I mean they had to fit a mould to a certain extent else the film wouldn't get funded because an audience is needed. I think they struck a pretty bold step towards crossing the PC line. It all had enough familiarity for me. There essentially two endings as there are two main protagonists and if you follow each of their timelines you find reasons behind why each of them had varied inclinations to ctb and amongst it a story of unconditional, fully accepting friendship.
Could it have gone full Thelma and Louise? Yep. But that's been done already. But more importantly I think they essentially had to cow to two audiences. I thought it was fair trade off and i picked up nods to it in the dialogue. I feel like it's a potential door opener of a film though for that it needs critical aclaim and a substantial audience. I guess by paying foe rental you did your part there lol. I have to admit I did not. Maybe if I payed for it I might be more critical. I don't know.
Yea, that much may be true, though I still think we need far more films about this subject matter that do go full "Thelma and Louise" as you put it lol.
(It's not like the other character even needed to follow through on it, but I wish they went about it in a different way. It was too cliché, hamfisted and a little graceless when suddenly fitting that other part of his story into the narrative. Which I mean, I guess you could sort of say for the other main character too if I'm being honest, as far as motivations.)
If someone had the right connections and the money already in hand, they could certainly get away with creating such a piece of work that would have no need to pander to the other side/majority. They could be somewhat deceptive while selling it.
Although, the audience's response may still end up being a problem..however, there are far more controversial films which leave pretty much everyone who saw it wishing they hadn't and leaving the theater in outrage..
I think as long as the film is a good film from a critic's perspective, pleasing the general audience with the subject matter/themes/conclusions wouldn't be a necessity.
I have definitely seen some incredibly well-made films which I vehemently disagreed with as far as "the message", even independent/low budget movies.
I think even that scene that I mentioned where the first punch was pulled could have maybe portrayed an explanation like the fact that people have to restrain and restrict themselves from freely airing their grievances while in a mental hospital, or they will never get out..but it didn't seem to actually be indicative of that reasoning. (Only someone who has been in one of those places would realize that possibility.)
It was a nice step in the right direction and not a bad film by any means but I'm someone who has critique even for my favorite films..so I may sound more severe in my assessment than others.
I agree about the friendship factor, that part was done pretty well.
I still have that fish scene and the little jingle stuck in my head haha, that was something else.
*Oh and the rental wasn't expensive or anything so I don't think it affected my outlook, but you could have a point in it affecting others'.