This is us. argument scene

Joel Tan

30 Sept 201704:11

Summary

TLDRIn this intense dialogue, Jack and Rebecca confront their marital issues. Jack's recent drinking binge coincides with Rebecca's newfound success, causing tension. Rebecca feels unfulfilled as a housewife and resents Jack's lack of support for her singing aspirations. Jack, on the other hand, feels unappreciated for his financial and emotional contributions to the family. The argument escalates, with both demanding to know what the other truly loves about them, revealing deep-seated resentments and a need for genuine connection.

Takeaways

🍻 **Alcoholism Issue**: Jack has a drinking problem that has been going on for a few weeks.
🚗 **Driving Under the Influence**: Jack drove to Rebecca's show drunk, which is a dangerous behavior.
🔥 **Past Incident**: Jack had a significant drinking incident seven years ago but stopped abruptly.
💔 **Timing of Realization**: Rebecca feels that Jack's realization about his alcoholism coincides with her newfound success.
😠 **Unfair Accusation**: Jack denies that his alcoholism is a recent issue and feels accused unfairly.
😢 **Emotional Abuse**: There was an incident where Jack's father tried to kiss Rebecca, causing emotional distress.
🏡 **Lack of Fulfillment**: Rebecca feels unfulfilled in her life as a housewife with teenagers who don't need her and a husband who is emotionally distant.
🎤 **Career Dismissal**: Jack belittles Rebecca's singing career, calling it not a 'real' career.
💼 **Financial and Emotional Support**: Jack supports the family financially and emotionally but feels unappreciated.
😤 **Feeling Attacked**: Jack feels attacked for not being supportive enough, despite his sacrifices.
💬 **Demand for Honesty**: Rebecca asks Jack to honestly express what he loves about her, questioning if his expressions of love are out of habit.

Q & A

How long has Jack been drinking according to the script?
-Jack has been drinking for a few weeks.
What does Jack deny doing in the conversation?
-Jack denies driving the kids around while drunk.
What event from seven years ago is mentioned in the script?
-Jack drank too much and then stopped cold turkey seven years ago.
What does Rebecca accuse Jack of doing?
-Rebecca accuses Jack of using his alcoholism as an excuse to undermine her newfound success.
What incident with Jack's father is mentioned?
-Jack's father tried to kiss Rebecca seventeen years ago.
What does Rebecca feel she has been missing in her life?
-Rebecca feels she has no life as she is a housewife with teenagers who don't need her and a husband who ignores her.
What does Rebecca reveal about her relationship with her ex-boyfriend?
-Rebecca reveals that she has been working with her ex-boyfriend, which Jack seems to resent.
What does Jack think of Rebecca's singing career?
-Jack thinks that Rebecca's singing career is not a real career because she is a 40-year-old woman singing covers in pubs.
How does Jack feel about the support he provides to the family?
-Jack feels that despite financially and emotionally supporting the family, he is still being attacked.
What does Rebecca ask Jack to do regarding his feelings for her?
-Rebecca asks Jack to honestly consider what he loves about her in the present moment, not based on past impressions.
What does Rebecca express at the end of the script?
-Rebecca expresses that she is tired and sad, but in a good way, and she asks Jack to let her go.

Outlines

00:00

😔 Struggling with Alcoholism and Neglect

In this intense conversation, Jack and Rebecca discuss the impact of Jack's alcoholism on their family. Jack has been drinking for a few weeks, and Rebecca is frustrated by his denial and the timing of his relapse, which coincides with her newfound success. She accuses him of not supporting her career as a singer and of not being present for their three teenagers. Jack counters by expressing his own frustrations, feeling that he is the one supporting the family emotionally and financially, and that Rebecca is unappreciative of his sacrifices.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Alcoholism

Alcoholism refers to a chronic disorder characterized by an uncontrollable craving for alcohol, leading to excessive drinking despite negative consequences. In the script, Jack's alcoholism is a significant issue that has been overlooked until it becomes a point of conflict in the conversation. It is highlighted when Rebecca mentions Jack's past of drinking too much and how it conveniently resurfaces during a time when she is seeking personal fulfillment.

