Harmony Movie Reviews: Ghost
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Many women – especially those over 40 – have a soft spot for the 1990 surprise hit movie Ghost. Filled with action, suspense, and humor as well as deliciously weepy romantic moments, Ghost was a surprise delight. Who doesn’t swoon over the pottery scene with “Unchained Melody” setting the mood in the background?
The movie’s slogan was “Believe,” but that was by no means the most powerful word within the story. If you enjoy watching and analyzing the inner workings of relationships, then the important Ghost word for you is “Ditto.” In fact, “ditto” was everything in this movie.
As a refresher, Patrick Swayze’s Sam Wheat is murdered having never said the words “I love you,” to his live-in love Molly Jensen. Molly, played by Demi Moore is quick and easy with the words, but Sam is uncomfortable and has adopted “ditto” as his shorthand response to her heartfelt declarations. The unbalanced approach to this serious relationship seems to be a simmering point of contention just below the surface. Despite that, on the day to day, they appear to have made peace with the arrangement. One could also liken this to a power struggle, with Molly always stating and asking and Sam giving her just enough without meeting her half way.
Then one night Sam is murdered and left to wander as a ghost, watching but on the outside. He is unable to protect Molly, unable to ever articulate the depths of his feeling for her. He watches over her grief powerless to do anything.
As the plot thickens around the circumstances of Sam’s murder, Molly’s safety is at risk. There is a whole lot of Whoopi Goldberg, in a role that won her a Best Supporting Actress Oscar. While her part was an incredible bit of acting it is not germane to the “ditto” point.
In the end, although Sam contributes, Molly is strong enough to save herself. This being a Hollywood confection, Sam and Molly are granted the ability to see and hear each other one last time. And it is here that we have the empowering movie moment. In an emotional farewell, Sam finally says, “I love you.” It is then that Molly responds with “ditto.”
Her taking of that word works on many levels:
- Molly is forgiving Sam by letting him know she understands the emotion he put behind the word. She knows it was not a cop-out or evasion.
- Molly is thanking Sam for giving her what she desperately wanted.
- Molly is indicating that she is strong enough to stand on her own.
- Molly is saying goodbye and beginning the process of letting go.
What do you think?