MovieChat Forums > The Way of the Gun (2000) Discussion > I have a question about the scene with D...

I have a question about the scene with Dr, Chidduck + Francesca.

posted 14 years ago by Zombie55
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Hi folks, now I have seen this movie many times and I do own it on DVD and I have even watched it now!

The one scene I couldn't quite get there was what was that whole conflict between Dr Painter, his father (I get it he is the real father) Mr Chidduck and that blonde woman Francesca? I mean, do you remember when she says "And I'm sure you haven't mentioned your relationship" and then the doctor replies "Hey, *beep* you Francesca, what was I supposed" before being interrupted by Chidduck saying "What good would that have done?"

Why was Dr. Painter so angry at Francesca? Because his father (Chidduck) fell in love with her and abandoned his other wife, Dr. Painter's mum?

And you know when doctor Painter said "If mum could see that *beep* was he talking about Francesca? And why couldn't Chidduck say something along the lines of "Don't you dare insult Francesca like that" to his son Dr. Painter since he really loved her?

Yeah, I did see Chidduck become a little angry with his son Dr. Painter, but it seemed as if it wasn't because he insulted Francesca at all, but rather, about the kidnapping of Robyn and him wanting to go to the police.

What, again, was Dr. Painter's beef with Francesca and what was that whole deal about "And I'm sure you haven't mentioned your relationship?" What "relationship" was Francesca talking about, Dr. Painter with Robyn? Or what?

If anyone can just clear this up for me, you're welcome, thanks!

[–] SufyanV 14 years ago

Dr.Painter is describing his meeting with Parker and Longbaugh and how they had no idea who the Chidducks are. At this point, we have not yet been told that Dr.Painter is actually Hale Chidduck's son. It is Francesca who reveals this with the comment that goes something like "I don't suppose you told them about YOUR relationship" (refering to Dr.Painter and Hale). Perhaps Francesca is teasing Allen about how he had told the kidnappers everything about the Chidduck's criminal activities but did not have the guts to tell them he himself is not an impartial outsider but is in fact the son of the man they are extorting for ransom money.

To be emasculated by your stepmother, who is obviously a mean bitch, would likely provoke the very reaction by Dr.Painter seen in the film.

Hale Chidduck slaps Dr.Painter after calling Francesca by the C-word. This could be for several reasons. First, he is mouthing off at his father, which is disrespectful. Secondly, "If mother could see..." suggests the mother is dead. If she was alive she would certainly know about her ex-husband's wife. Bringing up a dead wife could be emotionally upsetting, especially since Dr.Painter mentions her only to say something foul about Hale's new wife. Basically, he is way out of line talking to his father like that.

The scene also serves to show that Dr.Painter is not independent, he needs his father ("After what happened to you in Baltimore...") so it is not wise of him to show attitude towards him. It goes on to explain the legal complication of going to the police, and that if the mafia comes after Hale Chidduck, they will also go after his family, including Dr.Painter. Essentially, if Dr.Painter does not do as he is told, his father will put him out of business, and they will eventually be killed by the mafia. He has no other option than to do as he is told, so he better not show attitude.