Thursday, May 30, 2019

Me & Classic Film: Is This the End Of The Affair?


Warning: this conversation is personal

Me: It’s Me, Not You
I never thought we’d be having this conversation. Truly, I took for granted this could never end. You were everything to me. In this world of uncertainty, you were always there, a safe place. In a swirl of change, you remained unchanged. You and me – we had something special that no one person could pollute or corrupt.


Sigh, I guess we should go back to the beginning.


It was these ancient images and personalities, so powerful, which transported me to another world. It was a world of escape. So, yes, maybe at a tender age I needed a place that offered escape, comfort, familiarity, and acceptance. All of personal inner struggles melted when I became enveloped in your arms. You offered release of tears, of joy; you made my heart soar and you soothed the sores of a self a little too sensitive, a little too attuned to life’s slings and arrows, of the self’s fragility and self-doubt and the dreaded low self-esteem.


And suddenly, seemingly just like that, but really many decades later, I don’t need you for those things.

Classic Film: I get that you’ve changed, but may I present my argument?



Me: Of course, I owe you that.

Classic Film: While you may not need me for certain things anymore, there is much more that I can offer – things that have always been there, but you have not sought out.

Me: Tell me more.



Classic Film: Since your heart and psyche seems to be in good shape these days, I would suggest you concentrate on your head.

Me: How so?

Classic Film: I know you love a suspenseful story, yet you rarely venture into Film Noir. You should give it a try. And your exposure to foreign film classics is pretty thin, my dear. Why not watch a few? You might like them. And I know you love to observe fashion and costumes. Why not pay more attention to this? Bottom line: try something new with an open heart and open mind and give me a chance. I’ve been so faithful.




Me: Sigh… you’re making me fall in love with you all over again.You know me so well.



Classic Film: Remember… I’m always here when you need me.


8 comments:

ClassicBecky said...

Hi, my friend -- it's been too long. Your post really spoke to me. I've struggled with this issue for the past couple of years. For various personal reasons, I started feeling distance between my beloved classic films and me. Maybe it's getting older, certain sorrows that have changed my life -- but lately I have missed that wonderful feeling my movies had always given me. Your conclusion, to look into genres I never thought I'd like, seems a good way to begin the journey back to something I always loved. Thanks, Marsha!

FlickChick said...

Becky - I've missed you! I know you understand. But, true love has its ups and downs, so I think we can survive the many changes that come along.

Silver Screenings said...

I'm excited to see where your film discoveries will take you next, especially when it comes to foreign films. I wonder if some of the best movie experiences still lie ahead...?

FlickChick said...

Thank you, Ruth. I sure hope so! I miss that old excitement.

The Lady Eve said...

Am I ever glad true love prevails! As so many old top 40 songs plead, "please don't go." Wishing you great adventures in noir and foreign film, I love them both and hope you will, too.

said...

This resonates so much with me. I fell in love with classics when I needed emotional support somewhere to keep going. I built my life and career around classic film, and was afraid some day I could fall out of love. But your post tells the truth: there is always something else to explore. This affair will never end for you - or for me.
Kisses!

FlickChick said...

Lady Eve - I'm hanging in there. I know you will be my go-to girl if I need some noir counselling.

FlickChick said...

Le - It's funny, isn't it? But, I am not yet ready to give up. I still have the love, maybe just not the passion (at this moment).