While the story may not be the most elaborate and detailed ever scripted, it is a pleasure to see unfold. It is always a joy to see a film where the couple can and does convince the viewer that they love each other beyond all bounds. I would consider that point to be the main theme of the movie though I think they set out hoping it would be the bridging of the gap between father and daughter. It really feels like Jane Fonda is just a minor sub-plot here. My favorite scene is when Dabney Coleman first meets Norman and asks permission to sleep with Chelsea. I felt genuine anxiety for him. With the main story being the eternal love of Norman and Ethel, I would consider the second focus to be the evolving friendship of Billy and Norman. Of course, one can feel the allegory of how this never happened with Norman and Chelsea, I feel it just pushes her story further down the agenda. All things included, this is a great movie. Beautiful scenery and some fine acting with a good story is very enjoyable. If you want some proof of just how much it was about the acting, look at the cast in the closing credits. There are only 6 or 7 people listed yet you feel like you got to feel so much more.