“Give me your hand. This is just the start of your education, son.” ~ Lt. Col. Slade to Charlie Simms. The above quote signals the beginning of an unlikely friendship between Charlie Simms and Lt. Colonel Frank Slade in the film “Scent of a Woman”. From the very beginning it is clear that each man is solely focused on their own unique troubles and searching for the solution to their two very different problems. Neither is overjoyed about being stuck with the other. Thrown together by Fate, and a family desperate for a vacation from being Slade’s caregivers, the two must find a way to coexist for the weekend. On the way to a hotel for dinner, Slade determines that Charlie is seemingly troubled by the events that are occurring back at school. Without hesitating, he nudges Charlie into giving up a little bit of…show more content… He takes them to a deserted set of alleys and allows Slade to drive the car. At first, things go well. But Slade’s rush for adrenaline quickly surges out of control and they soon find themselves careening at high-speed through the back alleys. It is only after they are pulled over by a police officer that the manic drive comes to a close. But once again, we see Slade’s mental state slip downwards again as he steps out of the driver’s seat. Charlie helps Slade back to the hotel, confused by his sudden change in behavior. Initially he doesn’t question Slade’s request for a cigar and drink that cannot be found in the hotel lobby. However, he soon does and returns to their rooms. Inside, Slade has already dressed in his military uniform and has the gun in hand. An emotional standoff and struggle ensues in which Charlie defiantly refuses to leave the room and tells Slade that he must kill him as well. Slade aims the gun at him and shoves him against the wall but ultimately cannot bring himself to kill the teenager who has come this far with
