Firstly, I just want to say that it is definitely a very complex relationship and I can see how it didn't make sense to some and thus made the movie hard to enjoy.
I think that SiLjE86 has the best (and longest) reply. Just to add to it though, and to vaguely summarise what some people have said already, I think that the central issue was Morty's relationship with Antonio. If you've ever had a parent be more concerned about a friend or relative of yours (than they are about you), you'd know what it's getting at.
Secondly, is the fact that Dito's father is so unlike a father. Once again, anyone who's had a similar experience will understand. For those who haven't, imagine what it would be like if your understanding of life and people was better than your parents and that you were the one that always had to tell them to eat their vegetables and to make sure they thanked people for looking after the house, etc. It's just very hard to respect parents who honestly do not know how to be parent, but instead, are like a teenager themselves. This I say because I feel that for the most part, I have to take care of my mum. I mean I want to respect her, I really do, but it's so very hard when most of the demands she makes of me are things that she herself does not do.
It's a similar idea with Dito I believe, not identical but similar in that his dad is not as mature, in the parenting sense, as you might expect. And it's this that Dito is so frustrated with. There are some things that you just can't explain to your parents when it's their job to explain to you. I mean, imagine explaining human nature to your mother or father because he or she does not understand it as well as you do. Sometimes it's just too weird. And if it's in relation to you and why you act a certain way, it makes it completely impossible. If they don't know the reason already, you're not going to explain it.
Personally, I have so many similar experiences with my own mother and I completely identify with the complete dysfunctionality of the relationship, as well as the frustration and very strong need to escape.
I know I'm writing a lot and it probably won't get read, but I am seriously very moved by this movie. My favourite scene would be when he confronts his father. I know it sounds stupid that he has to ask if his father loved him, but often, it's hard to feel loved and appreciated. It's a scene that I know I'd never be brave enough to enact with my mum.
Anyway, for those who have also had similar relationships with family and experiences in life, I'm sure you appreciate how honest this movie is. I saw this movie originally because I'm a big fan of Robert Downey Jr's (even before Iron Man came out mind you), but this movie was so much more than just seeing him. I loved the whole cast and have so much respect for the writer/director Dito Montiel, who was crazy enough to put all his experiences down on paper and then show the whole world.
"You can't find the truth, you just pick the lie you like best"
reply
share