Sunday 27 August 2017

#232 Time and space

I'm often surprised at how effectively human experiences can be translated through the medium of film. There was a time, in my second year of university, when I watched a new movie near enough every night. I remember feeling grateful at that point, that I had so much free time.

As adults we exchange so much of our time for other things. Then one day, we might get some of it back and we don't recognise it. We have to watch a movie or two to get reacquainted with the value of having time.

My favourite film is Castaway. It's comforting to watch Chuck Noland experience the reality of life on a desert island, from the comfort of my bedroom. Plus, I love the part where he sees a whale up-close. Could there be more to it than that? Maybe the film contains enough solitude to make me feel like I'm not alone in mine. A lot of films deal with loneliness though. Maybe I just like Tom Hanks.

I mean, who doesn't like Tom Hanks?

7 comments

Fizzfan said...

Wilson! My son named his favourite football after him. Brilliant film and Yes I love Tom Hanks too.
Strange you should bring up the Whale thing. I went to see a dolphin show on hol years ago (albeit I hate creatures like that being captive) and found myself welling up for no obvious reason. It was definitely a weird connective feeling.

I think having the right quota of people around is different for different people.
I like to be alone or in company on a sort of 50/50 basis.

Solitude is lovely. Loneliness is horrible. It's tricky getting the right balance all the time.

My favourite films probably American Beauty. People lost in facades, versus uncomfortable truths.

Profound Familiarity said...

I like that film too. It's so full of people desperate to pursue their own paths, which conflict with the ideals of those close to them, forcing them to seek out new companions. I'd love to say something more insightful about it.

For a brief spell, the guy works in a fast food place called Smiley's and I really love the idea of a burger joint serving potato smileys. Surely that would be a big hit.

Fizzfan said...

HaHa. An award winning masterpiece reduced to fast food n smiley fries :)

I just loved the satirical poignancy of it all. People living lies. Coping with failure. Hiding disturbing urges n truths. Family dysfunction. Pretentious middle classed pomp n pressures. Misunderstandings and finally tragedy wrapped up in a conclusion that despite it all, Life is Beautiful.

I'm just back from a car boot sale with Hubby. He bagged a pair of Timberland boots in good nick for 50p!
I had a Hotdog n onions which cost 6 x as much. Money and how stuffs valued?

Profound Familiarity said...

That's a heck of a bargain. I can't remember the last time I paid 50p for a chocolate bar.

Fizzfan said...

I know. He's gone down the pub to celebrate.
I'm gonna watch a film.....if I can find one on Amazon Prime I fancy.
Hope you're having a good day :)

Profound Familiarity said...

Has Amazon Prime got, like, every film?

Yeah it's been alright thanks. Went out for a bikeride.

Fizzfan said...

I usually only watch the free ones but you can pay for the newer ones too. It's about a fiver or maybe more for the real Blockbusters. Yeah I think they've got pretty much every film you could imagine. I use Amazon loads so not having to pay for postage is a real boon. You get free music too, so I think it's pretty good.