I have talked about books in this blog on occasion, but this time I want to talk about a few movies. Three of my favorite movies are set at Thanksgiving, and I try to revisit them each year. I would like to recommend them to you also.
Planes, Trains and Automobiles is a great little comedy that catches you off guard at the end, and suddenly you are moved by the loneliness that hides in plain sight around us all. John Candy and Steve Martin are on the top of their game in this film, smoothly moving from slapstick comedy to exposing the humanness of us all. I'm sure this film is known to all, but it is about 2 men trying to get home for Thanksgiving and the challenges they face together to achieve that goal.
Next is Pieces of April, a movie I reluctantly watched after it was recommended to me a number of times. What a wonderful gift of a film it turned out to be. It is a emotionally demanding film, revolving about some sad and tough themes, but well worth the process. How there can be comedy in the midst of a film like this is amazing, but just right. The film is about a ne'er do well daughter living in the big city preparing to provide the family with her first Thanksgiving meal. There are many layers of issues, problems and story. For instance, the mother is fighting what seems to be a losing battle with cancer, and the whole family is having trouble coming to terms with that. I know, it sounds awfully grim - remember I was reluctant to watch it - but if you haven't watched it, try it. It will make you think, make you laugh, make you cry.
The best of the bunch is Home for the Holidays, probably because it celebrates the good and bad about family together - and who can't relate to that? This is one crazy family, but whose family isn't on some level? In this film, one of the daughters who has 'escaped' to a bigger life comes home for Thanksgiving with her life in shambles, a reality she tries to keep to herself. Once again, there is a great deal of comedy blended with serious moments. Nothing is fully resolved, but the underlying strength of family is reaffirmed no doubt to be tested again at another family get together.
What do these films share besides a Thanksgiving theme? Family - in its many forms, with its many challenges and its many rewards. Family may test us at times, but in the end, they are the ones we turn to for support, caring and love. But then, maybe that is just an extension of the Thanksgiving theme. Anyway, give these films a try and let me know what you think.
Planes, trains and automobiles
Pieces of April
Home for the Holidays
Book - I only say this because I love you: how the way we talk can make or break family relationships throughout our lives, by Deborah Tannen
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