💡Fulfillment

Fulfillment in this context refers to a state of contentment or satisfaction derived from one's achievements, personal growth, or relationships. Rebecca expresses her lack of fulfillment as a housewife whose children no longer need her and whose husband is emotionally distant. The script uses this term to underscore her desire for personal recognition and validation outside of her domestic role.

💡Career

A career is a profession undertaken for a significant period of a person's life and with opportunities for progress. Rebecca's pursuit of a singing career is portrayed as her attempt to find personal fulfillment and identity outside of her marriage and family. Jack, however, dismisses her aspirations by referring to her singing as not a 'real' career, reflecting a lack of support and understanding.

💡Support

Support in the script signifies emotional backing and practical assistance. Rebecca feels unsupported in her personal endeavors by Jack, who is preoccupied with his own issues. The term is used to highlight the lack of mutual support within their relationship, which is a source of tension and a barrier to resolving their conflicts.

💡Sacrifice

Sacrifice in this context means giving up something of value for the sake of something else. Jack mentions his sacrifices, implying that he has given up personal desires to support his family financially. However, Rebecca feels that her sacrifices, such as her personal life and aspirations, are not acknowledged or valued by Jack.

💡Habit

Habit refers to a routine practice or behavior that has become automatic. Rebecca challenges Jack to ensure that his expressions of love are genuine and not just habitual. This keyword is used to highlight the possibility of their relationship becoming stale and routine, lacking in genuine emotional connection.

💡Ghost

In the script, being a 'ghost' metaphorically describes Rebecca's feeling of invisibility and lack of identity within her family. She feels like a ghost because her contributions and presence are not recognized or valued, which is a central theme in the video regarding the struggle for personal recognition and validation.

💡Emotional Distance

Emotional distance denotes a lack of closeness or intimacy in a relationship. The script illustrates this through Jack's routine of coming home late, recounting his day, and then retiring early, which leaves Rebecca feeling disconnected and alone in their marriage.

💡Truthfulness

Truthfulness pertains to the quality of being honest and genuine. Rebecca accuses Jack of lying about working with his ex-boyfriend, which indicates a breach of trust and a lack of truthfulness in their relationship. This keyword is crucial in understanding the erosion of trust between the couple.

💡Self-Realization

Self-realization is the process of discovering one's true potential or nature. Rebecca's pursuit of a singing career represents her self-realization journey, as she seeks to define herself beyond her roles as a wife and mother. The script uses this concept to explore themes of personal growth and the struggle to find one's identity.

💡Love

Love, in the context of the script, is complex and multifaceted. It is questioned by Rebecca when she asks Jack what he loves about her, implying that their love may be based on outdated or superficial notions. The keyword is used to explore the depth and authenticity of their emotional connection.

Highlights

Jack admits to drinking for a few weeks.

Jack denies driving the kids around drunk.

Rebecca accuses Jack of lying about his drinking.

Rebecca reveals Jack's past alcoholism and his sudden remission seven years ago.

Rebecca feels Jack's alcoholism is a convenient excuse during her personal success.

Jack denies Rebecca's accusations of his behavior being unfair.

Rebecca mentions an incident with Jack's father trying to kiss her.

Rebecca feels unappreciated and invisible in her role as a housewife.

Jack dismisses Rebecca's singing as not a real career.

Rebecca feels attacked for seeking personal fulfillment.

Jack expresses his frustration with the family's expectations.

Rebecca confronts Jack about his lack of support.

Jack feels he is being attacked despite his financial and emotional support.

Rebecca challenges Jack to express his current love for her.

Rebecca asks Jack to be genuine in his expressions of love.

Rebecca expresses her sadness and desire for a change.