Does Jim have a mental illness or is he just an immature manchild?
I thought maybe he had some developmental issues due to a disorder or medical condition, but it seems as if we are to believe that he is just a normal guy who is haunted by his role in his girlfriend getting an abortion...
Do you think it was just bad acting (aparently they did a lot of improvisation), or that the character is meant to seem this way?
I think Amanda having the abortion at sixteen really messed Jim up. They were sixteen, which is a tough thing to deal with at that age. (At any age I'm sure) They had a very intense relationship when they were young. They just knew they would end up married with children. Do you know remember the recording of them having dinner, pretending they were already married with two kids? Jason & Jennifer I believe. So, even though Jim greenlit the whole abortion thing with his silly get well soon balloon, he was just a young scared kid. He honestly wanted to start a family with Amanda, he loved her. He will always love her. His breakdown scene was incredible. It felt raw and honest to me.
Why do you feel he is an immature manchild? I don't like that term but I didn't get that vibe from his character.
I understand the tragic nature of their relationship, their past and how he has become unhinged... A bit of a loser, but that's fine... That part of the movie works...
His behaviour, his outlook on life and his manner just seemed far too stunted... As if he hasn't grown out of his teenage phase...
It wasn't bad acting as Mark Duplass is excellent as Jim, as is Sara Paulson as Amanda.
I think he's just a guy who's haunted that he lost the best thing in his life which was Amanda. It's clear they were on the same page and they both understand one another. Plus the abortion, where he feels guilt for been a immature kid and wanting to be there for her and be a father. Those tapes they did as teenagers about been parents and married couple were probably what Jim wanted for him and Amanda. I think he's definitely troubled and it's clearly bought out some anger issues and depression in him. He seems like a guy who probably hasn't had a relationship since Amanda and probably is a bit of a loner.
I think he's just a lonely depressed thirty something guy.