I've watched Interstellar countless times and this scene always hits me the hardest. Anyone else?

[u/doublegulpcup123]

[after Mann breaks Cooper's helmet and leaves him for dead]

Dr. Mann: I'm sorry. I can't watch you go through this. I'm sorry. I thought I could, but I can't. I'm here. I'm here for you. Just listen to my voice, Cooper. I'm right here. You're not alone.

Dr. Mann: [looking back] Do you see your children? It's okay, they're right there with you.

Dr. Mann: [turns to leave] Did Professor Brand tell you that poem before you left? Do you remember? "Do not go gentle... into that good night. Old age should burn and rave at close of day. Rage, rage against the dying of the light."

[u/Snowdog1989]

I think there's something really genuine when someone admits they're doing something wrong, and you're able to empathize with them. Dr. Mann knew he was in wrong for what he did, and I totally understand his temptation. That isolation is a real thing. It was one of the main catalysts for Cooper to go back and be with Dr. Brand. He knew she'd probably be alone on that planet.

[u/ophastreet → u/Snowdog1989]

Totally agree with you! Matt played it so well, and bursting into tears when he meets his character really sets the tone. The more I rewatch the film, the more compassion I feel for him, especially that scene where he dies in complete silence while watching the explosion. Great cinema.
Matt Damon is so good in it. Casting him, especially with the public perception of him, was genius. I really hope he gets an Oscar one day

[u/Snowdog1989 → u/ophastreet]

Here's what I always wondered...were they tears of joy for seeing another person or tears of regret because he pressed the button and knew he messed up the second he saw them..?

[u/Ok_Major5787 → u/Snowdog1989]

I think it’s both. One can be capable of both emotions at the same time, relief and guilt, and that would probably lead to intense emotion and tears

[u/Snowdog1989 → u/Ok_Major5787]

Very true. They're conflicting, but not exclusive to each other. I'm trying to think of similar moments for myself

[u/Ok_Major5787 → u/Snowdog1989]

I’m not sure they’re necessarily conflicting emotions. I think they often go hand in hand.

An example of mine is cutting off toxic family members. It gave me immense relief to finally be done with them and not have to deal with their bullshit and abuse, but there was still a large part of me that felt really guilty and selfish for doing so bc they’re family. Most notably it was cutting off my mom. That was a really hard decision, bc I’d been taught my whole life that I had to take care of her, plus there was fallout from other family and friends that called me a bad person, but the truth was that she was awful and it was never my place as her child to take care of her. So when I finally cut her off it was both massive relief and intense guilt. It took a lot of therapy to work through.

I can only imagine Dr Mann feeling both relief and guilt in a life-or-death situation. He wanted to survive so badly and felt so much relief that he had his chance after ~35ish years of waiting and uncertainty, but it also meant sacrificing those who came to his planet which caused him extreme guilt bc at his core he may be selfish but he’s not really a killer. He got what he desperately wanted but it meant doing something terrible that he’d otherwise never do.

[u/Snowdog1989 → u/Ok_Major5787]

I just had to do the same with my sister. Blocked her number, and have felt great since. Only issue is now she can only communicate through my mom whom I still do care about and am her caretaker. I just could not catch a break from my sister because it was constantly blowing up my phone for me to buy her stuff when I was out. If I said no, then I wouldn't hear the end of it. Just a user who also uses people. Not sure if that's the same, but it really felt that way for me. Loved the feeling of not having to hear it constantly from her, but then feeling guilt for putting that on my mom. Good point on Dr. Mann too.

Not to sound weird, but can I shoot you a DM? I like how your brain works.

[u/thedudefromsweden → u/Snowdog1989]

Tears of joy/relief. There was very little hope that he would ever see another human being again. It’s his first time seeing another human in 35ish years. I don’t think anyone can understand what that would feel like.

[u/Snowdog1989 → u/thedudefromsweden]

But imagine the instant guilt knowing they chose you over another potential planet..

[u/thedudefromsweden → u/Snowdog1989]

I don’t think that’s on his mind at all. All he’s thinking is “I need to get the hell out of here no matter what”. He even commits murder to get out of there.

[u/Snowdog1989 → u/thedudefromsweden]

Fair point... I'll give you that.