Silberman's Explanaition

Silberman's assertions in his article regarding the basis for character interaction in Romance in a Minor Key is possibly the most significant component of the film. Kautner constantly relies on the unintentional transfer of disinformation from one character to another as a forwarding point of several aspects of the film. In many ways Silberman's explanation of the film as periods of "blindness" and "seeing" is the fundamental driver for both its plot and theme. Silberman comments on the plot as several recurrences of a formula in which a lack of understanding leads to tragedy. Madeline's husband resides in a constant state of obliviousness to his wife and her emotional distress and as a result she ends up killing herself. Michael interprets a smile and a love affair erupts which also bears partial causal responsibility for Madeline's suicide.

If we extend this idea into the thematic realm then that moral suggestion which was so elusive in class on tuesday becomes relatively apparent. Kautner, if he is making an moralistic claim at all with the film, is in many ways suggesting the necessity of guarding oneself against misinterpretation and maintaining an awareness of our surroundings. The film suggests that unproven confidence in one's schema is a trap all to easy to fall into and one which can often bear with it disastrous consequences.