Why Richard Pryor’s Character Couldn't Simply Punch John Candy and Offer a Settlement in Brewster’s Millions
In the Brewster’s Millions film, Richard Pryor’s character Walter Faulk endeavors to win his uncle’s $30 million fortune by spending the money in unconventional ways. However, there is a critical question: why can’t he simply punch John Candy’s character Nicholas Young and immediately offer to settle out of court for the $30 million, thereby making his buddy rich and avoiding the legal challenges associated with his uncle’s will?
Legal and Ethical Considerations
The answer lies in both legal and ethical considerations. First and foremost, the terms of the will specify that the testator’s wealth must be spent in a way that provides value. If Richard Pryor’s character simply tried to settle the case out of court for $30 million, this would be seen as an attempt to avoid the stipulated conditions of the will. As the will clearly states, Walter must receive value for the money he spends, which would likely be considered circumvention and thus invalidate his actions.
Character Motivations and Sequel to the Plot
Furthermore, from the character’s perspective, Walter likely understands that attempting to settle the case out of court would be counterproductive. It would raise suspicions among his friends and the legal system, potentially making the situation more complicated. Walter wants to maintain a plausible deniability and keep his actions hidden from his uncle. If he offered to settle out of court, it would defeat the purpose of the mystery surrounding his spending. In fact, such an act would make for a very boring movie—uninteresting and tedious, lasting perhaps only 15 minutes!
Subtlety and Unconventional Spending
His strategic approach involves being subtle and engaging in unconventional spending methods. In the film, Walter tries to “help” his friend by earning more money or by hiring professionals to give him advice.
Effectively, Walter must navigate complex interpersonal and legal challenges. The idea of simply offering a settlement out of court would be far too overt, undermining the entire premise of the film. His actions must be clever and multipronged to ensure his success and keep his uncle guessing.
Consequences of a Straightforward Settlement
Had Walter settled out of court, it would have made for a much less engaging plot, and it would inevitably lead to an immediate discovery of his plans. This straightforward approach would also be counterproductive as it would raise too many red flags and suspicions among those involved in the legal framework. Moreover, such a settlement would not align with the nuanced and elaborate plot that the film is built around, reducing the overall entertainment value and complexity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, in Brewster’s Millions, Richard Pryor’s character Walter Faulk’s approach is a testament to his ingenuity and strategic thinking. The film showcases the importance of adhering to the terms and conditions set forth by the will while maintaining a level of secrecy and unpredictability. A simple and overt money settlement would not only fail in achieving this but would also ruin the intricate plot and the entertainment value of the film. The method of unconventional and creative spending, coupled with meticulous planning, is what keeps the audience engaged and ensures a satisfying conclusion.