Every year the Academy Awards are a big event at our house. We act as though we all have a personal stake in who wins, what movie gets what-silly I know. But it is fun, and it does encourage us to see a lot of movies. And sometimes the movies are provocative and cause us to reflect more on our own lives, what we cherish, what we take for granted. And when a theme or content is thought-provoking I credit the movie as being worthwhile, even if it isn't stellar.
For us, this year was a good year for movies. We found many of them to be engaging and "thought provoking." As Karen and I talked about the "year in review" it occured to me that three of them were based on relationships ranging over the generations-young (Silver Lining Playbook), middle-aged (This Is Forty) and senior (Quartet). Though all very different in many aspects, all had universal elements we could relate to. Silver Lining Playbook brought together a young couple, each challenged by their own troubled nature, finding a common basis for their friendship. They exchange favors and face a challenge that requires a commitment from each of them, carrying it to fruition is exhilarating as well as bonding. Experiences we can all relate to and appreciate. Accepting parts of difficult personalities but also appreciating and empathizing with each others similarities were also universal components of the film and of all successful relationships.
This Is Forty tackled a relationship in "middle age." Kids are getting older and the needs and time warp of infants and toddlers and now gone. The social scene that once may have propelled a romantic relationship has somehow died during those startup years of parenthood and getting a business going. Re-establishing a relationship with each other that has those elements of spontaneity, intensity and attraction are all issues that surface in this comedic movie.
Quartet is a poignant film that, amongst many other things deals with an estranged couple who rediscover each other at a retirement home for aged musicians. Their love and attraction for one another never faded after their divorce, however their animosity for each other camouflaged their true feelings, even to themselves. Woven throughout the movie are themes of rejection, anger, misunderstanding and with-held emotions. All elements that anyone involved in a relationship can relate to.
For us seeing movies are always an entertaining diversion. When they also encourage conversation, reflection and even self-discovery (either for oneself or as a couple) they are certainly worth the price of admission. And seeing them before the Oscars makes the show SO much more interesting- When I hear "....and the Oscar goes to...." I actually know who they are talking about! Bring them on!
No comments:
Post a Comment