Leaning In

“The whole story is about love. It’s about loving each other despite our differences and finding out the truth about who we are.” — Peter Farrelly

Reviewing the social-commentary the morning after the Oscars left me feeling a little vexed. The embedded angst and dissatisfaction ironically recalling my own words of caution from last night’s post.

Facing my emotions, I soon found my centre by recalling the story behind Green Book’s road to Best Picture.

Following completion, the film found little love, its message going against the politically charged landscape of present-day Tinseltown. At his wits end, Peter Farrelly asked his agent to reach out to a fellow directing client with a screener.

Within two hours Farrelly got an ecstatic call from Steven Spielberg.

The Hollywood titan was blown away with the story, so much so “he watched it five times over two weeks”, stating it was the best buddy flick since Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid.

I was immediately drawn to this story for its passion and the fact that the seventy-two year old veteran filmmaker has the unbounding curiousity and stamina of an eleven year old.

Yes there are problems with the status quo, systemic issues that demand immediate change and oversight. But we can’t forget the reason we love going to the movies. 

We need to believe in order to overcome the impossible.