Author Archives: alana.stuart

The Inheritance was a perfect example of how work life cannot only inhibit your everyday decisions and actions but also greatly impact relationships with individuals in your life.  The movie demonstrates a roller coaster of emotions especially concerning Christoffer and his wife Maria.  Pre-inheritance they were madly in love, living a simple yet sweet life.  Instantly, conflict arises between the two when Christoffer announces he is taking position of Board of Director.  Even though there seems to be evidence of succession planning (Ulrick taking the position) a major pivot is made and decisions are changed without even discussing matters with the entire family.  This lack of communication and openness is the downfall not only in the marriage but also in the family.  It even extends as far as family friends and other individuals involved in the business (i.e. layoffs). Christoffer seems to allow his job to cloud his judgment and makes major decisions/actions that keep his spiraling downfall continuing at a rapid speed.

One specific incident that intrigued me about women’s roles involved the scene when the mother finds Chistoffer asleep outside.  She screams to Christoffer, “you are like me, your sister is weak like your father!”  This scene mixed with the way she involves herself in the business makes me wonder why she did no just take over herself.  The only conclusion that I can come to is that it would not seem suitable for a woman to take over the company.  Not only would it be seen that way but I am sure the bank would not support the decision either.  This plays into the idea of gender roles.  The wife is involved in the business for support and back-up not to eventually run it, that position is for the son.