Frankie and Johnny: More Than Just Diner Food, Right?

Okay, so I just rewatched "Frankie and Johnny" (1991) again – because, you know, Al Pacino in a diner AND Michelle Pfeiffer being wonderfully grumpy? Yes, please! And a random thought popped into my head: What if Johnny's obsession with Frankie isn't just about love at first sight, but a projection of what he thinks he deserves after prison? Think about it. He's been locked away, probably fantasizing about a 'normal' life. He sees Frankie, this no-nonsense, kind-hearted (underneath the layers of cynicism, obvi) woman. She's not some unattainable movie star, she's real. Maybe he latches onto her so quickly because she represents that 'normal' he craves. It's like he's saying, "If I can win her over, then I'm worthy of a second chance." The way he quotes poetry and puts her on this pedestal, it feels a bit...performative at times, doesn't it? Like he's trying to prove something more to himself than to her. Of course, the movie slowly deconstructs that ideal. Frankie is resistant because she knows life isn't a fairytale. And Johnny, bless his heart, eventually learns to appreciate her for who she truly is, flaws and all, not just the idea he built in his head. But I think that initial projection is a huge part of his infatuation in those early scenes. What do you folks think? Is it just me overanalyzing? I just feel it adds another layer to the movie. Maybe I'm reaching, lol! Either way, I still want those diner sandwiches.