The Art of Cinema
What does art mean to you?
To me, art is a perspective of what life is. It is the embodiment of emotions. Art is an expression of our thoughts, emotions, intuitions, and desires, but it is even more personal than that: it is about sharing the way we experience the world, which for many is an extension of their personality. It is an intimacy that words fail to capture. Works of art may elicit a sense of wonder or cynicism, hope or despair, adoration or spite; the work of art may be direct or complex, subtle or explicit, intelligible or obscure, and the subjects and approaches to the creation of art are bounded only by the imagination of the artist.
As I see it, films are among the highest forms of art as they are a fascinating coalesce of writing, story, photography, drawing, painting, concept art, animation, visual effects, music, acting, and a whole host of other talents, skills, and abilities of talented individuals. With respect to the art at hand, each film gives birth to another dimension - a parallel universe where time is more than a ticking clock. Walking out of a theatre, lingering with a plethora of passion, the world seems different each time I perceive it from another’s point of view.
11 years ago, Toy Story 3 premiered, and I think it is the best movie made by Disney. It had all the right elements for a masterpiece. Throughout the movie, we see a toy’s greatest fear come true. And what is it’s greatest fear? Being replaced by a new toy. In the real world, the toy, you and I share the same fear. We compete for economic resources, jobs, lovers, and more. So, no matter how high our sense of self-worth, we rightly sense that we still might be replaceable. It doesn’t imply things are certain. But we must learn to live with that uncertainty and not let the truth affect our happiness. If it did, we would waste our lives being miserable instead of living it the way we would want to.
Not to spoil the movie for the ones who haven't watched it yet, but there is a certain line from the movie that I will always remember.
You've got a friend in me, you got troubles, I've got 'em too, there isn't anything I wouldn't do for you.
In the end, Andy gives up the toys to a little girl Bonnie, saying,
Now Woody, he’s been my pal for as long as I can remember. Kind, smart, but the thing that makes Woody special is he’ll never give up on you, ever.
We see Woody bid adieu to Andy with a “So long, partner”, as the curtains close and a chapter of life ends. A bittersweet ending, wouldn’t you say?
Growing up, I remember life as a series of films, each with a unique personal impact. It’s no rocket science that humans have a longing desire to be understood and I sought solace in films. In an ever-changing circle of life, we strive for a constant - something to go back to or hold on to when things take a messy turn.
A movie is someone’s dream come to vision, a gift shared by those who watch. If you’re an introvert and find yourself in an awkward situation with someone, try initiating a conversation, asking what their favorite movie is. Why so?
It brings us closer, making us more accepting of different art forms and cultures. Some cinemas prefer to portray the practicality of life, which is not usually perfect but just because something is not perfect to you doesn’t mean it can’t make someone else happy. It is what it is and to accept that is a hard pill to swallow.
Most of my fond memories with loved ones are watching movies on a rented VHS player, a means to escape life’s trials and tribulations. The next time you watch a movie, call a friend or a family member and share that wondrous experience with them. Although life puts us in a maze where the path often appears cloudy, there's always light at the end of the tunnel. When you find yourself taking a break and you don’t know what to do, just watch one of the classics, releasing yourself of all the things that weigh you down and transcend into a space that is personal to you, somewhere you can be anything you choose to be.
