Very few movies represent a rather spot on or realistic view about the negative sides of long-term relationships. Take this Waltz does this and then does something more. As such, it is one of many reasons why some people love or hate this film. There are countless reviews about the story, many which share mutual viewpoints and understandings. But having been able to perfectly relate to all the characters in the movie I will share my own perspective. At the end of it all you can decide if you would take this waltz.
Hands down, Take this Waltz is a movie for adults only and will be most appreciated by the romantically experienced who are also highly open-minded. I do not recommend watching this film if you are easily offended or very meticulous about what you consume visually. It is not for the faint of heart … or mind for that matter. Note that I will do my best to minimize spoilers for those who may actually want to see the movie.
Overview of Take This Waltz
The overview of Take This Waltz is that a young couple is seemingly happily married and has been for 5 years. A new neighbor moves in next door and immediately catches the attention of the wife, Margot (Played by Michelle Williams). The more Margot and the neighbor interacts with each other the more she is faced with a continuous conundrum.
She must eventually decide if to stay with her husband who truly loves her; her other option is to take a chance with a new man who reeks of novelty and excitement. This is an oversimplified description of the movie but enough to have a proper discussion about it.
All characters are flawed
Now first and foremost, all of the characters in the movie are selfish to some extent and flawed. While the film centers around Margot, her husband (though is a good man) who actively tries to make things work is limited by his somewhat intrinsic personality and focus on finding success as a cook. The neighbor, while is sensual and adventurous, is selfish because he actively seduces Margot even while knowing she is married. And Margot is caring and attentive to both men yet wants the best of both words. In the end no one is blameless.
Which Waltz would you take?
Take this Waltz stirs much debate because many people side with either one of the characters’ viewpoints. This happens because based on what they know, believe or understand. Because none of them is blameless, it’s easy to just dismiss it all and say well they’re each at fault and deserve what they get. But this is where a big problem lies in most of today’s relationships.
Everyone is selfish and more and more people have been adopting the philosophy of eat or be eaten. So to many it appears that because the husband was not communicating or being affectionate enough with his wife she has a right to cheat. Others believe the neighbor is right because the husband wasn’t treating her right; they believe he was just having a some fun (or hoping to get some) in the name of love and war. But it’s always about the fun until the person enjoying it gets all the hurt. Three wrongs do not make a right!
Nice guys do finish last
In actuality, Margot’s husband is the one most in the right simply because he was married. People today are so selfish that they make it all about themselves. I feel unhappy, I don’t know what to. I love him but I love someone else. Can I hold onto him until I’m sure the other guy will hold onto me? If anyone does not see a problem with this they may be more selfish than any of the characters in the movie.
Wanting to have your cake and eat it too is a serious problem; it takes all responsibility off yourself and puts it all onto someone else. Yes, her husband could have done a lot better to sustain her interest But rather than contemplate cheating on him she could have spent more time taking steps to ensure it never comes to that.
Cheating is evil!
Cheating is the number 1 violation of marriage, which is an oath that is taken under laws. So when someone cheats, no matter what the reason, it cannot be justified. What happens often today is rather than someone clearly express that they have lost interest and give someone enough of a chance to make it up they take the easy way out. I am not happy, so I need to make myself happy.
Coming clean is difficult but it shows a sign of maturity and respect for another human being. Clearly giving them a second or even third chance to make things right shows that you are even more compassionate and special. And still, if the offender doesn’t make things right by then you are still not entitled to cheat. Marriage is supposed to be pure and it’s supposed to last forever. The right thing to do if all attempts fail, as an ABSOLUTE last resort, is to possibly suggest a divorce. Again, not cheat!
We live in an imperfect world
In a perfect world, marriage would have a 100% success rate. And people would never have mixed feelings after being married for someone too long. But as the old sayings go, familiarity breeds contempt and the grass is always greener on the other side. Truthfully “life will also have a gap in it and it’s best to not do crazy things trying to fill it.”
If you’re married and you suddenly start feeling like you need to do new things, e.g., have an open relationship or threesomes, you talk to your spouse about it. Not that simple, I know. But marriage was never meant to be simple.
What happens after taking the Waltz?
Committing adultery because someone isn’t making you feel alive is the same as murdering someone because they forgot to say sorry after bumping into you. Take This Waltz may just be a movie. But it’s a movie that conveys a real choice that we may all have to make at some point.
But before taking that step it’s always wise to consider, after deeply hurting someone you love, for how long would you be happy? You will get to have all the magical sex, mystery, adventure and bubbly feelings you crave … and then what?
