Christopher Walken giveth and Christopher Walken taketh away (At Close Range Thoughts)

Okay, so just finished watching "At Close Range" for like, the millionth time. Seriously, I can't get enough of this movie. Penn's dad is such a scumbag, but like, a fascinating scumbag. Christopher Walken just chews the scenery in every single scene. That creepy, almost-smile he has...ugh, gives me goosebumps. But here's my theory, right? Brad, man, he's almost completely innocent at the beginning. Just a punk kid, kinda dumb, easily swayed. But is he really that naive? I think deep down, Brad knows what his dad is. He sees the way he operates, the casual violence. That scene where they're all at the bar, celebrating after the heist, and Brad's just kinda...watching. He's not fully participating, you know? He's observing, taking it all in. So, here's my thought: part of him wants to believe his dad is this cool, powerful figure. He WANTS the easy money, the respect (or fear, whatever). But another part of him, the part he tries to ignore, knows it's all bullshit. That's why he hesitates, why he looks so damn conflicted all the time. And honestly, the ending? Devastating. Like, I know Penn's character makes some seriously bad choices, but to see it all stripped away, see the betrayal...damn. It's raw. You can see the fear in his eyes, and you just want to reach through the screen and save him. Okay, so, quick typo there...save. Now, what if Brad knew his dad was gonna sell him out? Just a thought. It's also like... does Brad really think his dad loves him? Or is he so desperate for approval that he ignores all the red flags? Honestly, the whole "family is everything" mantra that pops uses? Total manipulation tactic. I'm gonna watch this movie again tomorrow LOL, because I feel like there's just always more to unpack. Anyone else have thoughts?