There has been a lot of bad news in the last few months. In reaction, there seems to be a collective sphincter tightening around the country, whether it’s for real or imaginary reasons. Life is one long running, continuous advent calendar. Each day, you lift a flap and there is that day’s “gift”. Another disaster, another tale of horror – yech!
However, there is a silver lining to all this. “Out of chaos there is opportunity”. People are going to the movies this year in droves – escapist, romantic comedies, 3D!, doesn’t matter. Hollywood is having a great recession. DVDs are also experiencing an uptick. Swine flu outbreaks and lost jobs = “lets rent a movie!”. I get it.
I try to combat all the toxic images/stories that bombard me all day by finding something to smile about. A movie works for me too. I enjoy light fluffy, Fred and Ginger movies – “The Gay Divorcee”, “Swing Time”, “Top Hat”. (These little musical romances supported the spirits of the folks who lived thru the depression we labeled “Great”.)
Other favorites, “Some Like It Hot” 1959– Jack Lemmon, Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and “Singin’ In the Rain” 1952– Gene Kelly, Donald O’Connor, Debbie Reynolds. Everyone remembers the Gene Kelly singing/splashing in the rain scene, but my favorite is Donald O’Connor tap dancing his way up a wall. Saw this movie the first time at Radio City Music Hall when I was a kid and I couldn’t believe it. I was delighted, couldn’t figure out how he did it, etc. I was impressed then, and I still am. Love it. (Interesting that they take place in the same time period– 20’s to 30’s.)
Of course you can find more current funny movies/ DVDs (Monty Python!) out there. Regardless of what you choose to watch – the intent is to raise the mood so that hopefully the glass looks half full, instead of half empty.
Hooray for Hollywood!