Film Studies Assignment

Rating: 10/10 (17 December 2009)

Question #4 : Why does Mike go back to Vietnam to find Nick?
I believe Mike goes back to Vietnam to find Nick for a multitude of reasons. Firstly, and as far as I'm concerned, most importantly, Mike returns for Nicki because he made a promise to his best friend. Because of his "by-the-book" personality, there is no way Mike can continue on with his life, knowing he has unfinished business across the globe; not only does Mike do this for himself because he needs to, but he also does it simply because Nicki is his best friend and Mike gave him his word. Another reason Mike returns to Vietnam is because he has experienced coming home from war, and life is too different without Nicki, despite his efforts and attempts to live normally. Examples of this would include: the fact that Mike does not want to attend his own homecoming party, because he is nervous, embarrassed, and returning alone (even though everyone already knows it is just Mike coming home, secretly they are hoping and preying Nicki will be by his side). Another would be the complete changes Mike experiences due to Nicki's absence. He can't do anything he used to without being constantly reminded that his best friend is not with him - he can't go back to work, because the two of them worked together. He can't go hunting, because it simply isn't the same without him. He can't stay in his own house because he shared it with Nicki, and it is nearly impossible for him to be comfortable there without his friend. The third reason I believe Mike returns is because of Linda. Though he so desperately wishes things were different, they aren't, and Linda is Nicki's girlfriend. The two grow closer because they are all each other has without Nicki, and Mike becomes frightened of the possibility of a developing requited love. But because of his personality, Mike knows he could never do that to his best friend, despite whether or not he would ever find out. Lastly, after Mike learns Nicki has been sending Steve money, he recalls the underground bar in which he played Russian Roulette for cash. In my mind, Mike is essentially the one responsible for psychologically destroying Nicki when he forced him to pull the trigger during their first encounter of the twisted game. I think deep down Mike too has realized this, and returning to Vietnam and finding Nicki is the only way he can prove to his friend he is sorry.