From Beth Solomon:
I’m wondering why the main characters both blow up fish and smash fireflies with tennis rackets in this film [“Fireflies in the Garden“]. Perhaps destroying lower life forms makes it possible for these sad individuals to confirm their importance in the universe. It’s a sad commentary on this family and their vailues. There is no mention made of it in any reviews I have read, and none in the discourse about the film. I think it’s a shocking point, and should be acknowledged.
Ebert: My impression is that although they set off exposions in the water and swatted with rackets, no living things were harmed. I question how easily you can kill a firefly with a tennis racquet. There is also this question: How do we feel about killing insects? Yes, all living things are wonderful, but is there a difference between a horse and a cockroach?
