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And somehow, Walter istotally fine with all of this.
Even though the film strongly suggests that such behavior is delusional You dont want to be in love.
Honestly, its amazing how much Marsden got rejected in the mid-2000s.)
But Walter, the character, never gets justice.
So after more than two-and-a-half decades, it seems right to briefly considerSleepless in Seattlefrom his point of view.
He was kind before kindness became a rare and valued commodity.
Walter is far from perfect.
Hes admittedly pretty basic.
Also, for some reason, he has no idea what dim sum is.
But to be fair, Tom Hankss Sam also has no clue what tiramisu is.
Both of these guys are severely lacking in their exposure to even entry-level ethnic food.
But Walter is actually there for Annie.
Also, hes more alluring than you might think.
Annie can never be bothered to tousle his hair.
If she has doubts, she should work through them and discuss them with him.
But she doesnt, not for a while.
She asks Walter if he ever gets nervous about getting married, and he says, No.
Because Walter is never rattled by anything.
(Why do you think he wants to go to New York so badly?Duh.)
She does not appreciate him.
Walter works as an associate publisher at theBaltimoreSun,where Annie works as a reporter.
That might make some of Annies editorial cohorts think shes getting preferential treatment, even when she isnt.
My point is: If Walter were a different kind of guy, he could confront Becky about this.
Its the kind of thing Annie would do.
Because he trusts the woman he wants to marry.
Instead he says this: I dont want to be someone that youre settling for.
I dont want to be someone that anyone settles for.
Marriage is hard enough without bringing such low expectations into it, isnt it?
He is more mature than anyone should ever be expected to have to be.
Walter, Annie says.
I dont deserve you.
It is the most accurate statement Annie makes in the entire movie.
He says hes okay, but inside Walter has got to be livid and heartbroken.
He has sensed her backing away from him at the time when they should feel closer than ever.
He also hates the dowdy Holly Hobby nightgowns Annie wears to bed every night.
Hey, have you considered seeing an acupuncturist?
But she never did.
(Again, thats the Lou Gehrig line.
Jesus, how many times do Walter and I have to explain this?)
But the truth of the matter is, by not marrying her, he dodged a real bullet.
