*SPOILER* Combo backstory

[romeobrass]

Im confussed

It's one thing asking a simple question, as in, 'How did the "mixed race" stephen idea originate?'

But it's a whole other thing when you post replys with a possible hint of attitude! I may be wrong but thats how it sounds?!

It seems their's a bit more to your interest in this subject? What is the reason for you being so bothered about this once possible idea??? I only ask cause i am genuinly interested?

Shimy.

[tonyyeboah]

Calm down people. I probably didn't express myself properly. I'm just trying to create a discussion. Yeah i am a fan of the film, but it doesn't mean that anyone who offers criticism should get shouted down.

Anyway back to the point, according to the interview, there is this backstory about Combo that goes like this

"He thinks that Milky is going to end up like him. Combo's brother and sister were darker skinned, but he was born looking, to all intents and purposes, white. But half of his family, his Jamaican side, he never seemed to fit in with it. He got into trouble when he was a kid, went to borstal, and got adopted by a white family. So in his head, he's thinking Jamaican men just leave their wives. He thinks that this kid Milky is not going to have a family".

I'm sorry but I got absolutely zero inkling of this when I watched the film. If it was such an important theme for Stephen Graham why not make it clear in the film? I understand that making Combo mixed raced would provide an edge to the character but this mixed race heritage did not come across that much at all.

I guess I am more confused about the backstory because it doesn't really scan with what you actually see on the screen.

p.s when (Jo) when i say can't he just be white? I mean isn't it enough to portray a white man with confused notions of race and a lot of deeply ingrained hatred, without having to explain it or perhaps justify it) in terms of Combo coming from a troubled mixed race family?

If you wanna go down the mixed race line then make it real theme in Combo's character,or perhaps make a definate hint that would change your perception of him. If you have to explain this back story afterwards then it seems that there is a flaw in the story telling

[romeobrass]

tonyyeboah said:

Calm down people. I probably didn't express myself properly. I'm just trying to create a discussion. Yeah i am a fan of the film, but it doesn't mean that anyone who offers criticism should get shouted down.

Anyway back to the point, according to the interview, there is this backstory about Combo that goes like this

"He thinks that Milky is going to end up like him. Combo's brother and sister were darker skinned, but he was born looking, to all intents and purposes, white. But half of his family, his Jamaican side, he never seemed to fit in with it. He got into trouble when he was a kid, went to borstal, and got adopted by a white family. So in his head, he's thinking Jamaican men just leave their wives. He thinks that this kid Milky is not going to have a family".

I'm sorry but I got absolutely zero inkling of this when I watched the film. If it was such an important theme for Stephen Graham why not make it clear in the film? I understand that making Combo mixed raced would provide an edge to the character but this mixed race heritage did not come across that much at all.

I guess I am more confused about the backstory because it doesn't really scan with what you actually see on the screen

Thanks for that! Yeah that makes so much sense... This back story was clearly once an idea that was mentioned in an interview with film four before filming even began shooting!

Here's a thought ;D Maybe this back story didn't come across in the finished article because it was never meant to! As in, just because it was a once idea doesn't mean it was wrote in stone?? I cant see how anyone can criticize something thats not even in the film?! Are you disappointed cause Shane didn't use this once idea, and you were looking forward to seeing this idea on screen

[romeobrass]

tonyyeboah said:

If you wanna go down the mixed race line then make it real theme in Combo's character,or perhaps make a definate hint that would change your perception of him. If you have to explain this back story afterwards then it seems that there is a flaw in the story telling

Sounds a bit like your clutching at straws mate There's probably dozens of ideas that were mentioned and plaid with but were either never shot, or were removed in editing...

When a films made there's probably 5-6 hours worth of footage that needs to be condensed down to 90 minuets so not every idea will always be used.....

Here's another thought, maybe their's no flaw in the story telling because the idea was never used?! So therefore, the story was told cock-on??? What do you reckon?

[Companero]

romeobrass said:

Here's a thought ;D Maybe this back story didn't come across in the finished article because it was never meant to! As in, just because it was a once idea doesn't mean it was wrote in stone?? I cant see how anyone can criticize something thats not even in the film?! Are you disappointed cause Shane didn't use this once idea, and you were looking forward to seeing this idea on screen

It certainly makes for a very interesting subtext, now that we know he's there. Thing is, actors do bring baggage to a project, taken from previous projects and drawn from their own life. Shane doesn't need to spell it out in big letters, it's there to see for the people that know.

I didn't know, but now I do, it gives the film, Combo character and Stephen Graham's performance more depth.

[Dave]

I can see what Tony is saying though in his original point (correct me if I'm wrong Tony)...

Mentioning this back-story in interviews could appear to be a method of de-fusing the issues that are brought up in the film incase people get the wrong-end-of-the-stick.

I'm not saying I see it that way.
Knowing how Shane works (a bit) I can see that it's just another interesting tit-bit from the pre-production development of the film.

[johartley]

With answer to you Tony.... READ my thread again, thats all i can say.

Read your first post, then read mine. Thats yr answer.

No-One is shouting anyone down at all, and you know that. You admitted that maybe you never got yr point across properly (which translated, if honest means 'i didn't ask it in the right way')! so please dont back track and try make me out to be in the wrong, as i only interpreted yr question as you wrote it. I just gave you an honest answer.

You asked for discussion, None of my answers were shouting or aggressive! They were well articulated and direct.

I understand what you are saying. However, People take what they take from the film Tony and that is that. The truth is, as i said earlier there IS a back story to finding ste and creating combo. It doesnt have to be explained in the film, obviously. The story is another dimension.

I believe what Shane and Ste were doing in interview, is offereing insight to the orgainc nature of his film making, not covering up for maybe a backlash, thats all I'M pointing out clearly I hope. As is ste being honest about his true life.

Not many people know he is mixed race, he was just telling people, thats all i guess.

Cheers for the discussion though, its good to clear things up.

Always remember...everyone takes different things from movies.

Enjoy the rest of your day!!

jo

[tonyyeboah]

Well Jo, i don't appreciate being called an attention seeker, but hey ho

[fattaxi]

Ah she never called you on Tony, however did ask if you were one.... (playing a shite devils advocate here arent i?!)

Did you get your question answered Tony?

[shanemeadows]

I think everyone has tried to be pretty patient and understanding given the initial negativity that was hinted at in your post.

I think I remember you starting the first negative post about this is England and building a similar flames. Noone here gives a shat about critique bud, but when it seems so far reaching and steeped with desperation to find flaws it does make people question your intentions.

[chanel]

wel lets face it TIE doesnt need the bakup given it speaks for itself and has got smashin reveiws! .. so lets stop nitpikin.

[large michael]

Well, that all worked out nice, didnt it?:-)

[Dave]

largemichael said:

Well, that all worked out nice, didnt it?:-)

Yes.... and I am thoroughly bored of it all now. What a happy coincidence.

[jtrodreigez]

And i didn't even get to stick my beak in.



i must be getting old.

[fattaxi]

Yeah JT wheres the contraversie?!