Between The Lines: Oliver, Shane & The Porch

Decoding their porch conversation with surprising results.

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As Ramon so astutely pointed out, "there's a natural rhythm" between Shane and Oliver, which stands out particularly strong in From Paris With Love. In stark contrast to Holly and Oliver's patterns of communication---or lack thereof---as discussed yesterday, Shane and Oliver share a highly sophisticated, intricate discourse, which is on full display throughout their conversation on Shane's porch at the end of the film.

Here's that conversation again---with a twist...

When engaged in conversation on Shane's porch, there is a lot going on. The subtitles (with which I am sure I took a few liberties) highlight both the literal and non-verbal exchanges that take place, as well as Shane and Oliver's real-time processing of the situation at hand. All of these aspects taken together reveal a depth to their relationship of which even the characters themselves are likely unaware.

"What is...?"

The initial stages of Shane and Oliver's interaction on her porch are predicated on asymmetric information. Oliver doesn't know that Shane happened upon he and Holly at the Mailbox Grille, and Shane doesn't yet know that Holly choose to return to Paris. As a result, the two begin the conversation talking just past one another.

An astute observation.

For instance, when Shane asks Oliver why he is installing a porch swing in the middle of the night, his response is meant to indicate that he is doing so because he has the same feelings about Shane as she has towards him, which led him to construct the swing. Shane instead interprets it as Oliver asking why the box is filled. Of course she indicates her intent to resign, which Oliver correctly calls her out on.
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Because Oliver enters the conversation knowing the outcome of he and Holly's recent interaction, he responds to Shane from the perspective of someone intent on moving on with his life, and an idea of how to do so, which is evident as the two discuss "work."

"Work"

What is particularly exceptional about this particular segment of Shane and Oliver's conversation is how the two use the relationship which they currently have in the workplace to analogize the relationship they have yet to explore, and adopt a familiar vocabulary appropriate to that task.

Interestingly, Shane chooses the terms to which Oliver seamlessly adapts. And, because Oliver is in a situation where his gentlemanly ways might be compromised if he speaks too openly, the concept of "work" provides him a safe space to maintain his honor while attempting to express what is truly on his heart. As my subtitles attempt to convey, Oliver takes full advantage, making his intentions---and feelings--towards Shane abundantly clear despite the veiled terms through which the conversation transpires.

However, much like Oliver's unforgiveness prevented him from truly understanding Holly, in this moment, Shane's hurt is preventing her from truly internalizing Oliver's meaning. As a result, she continues to push Oliver away, both by creating physical distance between them on her porch, and verbally rejecting what she perceives as simply attempts to keep her from resigning. For all intents and purposes she was almost successful...almost...

The Heart Of The Matter

"...Both of you."

If Shane had truly been irrevocably set on leaving, these three words would never have left her lips. In fact, they wouldn't have even crossed her mind. 

Whatever the case, the words came, allowing the two to finally address Holly head on. The "work" analogy dissolves because Holly is a topic that, while directly impacting Shane and Oliver's relationship, is more about the end of his marriage than about Shane and Oliver's feelings towards each other. As a result, they are able to address Holly directly, Oliver choosing his words carefully.

Oliver takes great care to explicitly address how things ended with Holly, emphasizing that he was able to forgive her, and truly come to a place of peace. But more than that, he addresses the fact that he kissed Holly and what it meant, neutralizing the trigger responsible for Shane's current emotional state. Oliver spoke the words he knew would begin the process of healing her clearly wounded heart, correcting her misconception.

After some initial reassurances, this revelation seems to be all Shane needs to resume relating to Oliver on a more nuanced level. In fact, they're conversation is so free-flowing, they needn't even speak in whole sentences to be mutually understood. As he simply states the action of "[going] out and [buying] a porch swing," the look on Shane's face, and her reaction, suggest Oliver conveyed something much more important (which, of course, he totally was). Communication is happening in their eye contact, their facial expressions, even in the half-finished sentences.

With the obstacle removed, Shane and Oliver freely relate to each other literally and figuratively once again, Shane confirming Oliver's good taste in outdoor furniture before their topic of conversation shifts to the pending arrival of "spring," which, as we know, hints at Oliver's intentions towards Shane just as much as the literal arrival of the season. Because he means to refer to his feelings, Oliver is forced to veil his meaning ever so slightly once again, using the current discussion to do so. And, we can assume, because her perspective has changed, Shane picks up on this fact.

The sheer seamless nature with which Shane and Oliver's interaction adapts and evolves in this scene alone speaks volumes about the depth and breadth of their relationship at this stage.

Shane and Oliver's "natural rhythm" allows them to relate to each other literally and figuratively without missing a beat, only hindered in the event one of them is harboring hurt. When able to address conflict head-on, they achieve growth in their relationship.

Now, if only they could be so fearless and sophisticated when addressing their relationship in this post-Holly era...

Yep, I'm thinking of their fumbles in From The Heart...

Grateful For Progress,
~C

Decoded: The Masterpiece | The Edge of Forever | A Hope & A Future | For Christmas | From Paris With Love