theories

mister1989:
It never was my intention to imply that Steven Carter and John Dixon
did not have strong feelings and affection for one another.
Whether this was love, it is very hard to say.
I did not intend to sound so rough in my message.

John was very cruel to Steven and when you said
he hadn't been as cruel to Steven as my theory indicated.
I got very riled.
I have become very cynical, jaded and harsh in my later years.

In the early scenes of the film there is very definite
feeling of love of sorts in the air.
In fact, Steven had a long held crush or attraction towards Dixon,
never dreaming that he would have a chance in
the universe to be with him.

I have written on this board about my favorite scene and
that is the one when John Dixon (who is very drunk)
visits Steven in his room after the dance/ball.
When John turns to Steven for comfort and empathy, they embrace
and hold one another.
This is as close to love as you'll ever see. Great scene.

The other scene is outside Dixon's home, Dixon pleads with
Steven for another chance.
Oddly, Steven would do anything to keep John Dixon in his life,
so here John is begging for another chance?!
Steven embraces John, John says, 'You need a shave'.
Steven, (he also is very drunk) and soaking wet, like a stray dog,
says 'I shaved last month.'
Very funny and touching.
I loved it when they hugged.

All of this occurred in the first half of the film.
Before it all self destructed and imploded
in the film's last act, which I rarely watch anymore.

Outside the Dixon home, Steven also says to John,
'It can't work, John. I can't stand it.'
Steven pushes, prods and forces John to make a stronger effort in this
early stage of their relationship.
It cannot continue with the way it was going.

John Dixon was like a Jekyll and Hyde character, he seem to be
fine at night when he and Steven would get together
and have their romantic moments.
During the day, John Dixon was cold, mean and indifferent to Steven.

It was the least that John could do was for him to
talk to Steven at school and drop the phony girlfriend.
Kevin appeared at Dixon's house by accident and he is very
uncomfortable seeing Steven and John in the pool.
Maybe, even jealousy.

This is where John does seem to be very at ease with the relationship,
even though he always seemed to fear being 'found' out.

Kevin was not invited to his house, so what was John to do,
keep Steven under water until he left?

John had very difficult time adjusting to this new found relationship.
Steven had been accepting his sexual identity for years.
So I can't be too hard on John Dixon,
after all, this was a new experience for him.
It was also new to Steven, he never was in a relationship.

I don't believe it was necessary for Steven to push John into
saying he was gay.
Steven knew he was gay and their relationship said as much,
and I don't believe they had to put a label on it.

If he had pushed John too hard he might have caused a bigger rift.
For Steven to tell his parents early on,
would of been futile, he was trying to protect
a very fragile relationship and that was his priority.

John would not have told his parents any time soon,
take a look at the scene in Steven's bedroom, when John had asked
if Steven's parents knew he was gay.
The look on John's face, showed the fear and trauma of how his
parents might react.

I agree you have your opinion and I have mine,
but don't be put off by my intensity.
I feel very strongly about this film as you do.
I respect your point of view.
This is why we are messaging, to exchange POV'S.
Right?

I agree when John and Steven are alone
they are sharing what only they can
experience together.
Keep the others away.
Stay the hell away.

When you find someone you can love,
that love can be messy, mean, caring,
hateful and boring, anything you
can think of to describe that
overpowering emotion.

I don't know exactly what true love is suppose to be
but I wish someone told me that loving someone was not
going to give you a peace of mind.
In fact, it adds more turmoil.

I recall the scene when Steven is in the locker room and he
has John's gym bag, while gripping tightly John's gym shirt,
and he curses at John in the worst way. Steven is angry.

Steven has gone from love to anger and bitterness,
maybe even hatred towards John.
That is the reality of relationships.
Steven Robert Marchio