Towards the end of the film "War Horse," Albert is attempting to bid on the horse, Joey, before it is auctioned off by the military. Also present at the auction is Emilie's grandfather (unnamed), who ultimately wins the horse with a high bid.
At first, Grandfather tries to leave with Joey, but the horse insists on returning to Albert's side. Initially, Grandfather only offers Albert his father's military regalia, which Albert had tied to the horse before it was sold to the army in the first place.
Finally, Grandfather relents on giving the horse to Albert, but not after emphatically offering that "[His granddaugher's] name was Emilie." This seems to be the final condition for handing over the horse. Albert nods in understanding, and the exchange is made. As Grandfather is walking away, he again repeats "Her name is Emilie" (which, as an aside, I have seen interpreted as an admission that she's alive).
Why is Grandfather so insistent upon Albert knowing her name? Was it an attempt to guilt Albert into giving him the horse after all? Or, if she was in fact dead, did he use it to humanize a victim of war? Or was it simply to clue us into Emilie's status and illustrate the lengths to which Grandfather would go to get the horse for her?
Answer
Actually it is Albert that insists upon knowing his granddaughters name, not the other way around. I think Albert wants to know her name because he wants to show the old man that he actually cares- and he isn't just using him for getting Joey. He is just trying to honour the little girl's memory a bit by taking interest in her. And Albert's probably thankful to the little girl for her taking care of Joey. He's just asking for her name so she can be remembered when the old man is dead because Albert probably knows that won't be long, since the old man will either die soon of old age or kill himself because he has nothing now.
No comments:
Post a Comment