On Friday evening, I received a text asking whether I was up for movie night. I agreed to pick one up on my way home, and as I browsed the selections, one of them jumped out at me; The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (inspired by James Thurber's classic). I excitedly remembered it was on my 'to watch list' and suggested it to my Friday night date (a.k.a. husband), but he did not seem to agree with my choice (he mentioned it did not have top reviews). However skeptic of popular movie reviews, I decided to move on and rent something different...
Saturday afternoon, while at home, the television was on and my husband happily added that the film I wanted, was premiering on HBO in exactly 40 minutes (a bit serendipitous). I happily planned to watch, telling myself that if it was bad, I could simply turn the power button off...
“To see the world, things dangerous to come to, to see behind walls, draw closer, to find each other, and to feel. That is the purpose of life. ”
FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF A MUNDANE AND ORDINARY LIFE -- ONE FILLED WITH SHAME.
TO THE PERSPECTIVE OF A BRAVE WAY OF LIFE -- ONE FILLED WITH PURPOSE
As soon as the movie began to play, I was fascinated by the use of blue hues throughout the scenes (subtly contrasted by the orange hue of clementine cake). I loved the photography and the motto of LIFE magazine, the place where the main character worked day in and day out, in a devoted manner.
As Walter looked all over for negative #25; the one representing the quintessence of life, I heard of the courage of going into the unknown, the making of a brave man, purpose, bold choices (clearly represented by the red of the rental car and red hiking gear), moving forward, beauty, and the present moment.
I was inspired...
There is a scene, where a photographer is silently waiting for a snow leopard to show himself on top of the Himalayas. He explains that they call the snow leopard the ghost cat, because it never lets itself be seen. He adds as well, that beautiful things don't ask for attention. When the moment finally arrives, he decides to live through it, to take it all in, in the present moment. He chooses not to be distracted by the clicking of his camera. He keeps the image deep within the soul. Then he moves on to play a soccer match with local people, and decides to be present to them as well.
The above lines might not make sense, I don't know, but they are an attempt to encourage you to live your LIFE with great courage, to give your best in the little things you do everyday, because they matter and are part of a whole; bigger than we can imagine. Be not afraid, and love much, dare much, and keep moving forward.
As I finished watching the film, the sun was setting through the horizon and the sky outside the windows had a lovely blue hue. It was a beautiful moment; one of those that was not photographed or fully described within these lines, but one that was lived and kept deep within the soul...
For those of you that have not seen the film; I encourage you to see it, as it will allow you to remember the purpose of ordinary/everyday work, as well as out of the ordinary adventures. For those that have, I encourage you to comment on the good aspects you were able to find. I believe this is the type of film that requires a simple disposition and open heart, in order to grasp its meaning.