I saw someone the other day say that Todd and Knox are both tortured lovers and I found that super interesting. I don’t think it’s a reach at all, I think they both represent the spectrum of love and heartbreak with their own respective relationships.
I think Knox and Todd both start out quite similarly in that they are both in love with someone they can’t have. Knox was in love with Chris who had a boyfriend and no real interest in him. Todd was in love with Neil which was doomed to fail one way or another.
They were both tortured for the exact same reason, they couldn’t be with the person they loved but I think they also represent the different kinds of tortured lovers if that even makes sense. They both start the film enamoured and eventually form relationships (one cannon, one heavily implied) and they behave similarly. Todd and Knox are mutually tortured lovers, both resorting to pining and hoping. But their biggest split is during the play.
The play, obviously, changes the entire film. Knox gets the girl, whilst Todd still watches and ultimately, Neil kills himself. Both of their relationships end so differently but they’re still tied together by the title of “tortured lovers”. Todd has to live without Neil, but Knox has to be with Chris quietly.
I just want to take a moment to kind of highlight Knox secretly being with Chris because even though it’s only a short clip of them together, it reminds me vaguely of Neil and Todd - the prospect of hiding away behind a crowd with the person you love so you don’t face negativity.
In a way, Knox and Todd remain as tortured lovers throughout the entire film but with entirely different endings to their stories. I think that just goes to show how succinct the film is in capturing all angles of love under one umbrella.
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I posted this as a reblog with the original post but for some reason Tumblr crashed and deleted it so if the op sees this, hello thank you, this is dedicated to your post.
I’ve become so numb, I can’t feel you there
Become so tired, so much more aware
I’m becoming this, all I want to do
Is be more like me and be less like you
original midi at http://www.storth.com/midi/Linkin_park-numb.mid