“Ellie, where’s your cereal bowl?”
Mary is the mother of Jess; a boy in a family of girls. That family is also steadfastly situated as one of tradition, convention and utilitarian concerns as opposed to the more Bohemian cultural aspects represented by Leslie’s significantly less conventional family. The very first words of the movie lay the foundation for both these narrative threads by carefully and without undo judgment portraying the mother as more attuned to the needs of her daughter than her son and by showing that this is a family steeped in ritual.
“Why can’t we be friends?
The simple titular refrain of this song asks a question that permeates throughout the film as it touches upon themes that include classroom bullying, child abuse, cultural and class distinctions. The lyrics are simple—one might say trite—but the answer to that question has proven mightily difficult and complex not just within the framework of the narrative, but throughout the history of civilization.
“All I’m saying is that you are who you are…not your parents.”
Another of the film’s powerful themes is the difficult in making the transition from childhood to responsibility. The characters work out this theme specifically—though not exclusively—through the concept of the establishment of self-identity through the process of maturation. Touching upon the theme of culture clash, Jess is still allowing his identity to be defined almost exclusively by conventional expectations. Leslie, by contrast, has already moved far ahead of him due in no small part to the fact that her parents have given her a freedom still being denied—though not purposely and certainly not for any malevolent reasons—Jess.
“the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.”
Leslie’s father hands out this particular pearl of wisdom which he then immediately attributes to one-time President, Teddy Roosevelt. This is a vital quote because it provides Jess some insight into a worldview that does not really have space to exist within his own conventionally conservative cultural landscape. Jess’ own father has a job whereas Leslie’s father has a career; one does what he must and the other is lucky enough to do what he wants. Within that small crevice of difference exists an entire world for a young boy with dreams of becoming an artist.
“I don’t have as much time as I need to see everything, but that is what it makes it so special.”
Interestingly, Leslie offers this unusually insightful example of philosophical wisdom as the capper to a lie she has made up about being an experienced scuba diver. It was the topic of a school paper and she found it interesting and wrote about it as if she had lived it. It is truly a pearl; much better advice than Teddy Roosevelt’s which is infused with all the self-satisfaction of those taking advantage of their privilege. But nobody—whether privileged or not—really has much time to do see everything as they would like. Especially Leslie.
