Eric Freeman is Ricky Today

Interview at Waverly Psychiatric Institution

An interviewer at Waverly Psychiatric Institution questions Ricky Caldwell about violence, his past, and the film based on his life.

Violence and the Film

Asked whether violent movies influenced him, Ricky dismisses the idea. He grew up surrounded by real violence, including being beaten, and mocks the interviewer’s sheltered, “Beaver Cleaver” outlook.

Ricky is delighted by Eric Freeman’s portrayal of him, praising the performance as “subtle and understated” and calling Freeman a genius. He jokes about the movie’s blonde woman and says the film was mostly accurate, though the real rampage lasted for hours—far too long for a movie. He adds that the axe was blunt, making Mother Superior’s killing grimly difficult.

Ricky’s Past

When pressed about the violence, Ricky reveals that Mother Superior and others were exploiting the orphans by taking part of their wages. He says he was only 17 and afraid to speak up.

He also describes seeing a large man brutally beat a smaller one. After the man taunted Ricky with a red handkerchief, Ricky says he acted on “autopilot.” His blunt defenses clash with the interviewer’s attempts to make him reflect on his crimes.

Memories and Unhinged

Ricky’s oddly specific happy memories include an umbrella opening, chopping wood, and—above all—the weekly garbage pickup. He refuses to meet Eric Freeman, preferring to preserve his image of the actor rather than risk disappointment.

Ricky has written a revenge-thriller screenplay called Unhinged and insists he’ll get it made once he’s released, despite the doctor telling him there is no chance. His final “Christmas miracle” is simply that it’s garbage day. He calls for the orderly and ends the interview.

Personalities Featured

• Ricky Caldwell, also addressed as Richard
• The interviewer, a doctor at Waverly
• Eric Freeman, discussed but not present