(A journal entry from the Friday before last - it's random, it's personal, but it's a thought. So it shows up here.)
When I hear a guy nodding his head eagerly to agree, "I hate unhappy movie endings too!", I reflexively shrivel up inside. Which is strange, because people, supposedly bond more discussing mutual dislikes than likes.
And I'm an unapologetic sucker for happy endings. I want them in books, movies, TV shows, Wikipedia articles, everywhere. It's not that I live in denial. As Calvin says, I'm selective about the reality I accept. So, I know the 26 year old and 37 year old are going to have the happiest of lives together with three kids and seven grandkids; that the curly haired friend is going to convert that internship into a job and be the best thing to the company since the invention of sliced bread; that people dream and that becomes their reality.
Leaving me to dislike unhappy endings and specially hate movies/books/anything which portray mindless deaths and other insensitivities. Of course, I do understand reality! Yes, a wand doesn't always magically make darkness disappear. But lighting a candle is a possibility? Fictionalized reality which omits this, is generally not my cup of tea.
Yet, as I hear the (any) guy concur, while I'm definitely excited at the kindred-spirited-ness, an instantaneous thought pops up, "but man up to reality, dude! Leave this to me." Accompanied immediately by a heavy twinge of guilt; for I know my reaction is unfounded, uncharitable and in many ways, just unnecessarily judgmental. Too much nonsense. So, I try to keep my perception of the guy unaffected - it's okay, we can bond over other things. Almost always, I succeed. And life goes on.
Today afternoon found me in the middle of a conversation regarding authors and the worlds they create. The other person said, "Realism in literature is over-rated. The war, suicide or handicap might be that author's reality, but hey, I don't want to read it!"
Somehow, that comment, however much I agreed with it, irked the writer in me. "That's not very fair. Then a filmmaker who has the power of visual imagery shouldn't be, in your view, allowed to-"
Sitting to his left, I could see just his side profile. He took a gulp of his coffee. I didn't bother completing my contention. 'Let me guess', I was going to say dryly, 'you're a happy endings person.'
But he turned just then to look at me. "It's true. I dislike unhappy endings." He shrugged slightly. "I go to the theatre to be entertained. Life around supplies enough reality."
"Oh." Suddenly, I was speechless. "Fair enough." I managed.
Funnily, he sounded right, just right, as he said it. He leaned back into his chair and emptied his drink, "let's go?"
So that's it dear whoever-chances-upon-this-random-journal-entry.
I met a guy today.
Smart, charming, manly and real. He dislikes unhappy endings and he is a real guy. Adventurous, determined, sporting, understanding, with a sense of humour.
I met a guy today. And he is a sucker for happy endings.
When I hear a guy nodding his head eagerly to agree, "I hate unhappy movie endings too!", I reflexively shrivel up inside. Which is strange, because people, supposedly bond more discussing mutual dislikes than likes.
And I'm an unapologetic sucker for happy endings. I want them in books, movies, TV shows, Wikipedia articles, everywhere. It's not that I live in denial. As Calvin says, I'm selective about the reality I accept. So, I know the 26 year old and 37 year old are going to have the happiest of lives together with three kids and seven grandkids; that the curly haired friend is going to convert that internship into a job and be the best thing to the company since the invention of sliced bread; that people dream and that becomes their reality.
Leaving me to dislike unhappy endings and specially hate movies/books/anything which portray mindless deaths and other insensitivities. Of course, I do understand reality! Yes, a wand doesn't always magically make darkness disappear. But lighting a candle is a possibility? Fictionalized reality which omits this, is generally not my cup of tea.
Yet, as I hear the (any) guy concur, while I'm definitely excited at the kindred-spirited-ness, an instantaneous thought pops up, "but man up to reality, dude! Leave this to me." Accompanied immediately by a heavy twinge of guilt; for I know my reaction is unfounded, uncharitable and in many ways, just unnecessarily judgmental. Too much nonsense. So, I try to keep my perception of the guy unaffected - it's okay, we can bond over other things. Almost always, I succeed. And life goes on.
Today afternoon found me in the middle of a conversation regarding authors and the worlds they create. The other person said, "Realism in literature is over-rated. The war, suicide or handicap might be that author's reality, but hey, I don't want to read it!"
Somehow, that comment, however much I agreed with it, irked the writer in me. "That's not very fair. Then a filmmaker who has the power of visual imagery shouldn't be, in your view, allowed to-"
Sitting to his left, I could see just his side profile. He took a gulp of his coffee. I didn't bother completing my contention. 'Let me guess', I was going to say dryly, 'you're a happy endings person.'
But he turned just then to look at me. "It's true. I dislike unhappy endings." He shrugged slightly. "I go to the theatre to be entertained. Life around supplies enough reality."
"Oh." Suddenly, I was speechless. "Fair enough." I managed.
Funnily, he sounded right, just right, as he said it. He leaned back into his chair and emptied his drink, "let's go?"
So that's it dear whoever-chances-upon-this-random-journal-entry.
I met a guy today.
Smart, charming, manly and real. He dislikes unhappy endings and he is a real guy. Adventurous, determined, sporting, understanding, with a sense of humour.
I met a guy today. And he is a sucker for happy endings.
Suddenly, I have hope.
(Note: Achan routinely goes, "Movies and books are to entertain. If I had to cry, I'd just watch life" too. And young cousin rushes out of the room or buries his head in my shoulder when a movie is woeful or mushy. One, is the best man in my world, the other, my first 'baby'. Both of them are excluded from the general male population referred to above, as are some close friends - I'd take you in no other form.)
8 comments:
Okay I don't like this. This = not being able to talk about this with you in person, and waiting for you to read this comment, by which time the reaction has diluted, and the funny comments won't be so funny anymore.
Hahahahha Devvuuu.
I know exactly what you mean. Had you been here, the "Day's Discovery" you'd have known in full detail on that Friday. Comments + laughter + dissecting + opinions + randomly leading to other topics would be done and dusted.
Oh dear.
I agree that happy endings are nice and it's always lovely to end on a positive note. And real life has got enough sadness in it.
But I don't always look for happy endings myself because it's not always realistic or even acceptable to turn a tragic or disturbing story into a happy ending. It's not right because it's not true to the message.
Jai
That is true Jai. I see your point about being true to the message. That way yes, a story needs to stick to what it is supposed to convey.
The issue I have is when for dramatic value (as is the case many times) and shock effect, directors or writers insert tragedy and loss. That I mostly find unacceptable.
Uh-ho. Quickly, remove "Requiem for a Dream" from that list of movie recommendations I made!
I refuse. :p but why? Your recommendations are usually classy... So this ends happily or realistically?
Funny, how the two appear as distinct options, but oh well!
It's depressing! Don't watch it please. You'll be disturbed for weeks!
Oo... fair point.
Maybe by the time I'm through most of the movies in your list, my taste and appetite would have greatly changed (improved?).
And I'd enjoy this one!
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