How movies remind us ‘It could have been worse’

Written by Mark Schumann, Father of Three
Thursday, 08 September 2011 12:45

It’s no secret that, in our corner of the world, life has been challenging the past week or so. Since Irene paid her visit, we have dealt with fallen trees, broken limbs and power outages. And, thankfully, our towns are slowly getting back to normal.

But things could have been worse. And, if we need a reminder, all we have to do is check out what some reel people confront — and not just in disaster movies! All over the screen we can see people who remind us that real life could be a whole lot worse. Here are a few favorites to remember.

Jaws. What if a hungry shark spoils your summer vacation? What would you say if that creature waiting in the water for a tasty treat interrupts your chance to read the latest best seller? Would you wait on the beach and finish your book? Or ask the resort for a refund?

101 Dalmatians. What would you do if a mean woman steals your puppies with plans to turn them into fur coats? Would you — like canine parents Pongo and Perdida — ask all your friends to help you search? And alert the neighborhood during the twilight bark? Could you figure out how to put the sneaky snatcher into the doghouse?

North by Northwest. What if people with mischief on their minds mistake you for someone they need to chase? How will you react when they follow you onto a train, through a corn field or to the top of Mount Rushmore? Would this be a great adventure or an unnecessary roller coaster ride?

Swiss Family Robinson. What if, while on vacation, your boat gets caught in bad weather, has an accident, and lands you on a deserted island? How will you figure out what to eat? Or deal with pesky pirates? And what will you use to decorate your tree house?

Castaway. What if you end up on a deserted island all by yourself? Will you get lonely for your friends? Will you try to contact someone to help? Or will you enjoy the relaxing time on the beach? And what about that friendly soccer ball who is looking for someone to play with?

The Wizard of Oz. What if people say they don’t understand you, complain that your little dog gets into trouble, and inspire you to dream about a land somewhere over the rainbow? Then, if a storm blows in, will you click your heels three times and hope to travel to a pet-friendly place far, far away?

The African Queen. What if — to escape a threatening enemy — you have to travel a mighty river, on a dilapidated boat, without any idea of what to do? How will you shoot the rapids, fight off creepy bugs and ugly leeches, and get to know someone who, initially, makes you a uncomfortable?

Places in the Heart. What if, for no fault of your own, you are at risk for losing your home? How will you, as the saying goes, “pull yourself up by your boot straps” to find the grit to survive? How will you learn to rely on your family and friends for strength?

Some Like it Hot. What if, on your way to work, you are eyewitness to a crime? Then, to protect yourself, you have to don a wig, mascara and a dress so you can hide out in an all-woman band? How will you react if the bad guys ultimately find you?

The Sound of Music. And what if, just when you teach the children how to sing, learn how to turn drapes into play clothes, and find the love of your life, you have to run away from home in the middle of the night and hike to Switzerland? Would you remember how to climb every mountain, ford every stream and always celebrate your favorite things?

Yes, the movies can remind us that, no matter how bad today may seem, things can always be worse. Thanks to the efforts of our public and power officials, our daily routines are much calmer now. And that can happen in the movies, too.