‘Knives Out’ Scene Breakdown: The Will Reading (spoilers)
Backstory
The night of Harlans birthday party, the family listened in on him and grandson Hugh Ransom Drysdale arguing in the study. They were unclear about what exactly. So that leaves us asking, what was the fight about? Well, that is unclear until you reach my favorite scene in the movie. The Will Reading scene. All we know, is that something was said that made Ransom angry enough to storm out on his grandfather during his birthday party. Also, over the past couple of days leading up to Harlans birthday and even on his birthday, he let his family go financially and stopped helping them overall. But, he did it for their own good as he said. He wanted them to find their own way in life without his help.
Character To Know: Marta
Marta is Harlans registered nurse and is with him almost 24 hours everyday. She lives at home with her mother and sister. Marta and Harlan created a bond after spending so much time together. He would tell her of all of his family issues and play his favorite nightly game of go with her. She listened to him and enjoyed his company. She showed him more love than any of his family truly did just by being around. Marta was crushed by the death of Harlan and decided to tag along with Detective Benoit Blanc after he suggested so. Marta is an amazing person at heart and was an even more amazing nurse and friend to Harlan.
The Will Reading
While the detectives, Blanc, and Marta follow clues around Harlans death. The family gathered for Harlans will reading and by the time everyone showed up, Marta and all three detectives also made it back to the house. So like any good detective would, they sat in to listen to the reading and find out what happens. Late as usual, Ransom made his way into the room. He was weirdly happy while he just sat there eating biscuits. He had a smirk (pictured above) almost as if he knew something was going to happen. Does he know something that we don’t? Something we possibly don’t know yet? He surely does.
Alan Stevens presents the will, he is played by a familiar face some super fans may know. Writer and Director of ‘Knives Out’ Rian Johnson, also wrote and directed the very popular film ‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’ part of the Star Wars Trilogy. Alan is played by the puppeteer and voice behind the Jedi Master Yoda in ‘Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back’, Frank Oz. He then returned with an appearance in Rian Johnsons version of Star Wars. Pretty cool!! I love when productions do correlating guest appearances.
Back to the good stuff! Alan reads aloud the will stating the sole custody of everything including his assets, book publishing company, copyright of it’s catalog, along with the house and all of its belongings are now owned by Marta Cabrera. Harlan’s registered nurse and intelligently, kind human being. The news left his whole family in disbelief and anger. But, not Ransom. He sat there the whole time snacking and cackling. Remember that fight? The one that involved Ransom and his grandfather Harlan? The one that caused Ransom to storm out of Harlans birthday celebration?
Well, that argument took place after Harlan told Ransom, his mini me grandson, that he was cutting everyone off and giving everything to Marta. All he wanted was for his family to find their own path without the privilege they’ve been given. He would rather give his everything to someone who truly deserved it all. Which is what he so rightfully did. Ransom left laughing. One can assume that maybe he must have come to somewhat terms with it or he just loved watching the downfall of the rest of his family because he is a narcissistic jerk. They all may have deserved it, but he is still a jerk. To get the rest of the juicy details, you’ll have to watch the movie to follow of the mystery and secrecy. For now, enjoy this clip from the movie of the will reading scene.
