film, 20 years ago now, I was convinced she was a lesbian and that the final scene with her husband supported that. I've watched it several times since, and I'm no longer so sure.

If Marian was lesbian, I suspect it would remain buried deeply within her psyche. As intellectual as she was, she wasn't a person to act on her instincts. And I think true happiness would always elude her, regardless of the resolution of this film. I suspect there are a lot of people in academia like her, many of them gay or lesbian and in heavy denial.

Regardless, this is a fascinating film for the questions it raises such and this, as well as for the excellent performances and direction. Superb movie. I wish I were watching it again right now.

[–] lamont-hard 14 years ago

I did not pick up on that at all, Martha Plimton's character was a bit young for her. I also felt even though she was married she was a bit of a loner.

[–] aasoloway 11 years ago

A bit? She's supposed to be 16. A 50+ woman and a 16 year old girl is a stretch - especially when the 16 year old is a stepdaughter.

But then how old was Soon Yi...

[–] benntura 12 years ago

Marion should've been an actress.

[–] 11 years ago

[deleted]

[–] C-Lashed 11 years ago

SPOILERS:

There was no indication that Marion was a lesbian. Why do people continually have to read into same-sex relationships as if they are all homosexual love affairs?

If this post offends you, I accept your condemnation.

[–] ksf-2 10 years ago

minor spoilers below:

never clearly stated either way, but i guess it was one possibility. I'm sure we're supposed to notice that her wardrobe changes as the film progresses. at the birthday party, right at the beginning, Marion is wearing a mannish suit, which is how she spends much of the film. Then, at 1 hour 15 min in, we hear in Larry's book how they once met at the theater, by accident. There, she is wearing pearls, a dress, and a pony tail. for most of the movie, we only saw her in mannish outfits, with her hair tightly in a bun. she clearly changed over time, and the blame can't ALL fall on hubby. hearing the voices through the vent was confusing; i wondered if we were supposed to be hearing her own subconcious thoughts.