What role do the movies play in Sylvan’s life? Were they a release for her or actually served to make things worse in the end?

I believe that the movies were her escape from her life. When she lived at home, her escape was the radio and the movies her escape from her married life. Sylvan didn't know who she really was at all. She even changed her entire name when she married. She tried to reinvent herself through the movies, and before that, the radio. I am not sure if she was even capable of having any true inner feelings for anyone or anything until it was too late.

Pure escapism.

Sylvan was an odd character. She needed something to motivate her to live. She wanted to be someone else very badly. Living in her fantasy world gave her something to think about and do with her life.

I agree with everyone. She escaped her situation by indulging in the fantasy of movies. She probably felt helpless and felt she had no control of her fate, which was especially true when she was young.

I think the movie lifestyle and characters became an addiction for Sylvan. She took on those roles as she had grown up with no self image and confidence and the role playing gave her a personality that she dreamed of. Unfortunately I believe we are to understand that she was somewhat mentally ill and could not distinguish between a movie and real life which led to her problems and then Charlie's.

Movies were Sylvan's escape from her everyday mundane life. She desired a life emulating the lives of the characters she saw in the movies. Because Sylvan lacked real world consciousness and experience, confusing reality with make believe led to tragedy.

I agree with everyone. I also found it interesting that Sylvan relates most closely to Lauren Bacall, an actress who married young to an actor more than twice her age! It seems Sylvan's transference to another "role" was almost complete!

I think everyone is right. Sylvan needed motivation just to go on living. Such a sad life.