Victor and Thomas had a relationship like brothers. They loved each other but they showed it in different ways. Thomas showed his love by wanting to be with Victor all the time and he loved telling him stories and reminiscing about old times. Thomas loved his Native American brother and made it obvious through sharing time together. Victor was different he also loved Thomas like a brother but showed it in a strange way but its also a common way brothers care for each other. Victor resented Thomas and that became apparent when Victor said "My father saved you not me". After he had said this I believe Victor started feeling better after he got that off his chest in conjunction with saying goodbye to his father and getting some closure. Victor showed Thomas tough love.
They were not blood brothers but this doesn't always matter. The relationship between these two was a common relationship or I would say a stereotypical one. One brother was like a little shadow (Thomas) always following the bigger one (Victor) around. Then the bigger brother loved his little brother very much but at times acted like he wanted nothing to do with him but if Thomas wasn't around Victor would miss him. You never realize what you really have till its gone.
Hi Brian,
ReplyDeleteYour point about Victor's resentment is insightful: "Victor resented Thomas and that became apparent when Victor said 'My father saved you not me'". For Victor, it matters that Arnold didn't save him, and the pain of that "truth" is all the more difficult knowing that Arnold "saved" Thomas. He's envious of Thomas because Arnold chose to save Thomas and not him.
Your post has me wondering why Thomas accepts the abuse from Victor. As mean as Victor is to him, Thomas doesn't waver in his friendship.
Thanks for your insights.
Take care,
Lauren
Brian,
ReplyDeleteIt is true that Victor loved Thomas. He had a funny way of showing it, but it's understandable. Victor suffered a lot and he didn't know how to channel that pain into something productive. He didn't heal for a long time. It isn't until the end of the film that we see him changing. He seems happier and at peace with how things turned out for him.
Thomas on the other hand has always showed to be more understanding. He's optimistic and doesn't dwell on the bad things that have happened to him. He lost both his parents in a fire and it would be expected that he'd also have a lot of anger. He doesn't, he has a good outlook on life and he's respectful and caring of his loved ones. That's a very good attitude to have.
Hello Brian,
ReplyDeleteI liked how you brought out the fact that the love existed between Victor and Thomas from the beginning of the movie. Different people deal with struggles in different ways. That what makes us all unique. I think that Victor loved Thomas but had a resentment about the fire. It was nice to see them get pass that and close the gap and grew the bond between them. Yes, life is short and you never know what day will be your last so you should make everyday count.
Thanks for sharing,
Mandy Ericson
Hi Brian,
ReplyDeleteI like that you compared their relationship to that of two brothers. I hadn't really thought about it that way before, but now that you mention it I can completely see it. They really did act just like siblings.
Thats funny I also said Thomas and Victor had a strange relationship. The difference is we both describe it in different ways. My post was more focused on Thomas, while yours is more on Victor. I agree with you on Victor showing some kind of tough love with Thomas. I thought of it more like Victor resented Thomas for some reason that we learn later on. Victor was just being rude to Thomas and not showing tough love. Tough love would make sense being they are the same age and having the same father figure Arnold. Victor really does miss his father Arnold after he is gone.
ReplyDeleteBrian,
ReplyDeleteYour right you never know what you have 'til its gone. Honestly most people don't realize the good people they have until they aren't around. Your right it is tough love that they had. Victor didn't want to show more kindness or appreciation towards Thomas, so he would do it the tough way. Thomas would be more kind but at the same time its like he wouldn't know what he was saying even if it came out the wrong way.
Xochilt