Out of all the ideas presented in Trust, I found the quandary surrounding self-improvement to be the most intriguing. Specifically, when does the re-definition of the self go too far; when do the ends - becoming a healthier individual, physically, emotionally, mentally - no longer justify the means - becoming someone who isn't a true representation of yourself? Both Matthew and Maria undergo significant changes in character, only some of which they themselves initiated and are conscious of. However, the process of self-betterment only pays dividends for Maria, whereas Matthew is ashamed of who he became by the end of the film. But how can self-improvement, a laudable goal, ultimately ruin lives instead of saving them?
First, let's look at Maria's character arc. In the beginning of the film, she is pregnant, but Anthony, her boyfriend,wants nothing to do with her. She is exiled from her own home by her mother. Oh, and she feels guilty for her father's death. After reaching the end of her rope, Maria decides that she is capable of something better and willing to put in the work to salvage herself. Maria makes peace, or at least a ceasefire, with her mother and moves back into her house. She resists Anthony when he tries to win her back, and starts working a stable, albeit monotonous job. Most notably, Maria regains an interest in her education, taking time to learn new words and considering a return to High School.
Now for Matthew. Initially, Matthew is unmotivated at his job repairing electronics, much to the frustration of his supervisors, and is promptly fired from his post. He suffers at home, subject to the verbal and physical abuse of his father. His most prized possession is a hand grenade, indicative of the instability and turmoil running rampant inside of him. Like Maria, Matthew takes steps towards a better life. He meets Maria and begins to nurture a healthy relationship, moves out of an abusive household, and starts searching for employment.
So why, then, is there no salvation for Matthew? I think the answer lies in each character's initial attitude towards change and progress. Matthew ultimately reverts to his previous impulsive and destructive tendencies because he wasn't necessarily unhappy with who he was to begin with. In an early scene, Matthew rebukes the concept of improvement, saying "some things shouldn't be fixed" when he is asked about his apathy at work. He doesn't truly believe he needs to change, and yet, he tries to anyway in an attempt to seem more acceptable to Maria. Matthew suddenly buys into the goodness of family and importance of work, but he is woefully ill-equipped for this charade, and Maria sees through him right away.
Maria, who genuinely wants to fix herself, is never conflicted in her process, and has a strong sense of what will assist and what will hinder her in her quest for redemption. Eventually, Maria identifies Matthew as a hindrance, and distances herself from him. This separation is devastating for Matthew, who realizes that he wasn't being true to himself, and his return to his previous state is abrupt and destructive.
Props to anyone who got the Bob the Builder reference in the title.
JS
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