I love this film. It gets better every time I watch it. And though I had watched it, studied it, and prepared to lead a discussion on it, tonight, as I talked about the movie with others, they offered insights that I never would have obtained on my own. It is just more evidence that the world around us should not be contemplated in isolation. We need each other for better vision.
Everything is Illuminated teaches us this. The movie is so full of symbols, meaningful glances, and purposeful choices of color, music, and camera angles, it is unlikely that anyone would be able to catch everything of significance on her own. And the characters themselves - they need each other for illumination. They need each other to understand the past; they need each other to understand the present.
I love movies like this. There is plenty on the surface to laugh and cry over, yet the depths require careful thought and, though often neglected, discussion. I don't discuss enough. My opinions, my responses to art, my interpretations of the world around me are too much the product of my own mind, even if unconsciously fed by status quo's and dominant cultural philosophies. My vision is limited. Illuminate me, please.
1 comment:
This is so true, Jessie! I fall into that same trap. I look to myself all the time, and that is it. I often forget the great rewards that come from seeking out other people to help us walk through this life. It sometimes sees faster and easier to just try and do everything on our own, but there is much treasure from getting other people's opinions, hearing other people's experiences, etc.
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