My (hopefully strong enough) argument about those comments (apparently the regular offender was the blue long sleeved shirt) about Wil not being able to pull something chic and fashionable
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(Hopefully by this point you’ve finished watching ‘Saving Face’, the kind of person who isn’t bothered by spoilers, or are just deciding if you still want to keep watching.)
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Though...since this is way after Wil has met Vivian...and...I wonder...was it a top from Vivian? Or maybe even something from Vivian's closet (that one day Wil needed a new shirt)?
I know! I know! This entry is definetely overdue! Though hopefully you've been entertained by the other things I've spotted after falling into the rabbit hole of the film?
PS: I like that this film can be a good way to get to know someone (regardless of their gender identity), as some viewers see Vivian as passive agressive and some (me included) see her as kind, gentle, and clear with what she expects from those around her (especially Wil!).
(I recommend going for a Timestamp Commentary style watch party --- maybe watching it solo...as pairs...or in a bigger group... --- as pausing to discuss sections might not be suitable to your conversation partner...or all the other people in attendance.)
(Option B: do a timestamp commentary after you've watched the film together. You might miss some immediate reactions...but I think the goal is to be able to discuss important topics....and whatever is important to the person you're getting to know...will likely bubble up to the surface...provided you are both open and are able to take each other's views not as a personal attack...but an opportunity to get a glimpse into the mind of a unique human being)
PPS: I saw those two scenes (hospital stairwell & menswear store) with Vivian being a bit mysterious about her dad as her attempt to be playful (which I think happens at the point of when Wil is able to relax into their relationship --- I'd say...maybe that point would be meeting at the park bench at the end of Wil's shift? There was a moment when Wil fumbles with her tissue and then drops it.)
PPPPS: How about that hallway scene outside Vivian's door? Was Vivian intentionally trying to make Wil squirm or suffer? I think it was more of Vivian trying to figure out a way forward and just at a loss on how to pivot...but doesn't want to just communicate to Wil that what happened (Wil continually changing the times she can make it) isn't 'cool'.
You got to hand it to Vivian though...she was very cominucative to Wil when it counted (Vivian: That's it?) --- Of course this is also when Wil wins big points in the personal development side: understanding that it's about stepping forward and communicating to this person that she matters. That Wil wants Vivian in her life. Hence the offer of spending more time (staying the night). We know it's the right decision (or at least one of the right options?) because if there was a thought bubble for Vivian it would likely read: I think Wil is finally getting it!
(I just realised: Wil didn't apologise! But maybe that might be in a section that was cut? Or maybe Alice thought that Wil offering to give a bit more to Vivian by staying over until morning...was enough to convey an apology...since Wil already stuffed up getting there on time in the first place!)
PPPPPS: Good thing Wil kept phoning Vivian! (Imagine how pissed Vivian would have been if Wil just showed up. Would we still have the rest of the film?
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HIGHLIGHT:
INT. WIL'S APARTMENT (KITCHEN) - DAY
HWEI-LAN is looking through the fridge. WIL is standing behind her with her arms crossed hoping to squeeze out more information.
HWEI-LAN
(Mandarin)
You have no oyster sauce.
WIL
I don't use oyster sauce.
HWEI-LAN takes out an unopened bottle of beer.
HWEI-LAN
(Mandarin)
Since when do you drink beer?
WIL
Ma...Can we just...?
WIL grabs the bottle and puts it on another shelf.
WIL
Can we...?
The mother picks up a slightly rumpled aluminum dish with a lid along with a overipe banana and inspects it. Clearly something that has been sitting there for awhile.
WIL
Who's the, um...
Her expression softens as her daughter struggles with her question. She lowers the two items and is lost in thought.
WIL
The, um...
A deep breath from the shunned. Unfortunately...ego wins!
HWEI-LAN holds up the dish and the banana.
HWEI-LAN
(Mandarin)
You shouldn't keep this stuff unless you plan to use it.
She chucks them in the bin.
WIL
(Mandarin)
Do you plan to keep the...
Another moment of the mother about to break. The moment passes and she grabs a butternut squash on a plate.
HWEI-LAN
(Mandarin)
What kind of vegetable is this?
She takes it out, gives it a once over, and makes a face. We see that it is definetely past its use-by date. Mould and all sorts of nasties have taken residence on the surface because it has only been partially used.
It goes in the bin too.
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My verdict of the film: 8/10
Link to the timestamp commentary: I think I'm going to do one! (I'm in the process of doing a writing exercise looking at scene summaries...and...I noticed that I have 'timestamp related' reactions!
A Formal Review: See my essay in ‘Comedy To Watch’ (Tweet thread here!)
More of my comments about the film: Well...there are heaps! (You can start here to have a glimpse of where the rabbit hole led me!)
Instagram Entries: TBA? (Maybe? Maybe not?)
Speculative Script: My feed is probably in danger to be filled with 'Saving Face' related entries! But I guess when there's that little bit of extra energy...it would be good to direct it somewhat creatively (would it be cool if it was picked up by Alice as good enough to build on for the sequel...of course it would! But it's firstly a chance for me to level up my writing)...so...you can get a glimpse of my attempt in figuring a version of that story! At some point...there could be a PDF version (once I start transfering the text version to my preferred screenwriting software!) available upon request.
