“You
don’t want to be in love. You want to be in love in a movie!”
Rosie
O’Donnell’s character in “Sleepless in Seattle”
Sometimes
I
think it would be fun to live life in a movie…
When
it comes to movies, I really enjoy romantic comedies. The more romantic and comedic,
the more I like it. Just to share a glimpse of what I’m talking about, some of
my favorites include (but are not limited to): “When Harry Met Sally,” “You’ve
Got Mail,” “My Big Fat Greek Wedding,” and “Sleepless in Seattle.” Each of these films holds the ability to
bring both a laugh to my lips and a tear to my eye – two qualities I find absolutely
imperative to my personal movie enjoyment.
Since
I enjoy this genre so much, it is often tempting to compare my own life to that
of the movie’s characters. Believe me when I say that’s a “BIG mistake, HUGE!
Mistake…” (Pretty Woman) Comparing
our OWN careers, homes, kids, friends, or loves to those from romantic
comedies…? “I don’t think so…” (Home Alone) (Okay, not a romantic
comedy, but how could I resist?) Whenever we contrast our own situations to
those of Hollywood fiction, I believe we set ourselves up for certain failure.
Real life tends to come up a bit short – and yet I DO compare...
In the movies, doesn’t it seem
that regardless of the depth of the turmoil, if “someone” intervenes on another
character’s behalf, then all can be made well with the world? For example, if
someone’s boss is miserable and unreasonable, another character points out to
said boss the error of his/her ways. That boss then miraculously experiences an
AHA! moment, suddenly aware of and understanding of all of his/her
reprehensible behavior up to that point in life, and changes comPLETEly
(usually in the last 5-10 minutes of the film). Careers are changed for the
best, raises are awarded, and everyone lives happily ever after. (sigh)
Or here’s
another one… If one person is in love with someone, and the other person doesn’t
KNOW it, then “another person” steps in and explains the entire scenario to the
2nd person. THEN suddenly EVERYthing is clear and person #2 realizes
that they are also madly in love, and wonders WHY he or she ever wasted so much
time without person #1. ALL is resolved (usually in the last 5-10 minutes of
the film) and the two fall deeply in love, get married and live happily ever
after (at least until the sequel comes out, the couple has a baby, and the new
plotline challenges the first movie’s neatly wrapped-up ending).
Yes, I’m semi poking
fun, but I think that what I love most about these made-up movie stories is
that somehow situations always resolve. I like that concept - I WANT things to
resolve – I CRAVE resolution. But in REAL life, it’s usually messier – missing
a few minor details. For example, wouldn’t it be nice to have “someone”
intervene on our behalf sometimes? Wouldn’t it be neat if our work acquaintances
stepped up and stuck their necks out and said, “You’ve got this wrong – Joe’s a
great guy who works hard and deserves a promotion – in fact, give him mine!” OR “Joanne, you’ve got it wrong! Joe’s always
loved you – it’s always been you and only you!”
But in real life
(unlike life in a movie) I find there’s a general feeling of I better not get involved – it’s none of my
business. I ask you - where would a
good romantic comedy be if that sort of attitude prevailed? (Dead at the box office,
THAT’s where!)
I guess what I’m
trying to say is that sometimes other people DO see our lives more clearly than
we see them ourselves. Sometimes it WOULD
help a guy or gal to have a concerned friend or loved one intervene on their
behalf. Even with that sort of help, I’m smart enough to know that not every
person approached (a boss or a Person #2) would see the error of his or her nasty
ways; but wouldn’t it feel good sometimes to not feel like we’re just hanging
out there all by ourselves? Maybe these
movies fill a hole, a deep-down wish – bring a feeling of hope…?
And so, Rosie
O’Donnell’s quote from “Sleepless in Seattle,” strikes a true chord with me. I
don’t want to just live life - I guess I want to live life in a movie.
Sure, it’s a fantasy,
but honestly, wouldn’t it be nice? (And even a little bit fun...?)
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