“A film is a loosely collected series of events which don’t hold up to scrutiny,” he says. “Untruths which are designed to evoke certain emotions in us.”
We are watching an obscure work by a Japanese director he admires. He’s seen it, of course, but years ago.
“My memories of this movie are those of a young man, which distorts them. What emotions I felt then I no longer feel, and many details which escaped my notice seem glaring now.”
“We only know what our experience allows us to know,” I say.
He smiles. “There is hope for you yet.”
A nicely philosophical piece
I’d like to spend some time with a sage and perceptive mentor. Good one.
Dear Josh,
Profound truth in the last line. Well done. And thank you for evocative photo.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Profound words.
I’ve made the mistake of rewatching things I enjoyed as a kid thinking I could recapture that enjoyment. It just ruined the whole experience.
Movies..storytelling in general..are like that. So very much of the experience is subjective and based upon the individual’s frame of mind, imagination, and other variables
Oh! You captured life’s transitions so well. Kudos! (And thanks for a great photo.)
I love the line “What emotions I felt then I no longer feel, and many details which escaped my notice seem glaring now.”
Ain’t that the truth … all of it! I enjoy watching movies as a parent that I used to as a children – the emotions and the characters I empathise with have changed somewhat ;)
We only know what our experience allows us to know. How true! Love the philosophical bent.
A thought-provoking piece indeed. Perhaps I should delve back into my childhood films.
Here’s mine!
Kantian or Confucian, the dictum holds true: but some movies actually do hold up to scrutiny even after we reach maturity, adding more layers of truth or at least insight. Nicely done dialogue.
That is good thinking in my book.
ooh, very Zen. And absolutely true of course. Nice and though-provoking, thank you.
Nicely done.
I really liked your photo.
“We only know what our experience allows us to know.” Hmm. Thinking about that one. Anyway, well-written piece, and I like stories that make me think :)