Donald sutherlands character??
Was donald sutherlands character supposed to be homosexual in this movie? Sorry havent read the book yet but just curious?
shareHavent read the book either but with the milkman scene I would certainly say it was implied.
sharein the book, Hellfrick is just an alcoholic who gives up alcohol in favor of eating meat all the time, so much so that their floor begins to stink of steak all the time. he's a rather superfluous character in the book, he seems to be around just to irritate Arturo from time to time, and to portray a certain type of person who mooches all the time, but tries to give back in his own way once in a long while. that's what the milkman scene was, his way of giving back to Arturo, to do him a favor. Hellfrick keeps the milkman busy for a while -- in the book, he just says they're going to have a glass of whiskey or something like that -- while Bandini can run out and get some milk. i really hope Towne didn't try to throw in some silly gay context.
shareFor a guy who's been waiting for years and years to get this picture out, Robert Towne did not do it aany justice at all. I mean, I liked the atmosphere and I tried and tried to like this film but... Yes I do belive they tried to tie some kind of a "gay bow" on Hellfrick. The way Auturo stands in front of him in the scene about the milk.. while Hellfrick's sitting on the bed Auturo stands directly in front of him and the camera captures Auturo's crotch parts as they sort of ... well it's suggestive insinuating that the milkman stops up to Hellfrick's apartment every moring to get Helfrick to perform oral sex on him. Hellfrick's always broke tho..
shareI thought he might have been the owner of the hotel.
Recovering from being gassed during the war.
I actualley thought that was how Arturo was making most of his money.
Donald Sutherland's character was paying him for sex.
As was the Lady covered in burn scarring.
I assumed that Arturo was actualley a man whore while using the pretence of a writer.
Well, you gotit all wrong at least according the the book. No homo overtures at all in the book. If fact even the hetero suggestions are pretty veiled. The book was written in a more innocent time, so that when Bandini loses his virginity to the older woman, there is an earthquake in Long Beach and he instantly believes it is God's wrath directed at him for straying from his Catholic catechism!
I don't remember Arturo and Camilla getting it on, ever. Although they do spoon nicely in bed.
I miss Big Band music and talented singers. Leonard Cohen/idol. Civility, harmony, unity!
I thought it was obvious the milkman was going to get a drink of whiskey or somesuch alcoholic libation. An ordinary guy sneaking off the job for a bJ? Get your mind out of the gutter!
shareDonald sutherlands' character Hellfrick is a representation of a person who never achieved anything at Los Angeles. It is Bandini's symbol of someone who never amounted to anything which could be him if his plans goes awry in the future.
shareYes, and if he doesn't work hard.
Where's your crew?
On the 3rd planet.
There IS no 3rd planet!
Don't you think I know that?