Says dumb
Wood furniture would burn longer and the film never says why it is not used. It reads as an image that looked good more than a decision.
Why did the survivors burn books for warmth in the New York Public Library?
The Day After Tomorrow
The Day After Tomorrow (2004)
At 1:31:40Staff
Verdict: Explained. 37% of viewers say this is dumb. Top defense: The characters choose which books to burn and protect the ones they value, and the film plays it as a survival choice.
Explained
37% dumb63% explained
410 votes
Dumbness rating
4.2/ 10(410 ratings)Explained. More viewers say this scene is explained than dumb, so it does not count toward the title score.
Easy solution ignored
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What happens in this scene
Trapped in the library, the group burns books to keep warm. They argue over which volumes are worth saving. The film does not show them using anything else in the building.
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Reviews 2
Says explained
The scene is about what the characters value and how they ration what they have. It is not a puzzle about fuel.
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Actually, it’s explained
The characters choose which books to burn and protect the ones they value, and the film plays it as a survival choice.
- DumbScenesStaff9 months ago
The characters choose which books to burn and protect the ones they value, and the film plays it as a survival choice.
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Also asked as
- Why didn't they burn furniture in the library?
- Was burning the books necessary?