Father of the Bride is one of my all time favorite movies. It's witty, charming, and makes me cry and laugh all at once. Besides, who couldn't love the Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Diane Keaton combo!? The movie starts with Annie Banks announcing her engagement to Bryan MacKenzie. George, Annie's father, is stunned and surprised, and the comedy unfolds as his anxiety of giving his "little girl" away develops increasingly until, well, I don't want to give away the climax! However, the movie is great, and I recommend it to anyone needing a laugh.
I've been thinking of one scene in particular. Prior to the dialog below, Bryan presents Annie with an engagement gift of a blender. Feminist Annie turns livid. She breaks off the engagement because she feels Bryan is symbolizing his desire for her to leave her career and be a housewife. She is hurt by the gift and refuses to speak to Bryan. After talking with an incensed Annie, George attempts to salvage the situation by taking Bryan out for drinks, and the following scene takes place:
George: [voice-over] I thought maybe I should help smooth things over. So I took Bryan out for a drink. Thought we could have a talk, man-to-man. But as I sat there and listened to his side of the story... I realized this was a golden opportunity. If I ever wanted to get rid of Bryan MacKenzie, this was my chance.
Bryan: You know those banana shakes she likes to make, right? Well, that's why I thought she'd like a blender. I guess I can see her point. I mean, a blender does suggest a certain... reference to sexual politics, but... I swear, it never entered my consciousness at the time.
George: I believe you.
Bryan: You do? Would you tell Annie that for me, Dad?
George: [voice-over] This was where I was gonna lower the boom. But instead, I looked into his weepy eyes and found my self saying:
George: Sure, I'll tell her.
Bryan: Oh, good! 'Cause I know whatever you say she'll believe.
George: [voice-over] Not only was I not getting rid of the kid... I now found myself talking him into staying.
George: You know, Bryan, Annie's a very passionate person. And passionate people tend to overreact at time. Annie comes from a long line of major overreactors. Me. I can definitely lose it. My mother. A nut. My grandfather. Stories about him were legendary. The good news, however, is that this overreacting... tends to get proportionately less by generation. So, your kids could be normal.
George: [voice-over] As if that wasn't enough, I went on.
George: But on the upside, with this passion... comes great spirit and individuality... which is probably one of the reasons you love Annie.
Bryan: That's what I love most about her.
George: [voice-over] That's when it hit me like a Mack truck. Annie was just like me, and Bryan was just like Nina. They were a perfect match.
Recently, I've devoted a lot of my time to self-introspection. As I've searched for ways to improve myself, the previous dialog came to mind. I am a very passionate person. Although, I am generally the easy-going peacemaker in most situations, I sometimes overreact when I am passionate about something or *especially* someone. In essence, I can be very sensitive in the areas of which I am most passionate. Perhaps, even overly sensitive. However, I've noticed that through the same passion and sensitivity I've been able to develop great empathy towards others, one quality which has enabled me to help and enrich many friends' lives.
Sometimes, I find myself wishing I could be less sensitive in some areas. I'm not sure that is possible at the moment, but I think I can learn to curb any overreacting. Basically...fake it 'till I make it!! I've committed some ideas to my journal that I've already put in motion. They are good ideas, but I'm still looking and searching for more (this is where I ask for tips! if you have any...send 'em my way!).
I'm not sure I want to change the passion and sensitivity I have in certain areas of my life, but I can definitely change the way I react. And in turn, the way it affects those around me. Especially, the way it affects others!
And in the meantime, maybe I should watch Father of the Bride, parts 1 and 2 of course!! :)
2 comments:
interesting way of thinking when looking at a movie. well, something i stumbled-upon is http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2005/01/how-to-discover-your-life-purpose-in-about-20-minutes/ and i think it may help you... I have not done it myself, but from the comments; i assume that it works.
i became most introspective when i didnt understand why others acted/responded to my actions in a certain way. I would have loved alice in wonderland while doing it (the disney version). I think re watching that would help you tons. Once scene comes to mind...
Alice: "Which way should i go?"
Cat: "Where do you want to go?"
Alice: "I dont know"
Cat: "Then it really doesnt matter which way you take."
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