"The Scent of a Woman"

Paper Summary:

This paper summarizes and analyzes the storyline and the main characters in the film "The Scent of a Woman". The paper explains that the film, while initially appearing as if it dehumanizes the disabled Slade (played by Al Pacino), in the end the film actually objectifies and humanizes Slade.

From the Paper:

"Charlie Simms (Chris O'Donnell) is a scholarship student at a prestigious preparatory school. In order to earn money for a plane ticket home at Christmas break, Charlie answers a listing posted on the school' s job board. It is an appealing position: care for a family member over the Thanksgiving weekend. Unfortunately, that family member turns out to be Lieutenant Colonel Frank Slade (Al Pacino), who is angry, often unkind, and even more often self- destructive. He is also blind. This is where Slade seems to be dehumanized. He appears to be saying the blind are angry and bitter. Howver, it is also obvious he is depressed, and that depression makes him seem human. It may not be politically correct to say so, but a disability, especially to a man like Lt. Col. Slade, can cause depression. This is not dehumanizing, but realistic. It is not saying all disabled people are depressed, it just acknowledges depression exists."

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• Narrative Essay # 74869 : "Orange Scented Pine-Sol"

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