MovieChat Forums > The Way of the Gun (2000) Discussion > 'I left my Jacket'

'I left my Jacket'

posted 11 years ago by StunningStephen
6 replies | jump to latest

Why did Longbaugh do this? I've seen this numerous times and this is the first time it actually occurred to me that I don't understand the point.

I thought initially that it was to get Parker back on his side, but I think just because a girl that you kidnap and then decide to let go gets a gun doesn't mean you've had a change of heart. He seemed pretty adamant about letting her go and leaving.

My friend thought that he was trying to set him up to get killed, but I don't think that was the case. He also wouldn't have a sudden change of heart and save Parker after setting him up to be killed.

THEN, it occurred to me that Parker kept the gun at his chin for a while, almost as if he is waiting for his reasoning for setting him up.

My friend also said that Longbaugh wouldn't have known that Robin had the shotgun, but he did see her through the window. Plus, if he didn't know, then he wouldn't have pulled Parker aside before she shot.

Interested in what you think...

-Simply Stunning

[–] TheOriginalFakeShemp 11 years ago

I can't remember if they talk about this in the commentary or not, but throughout the film Del Toro's character is testing Ryan Phillipe's character, as in this situation Longbaugh noticed Robin moving around the room and in a sense set Parker up to be shot at, not shot, just to see if he's paying attention. He does the same thing when he searches Dr. Painter's bag, finds the gun, but leaves it there to see if Parker will search it thoroughly enough. He's not trying to get Parker killed, but he is definitely trying to teach him.

[–] aGuiltySoul 11 years ago

I agree with you TheOriginalFakeShemp. However, it's a pet peeve of mine when people refer to film character's by the actor's name. It is Longbaugh testing Parker.

It's not what a movie is about, it's how it is about it. RIP Roger Ebert

[–] StunningStephen 10 years ago

Thank you for replying! 9 months later I finally see someone replied to this.

[–] koffeenkreame41-1 10 years ago

I can't remember if they talk about this in the commentary or not, but throughout the film Del Toro's character is testing Ryan Phillipe's character, as in this situation Longbaugh noticed Robin moving around the room and in a sense set Parker up to be shot at, not shot, just to see if he's paying attention. He does the same thing when he searches Dr. Painter's bag, finds the gun, but leaves it there to see if Parker will search it thoroughly enough. He's not trying to get Parker killed, but he is definitely trying to teach him.

This. In fact when he returns, he sees that Parker was getting close to Robin and he had a feeling that Robin wasn't to be trusted and she was working him, so he tested Longbaugh and he passed both times. I really liked those scenes too.

"I'm the ultimate badass,you do NOT wanna f-ck wit me!"Hudson,Aliens😬

[–] the_la_baker 10 years ago

The same reason he "searches" the doctor bag but leaves a loaded gun in it(if you pay attention Longbaugh makes a very telling face when he sets the bag down). Parker catches on and pistol whips the doc and takes the gun.

He is constantly testing him and trying to keep him on his toes.

[–] KutWrite (1334) a month ago

It's one of so many ways this movie is smart and holds our (my) attention.