MovieChat Forums > Olive Kitteridge (2014) Discussion > Not much sympathy (Spoilers)

Not much sympathy (Spoilers)

posted 8 years ago by strangebedfellows
3 replies | jump to latest

I enjoyed this mini series but there are some points that I need to raise. To begin with - was I supposed to be sympathetic to Olive? I think she was a headstrong, stubborn, self-righteous selfish woman, with no inkling of her own true nature. She accepted Henry's love without ever really loving him back in the same way - she treated her son badly - she was more loving to the dog. She considered having an affair. She felt she was right in all things and couldn't accept criticism of any kind. Maybe she loved Henry in the end - but it was too little too late in my opinion - he deserved more. He adored her and gave her a good life. She lived in a beautiful setting and wasn't short of money - what reason did she have to be so horrible?

I also felt that some of the scenes were implausible - especially the hospital hold up and the visit to her ex pupils mother.

I don't think that there would be a happy ending for her because her nature would never change and I don't understand why we heard a gunshot in the first scene of the series as she obviously never fired the gun.

[–] SkiesAreBlue 8 years ago

I've just watch Ep1 and will watch the rest. I agree with you about Oilive. I really wanted to smack her. She was educated, had a good career, lived in a beautiful spot, a nice home, a very loving and caring husband. Her son's insolence came from her treating him badly. She just never had a kind word. What background does a person come from to be such a cold hearted "B"? How did Henry ever fall in love with her? His obsession with Denise up to this point was father/daughter feelings. If that changes I've yet to find out. He was kind and thoughtful. His first elderly assistant must have been Olive's mother :-) or definitely cut from the same cloth. Thank goodness she was despatched very soon into the episode.

I am finding it depressing but will plough through and after will have to find a happy series to watch.
SkiesAreBlue

[–] strangebedfellows 8 years ago

Thanks for responding. It is a long haul - but it is engaging at least - you do care about what happens to some of them. I hope you emjoy it.
A happy series? !! Don't hold your breath !!! I guess there is no drama in happiness - the best you can hope for is a happy ending!!

[–] objviewer 8 years ago

Elizabeth Strout creates complex characters. I see aspects of so many people I know. Both Olive and Henry come from dysfunctional families (Olive's father committed suicide). Olive can be harsh and critical to the point of cruelty. She certainly had no tolerance for hypocrites. But she can also be honest, perceptive, and compassionate; as when she saw her former pupil was contemplating suicide and probably saved his life. Frances McDormand was fantastic in her portrayal of Olive.