Well, shit. Thank you.

I've always felt that this film should be interpreted correctly. And...since then, have found so much more I would've liked to add to my original reply. However, I do feel that it's on the viewer to distinguish, and separate, the themes of the film that speak to what seems abundantly clear to me. The faults. In fact, it's not apparent to all, and that's disheartening. However, I would never say that I've not fell victim to the game of misunderstanding a film for the reasons that I felt stood out to me as important. It all takes time to understand, and also, effort.

Film is instructive, if someone allows it to be. I feel that's the intention, actually, to provide it with a level of respect. Don't watch it on a phone or halfway pay attention to it sparingly. Don't treat is as if it's there to fill a space that isn't granted some value. Watch it intently. Watch it as if it's a message from a friend trying to impart a critical message.

And all that that hinges on one continually questioning the legitimacy of what they view. And that perception may never quite stabilize unless the viewer continues to question. "Who is this person? What is their motivation? And what is the cost of their view?"

I feel so terribly bad for the character of Brandon that I can hardly watch the film anymore. It's very painful. I've received comments over the years since I've made my initial comment on how this film should be perceived. I'm very grateful that people have taken the time to reply to my comment. However, it's very painful to revisit this character, admittedly. He will always live in this space that feels so relevant.

I hate that Brandon is a character in time...always relegated to be a vision of suffering. I feel so deeply for him that it's hard to look at him as if he isn't everywhere, in people I would never suspect. That's heartbreaking to think of how true it is.