Quote:
Originally Posted by
Peter_20
Alright, "slughead" isn't meant as a strong insult towards Squall fans or anything, begging your pardon; but seriously, why does Rinoa keep flirting with him?
Let's be frank, everyone: Squall is NOT a ladies' man.
Alright, he's this strong leader guy, and I guess that adds a few points on his manliness scale; but except for that, he fits perfectly in the "scare-away-the-girls" stereotype.
First of all, during the first two discs he shows NO interest in Rinoa whatsoever: he even confirms himself that he knows about her flirting with him and all about it, and shows no happy feelings at all, just some "you're in love with me, who cares?" attitude.
Secondly, why would Rinoa ever fall for a guy who whines about his bad self-confidence and his unsecure feelings towards others?
Alright, she could pity him, of course; but I never saw a girl falling *in love* with a guy who pities himself all the time - that way of acting usually turns all girls into friends - at best.
And last, but not least, why does Rinoa never get fed up with him?
Yes, Squall does look good, but I know better looking guys who have got ditched just because they didn't believe in themselves, so I don't wanna hear no argument going "he's hot, why would she get tired of him?" or whatever.
I simply find it strange that Rinoa keeps hitting on him forever, despite his acting like the ultimate disser. :rolleyes2:eek:
What, what and WHAT?!
Why did Rinoa go for Squall? She didn't,
really - not at first.
He saw
her first, if you remember. He saw her and
stared - mouth slightly open; he stared until she sensed eyes on her and turned to look at him. ...
Perhaps he had watched the same shooting star go by overhead, she probably thought to herself... She pointed upwards - in silent question. He inclined his head slightly, still staring, as if to say, "Yeah - I saw it. Come on over." Her smile broadened; he had given her permission to approach him. So, she gladly accepted his invitation and headed on over to him.
The above passage is a description of the 30-second FMV in which Squall and Rinoa first see each other, at the SEED Graduation Ball. For those unfamiliar with the gestures/expressions detailed, I suggest you go and watch the scene again. A very short FMV, but a very significant one. In this 30 second scene alone, I was able to find several signs of interest on Squall's part. They're slight and subtle and easily missed, but they
are there. Look closer, at Squall's face - at the unmistakable fascination written there. Look at the way he inclines his head - a small gesture, but a very significant one. With that nod, he consented to her approach. Rinoa didn’t just barge on over to him, completely uninvited, as some make out. She was waiting for a cue, for some sign that he wanted her to move closer - and she got it with that nod.
These are the minutiae of flirtation - which is how I would classify the interaction detailed above. In his own way, Squall was flirting with Rinoa in this scene. At the very least, he wasn't
discouraging her advances, at this point. It wasn't one-sided; it was a silent exchange between two people. Squall
was interested.
She caught
his attention.
Well, I'm now satisfied that I've milked that scene for all it's worth. :D People
could accuse me of reading too much into things...but I would just as soon accuse them of being obtuse and unobservant, and of not reading enough into anything. The FMV graphics in FFVIII are good enough that these subtleties of expression can and
do exist - but nobody seems to pay any attention to them! If it's not an outright declaration of love, it's not worth considering, apparently....
I'll continue my microanalysis of the ballroom scene tomorrow (and might even get round to the rest of the game; miracles
do happen!!).