A wish...

[drakkar]

In my opinion, the cancer lady would add nothing to the story. If anything, I wish it had the deleted slap scene and castration scene. The cutting of Eli's Room and Be Me Little scenes made gaps in story's continuity.

I think I agree. In the book, Eli had to fight the urge of nomming Oskar just after the candy visit. That shocked Eli, for he wanted to be with Oskar, so he vanished from the courtyard and went to find some food (the old lady lived say a couple of kilometres away) - and returned to Oskar's bedroom afterwards, not afraid of attacking him anymore. Eli almost nomming Oskar again was omitted in the film, and then the old lady wasn't necessary for the plot.

[Makalli]

Talking about scenes we'd like to see. Why did they get not leave the bit where Oskar hits Eli in, that was the cutest case of domestic violence EVER.

[varamiglite]

Talking about scenes we'd like to see. Why did they get not leave the bit where Oskar hits Eli in, that was the cutest case of domestic violence EVER.

I've always wondered that too! I think it would have really helped to understand just how much Eli cares for Oskar and just how freaked out Oskar is by this new discovery. By taking that out they did the movie a huge disservice.

[Jameron]

Talking about scenes we'd like to see. Why did they get not leave the bit where Oskar hits Eli in, that was the cutest case of domestic violence EVER.

I've always wondered that too! I think it would have really helped to understand just how much Eli cares for Oskar and just how freaked out Oskar is by this new discovery. By taking that out they did the movie a huge disservice.

And how cute was Eli hissing at Oskar?

Too cute

.

[drakkar]

Talking about scenes we'd like to see. Why did they get not leave the bit where Oskar hits Eli in, that was the cutest case of domestic violence EVER.

I also love this scene, but It would have put Oskar in a very bad light later on, when he refuses to invite Eli in. How cruel that scene might be, it makes some sort of equilibrium (or what word to use) in the film: Eli almost noms Oskar in the basement, still he returns, putting his life in her hands so to speak. Then Eli essentially does the same thing by entering uninvited when visiting Oskar. So both show a strong commitment and trust towards the other.

[Ash]

Talking about scenes we'd like to see. Why did they get not leave the bit where Oskar hits Eli in, that was the cutest case of domestic violence EVER.

I also love this scene, but It would have put Oskar in a very bad light later on, when he refuses to invite Eli in. How cruel that scene might be, it makes some sort of equilibrium (or what word to use) in the film: Eli almost noms Oskar in the basement, still he returns, putting his life in her hands so to speak. Then Eli essentially does the same thing by entering uninvited when visiting Oskar. So both show a strong commitment and trust towards the other.

I guess you're right Drakkar. The hissing exchange pretty much cemented the idea that Oskar knew Eli was a vampire.
There was not any need for any further "testing" by Oskar immediately following this scene, by him not asking Eli in.

[drakkar]

There was not any need for any further "testing" by Oskar immediately following this scene, by him not asking Eli in.

Not by Oskar, but the outcome for Eli is she now know she can trust Oskar. As strangely it may sound. Hence (?) the be be a little scene afterwards, showing Oskar her/his life. The sweet little twirl afterwards: This is me.

[Ash]

The sweet little twirl was indeed adorable.

"...she now know she can trust Oskar."

Does she?
Oskar doesn't seem 100% convinced by her flash-back story.
That only happens when he sneaks a peek at Eli dressing. Why else would he do that? Maybe just adolescent hormones? Curiosity? Or checking?
It makes you wonder if the dressing reveal scene wasn't also a little bit of further proof Eli decided to show Oskar?
Did Eli know Oskar was looking? Why did she leave the door open?

[drakkar]

Does she?
Oskar doesn't seem 100% convinced by her flash-back story.
That only happens when he sneaks a peek at Eli dressing. Why else would he do that? Maybe just adolescent hormones? Curiosity? Or checking?

Curiosity and checking how it looks like, I believe. My take of the entire scene is this: After the be me a little, Oskar now knows Eli is a boy (we, the audience, does not yet know this). He is sitting stunned in the sofa. Then, he shrugs it off, and puts on a record. Watch Eli coming out from the shower looking cautiously at Oskar, as if checking upon what he might think. And how happy he (Eli) is when he notice Oskar accepts it. The little twirl could seem a bit misplaced - but this would explain that - Oskar has had time to recover (the audience have not).

[Ash]

Yes. It was (probably) done for the film audience's benefit alone, them not being privy to the flash-back details.
But it doesn't provide Osakar a rationale for spying on Eli, nor does it sit comfortably with the novel, where Oskar, just being given such details, still spies on her.
I just like to think Oskar, being a 12 year old boy, would have a look anyway. That's what they do. Regardless of whether Eli planned it that way or otherwise.