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ArtMan said: "Just watched The Florida Project. Although it kept my interest, I certainly did not find it to be one of the best films of 2017. Am I suppose to have sympathy for the mother? I must be coldhearted, because i found her to be a vile, disgusting individual. The daughter, at 6, was already becoming a mini version of her and I would hate to see what came out of her mouth when she was 13 or older. I'm sorry, you can have nothing as far as money, a home or possessions. There are thousands of people out there in that same position. But you can still be a responsible and good parent and teach your children the correct values. So what am I missing from seeing this movie that many of you thought was the best of 2017? My mind is open to other's specific opinions."
I may be a bit biased, as I just watched TFP last night and was absolutely floored, but here’s what I can offer. In one of the scenes right before the end, it goes back and forth between both Halley and Moonee yelling at police/social workers. It made me realize, as you say, that Moonee is picking up the rage and anger her mother so often brings out. And that makes me think...isn’t it possible then that Halley grew up in a similar situation? If Moonee is already picking up anger at around 5-6, it seems likely that Halley’s childhood went similarly. While this doesn’t leave her blameless, it prompts the realization that these aggressions were planted in her so early that she didn’t have control over her picking them up. Judging by her life choices, it seems unlikely that Halley ever had a positive role model in her life. So: at what point is she responsible for the actions she learned by observing her guardians as a child? Halley is still rather young, but does that excuse her from the choices she makes? The issue is, of course, thorny and multi-faceted (and, though I feel differently, I cannot call you coldhearted for disapproving of Halley). I see Halley as a tragic figure because I have the sinking suspicion that one day Moonee’s life will mirror her own. Again, just my input and speculation PS Florida Project was utterly ROBBED of best picture/actress/cinematography/etc/etc....happy for Willem Dafoe though!
Updated On: 2/25/18 at 07:20 PM