Question about Robert (potential Spoiler)
Why did Robert commit suicide? He finishes his work, leaves it on the table (does not even send it to a publisher), and shoots himself? Either I missed the explaination as to why, or there was none?
shareThere was an explanation.
In the scene where Vyvyan catches Robert playing The Cloud Atlas Sextet, Vyvyan says "That's it! The music from my dream". They have some dialog, then Robert professes his feelings of attraction for Vyvyan, which are rudely rejected. Rebuffed, Robert says that he will pack up and leave, to which Vyvyan explains how his musical life will be over if he does so, yada yada.
Robert had to finish the sextet away from Vyvyan, and then thought he had no reason to live once it was finished. Vyvyan had already ruined his life by calling the cops after failing to die from the gunshot wound that Robert delivered -- you have to remember the justice system and social castes of the time. But even without that, he knew he wouldn't be recognized for his work.
In fact, the suicide was a deliberate act he had been planning before completion of the sextet, hence his letters to Sixsmith and his mention that suicide was not a cowardly act.
Just another fine example of why this film is worthy of repeat viewings.
Be sure to proof your posts to see if you any words out
okay - many thanks. i got these things, but i did not view them as his reason to do it. thanks :)
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