The scene is a complete knockout.
Professor Perlman is kind and clear, but forceful.
It was one of the easier scenes to do, he said.
Basically, it was all there.
And though Ivory may undersell his contribution, the screen version stands as a careful balancing act worth exploring.
JAMES IVORY:This scene was in the novel and came at the same point in the story.
The sheer length on the printed page was going to be the biggest challenge.
I hadnt ever heard that expressed before in a film, or anywhere, really.
Its one of the things that people appreciate.
I basically didnt change it at all.
I used as much as I could, and I worried a bit about it.
It was a really necessary thing.
Im happy thats been the outcome.
Perlmans story wasnt an indication of bisexuality or a conflict or anything of the sort.
Straight men do become very loving at times.
The mother less so, but the father is aware and is not at all worried.
The second time they talk about it, she definitely knows.
I showed the screenplay to Andre Aciman when I was all finished, and after that we had dinner.
He said that he would prefer that it not be said that the mother knew.
He had his reasons, and I didnt fight that.
If the author tells you that, I think you should pay attention, so that was removed.
You know when the father says that that the mother probably does know.
