MovieChat Forums > Pet Sematary II (1992) Discussion > Do you think Gus was abusive?

Do you think Gus was abusive?

posted 11 years ago by bassgoilius
11 replies | jump to latest

He was definitely emotionally abusive. But I didn't get the sense that he was physically abusive toward Drew (or his mom). I was watching Drew's behavior at the dinner table. I don't think anyone who is being physically abused would act that way toward their abuser. I know Gus threatens him, but still I didn't get the sense that Drew had any fear of him, only that he dislikes him. I also noticed the mom during that scene and she didnt appear to be afraid that things would turn physical. When I read the description of the movie about a boy with an abusive father, I was expecting him to hit him at some point during the movie but that didn't happen until the Halloween incident.

[–] CasseroleWorshipper 11 years ago

From what I remember, it was hinted that Gus slapped him around every now and then, but it's just wasn't shown. What was shown was indeed emotional abuse. He was clearly an alpha male figure in the family, members of which were clearly afraid of him at times.
In short, I would say yes, he was abusive.
I don't mean to impose, but I am the Ocean.

[–] chaosbaron 11 years ago

For the most part he just seemed to have a strong sense of discipline he wanted to instill. He would ask him to show courtesy at all times like his mother for dinner and not watching tv at the table, during which drew would show rebellion to which Gus mostly seemed patient. On the other end Gus did not show the same common courtesy when behaving around others, like bring up to Jeff that he basically used to bang his dead mom. Finally, he shot his own sons dog, that is pretty damn evil.

[–] mikebourkefan 11 years ago

after seeing how his step son hated him. yes Gus was physically abusive towards Drew. during the Halloween scene Drew says "he,s gonna kick my ass" pretty much saying it has happened before

Rob Zombie is one of the greatest directors today

[–] 11 years ago

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[–] mikebourkefan 11 years ago

yes it is popular. when Drew said "he's gonna kick my ass" i think this means Gus has done it before

Rob Zombie is one of the greatest directors today

[–] jsn_hylnd 10 years ago

I think he is mostly emotionally abusive but there has been some physical altercations only when Drew did something really serious to piss Gus off.

[–] 10 years ago

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[–] sidewinderarcas 10 years ago

He punched him in the cemetery. Punched him. A kid. He was definitely abusive.

[–] TheLordofTheHarvest 9 years ago

Yes he was. He was the trademark of a classic abuser.

He tried endlessly to make Drew in his own image and when he didn't comply he'd go ape either verbally or physically. We see the verbal abuse a ton in regards to what happens early in the film but we rarely see the physical abuse until close to halfway and Gus gets killed for his efforts.

[–] TalesfromTheCryptfan 8 years ago

Yes he was a total bastard.

"Unicorn, mermaid, vampire,sorceress! No name you'd give her would surprise me i love whom i love"

[–] angryskorpion-44260 8 years ago

I think it's more emotional abuse. Gus was just a normal *beep* and a control freak who shot off his mouth a lot.