I watched Mystic River a couple of years ago and the scene where the abuser commands the boy to get into the car gave me flashbacks. His demanding demeanor, his voice, all of it reminded me of my uncle. I went the next day and bought the book to get more detail of the story. It was exactly what I already knew. Prior to getting into recovery, I was very drawn to Empire of the Sun. Back then I couldn't tell you why exactly. Today I know that truth. Thanks.

Sam

Hi Sam:

Could you explain your comment a bit please? I have loved that movie for a long time, in both pre-survivor and now survivor modes. I'd like to know why you were both drawn, perhaps as I was to the movie, and what you know now as the truth. And, I'm not asking cuz my name is Jim

Thanks Sam.
Jim
PS: See you at Alta I hope!

Since posting my above notes, I have seen Song For a Raggy Boy. I couldn't get it through Netflix so it was difficult to get ahold of. I think it would be excellent to show the difference between how a "perp" would treat a boy and how a loving normal fatherly treatment of a boy would be different. There is a brief scene where the Catholic "Father" is abusing a boy but nothing "graphic" is shown. The "Father" gets all sweaty and the boy is crying bitterly. I think this would show how abuse hurts. A sociopath might enjoy it, but how can you deal with them anyway? Another scene shows another "Father?" beating a boy. This was a commentary on sadistic beating and a sadistic personality. And yes, it was presented in a negative light.

There is a new (to me) movie called Happiness. It is dated 1998. The review I read in the newspaper talks about it being some kind of a statement on molestation of a boy and the dysfunctional family behind it. The review I read in Netflix emphasized it as a humerous film (??? ). For a while I wasn't sure it was even the same film that I had seen reviewed in the newspaper. I haven't yet watched it but I will watch it soon and report on it here.

Allen

pufferfish

"Goodwill Hunting" comes to mind. The scene with Matt Damon being spoken to by Robin Williams when Robin says over and over "It's not your fault." Until the character Matt portrays breaks down. Very strong scene.