I’m trying to prepare my best of 2020 show, but I took time out to watch It’s a Wonderful Life, and that reset my mood. I’m now firmly ensconced in Christmas. It makes no difference that I’m not a Christian and if you asked me what person born on Christmas Day changed the world, I’d say Isaac Newton. If you look it up it might say that he was born in January but that’s New Style. When he was born England was following the Julian not Gregorian calendar, so his parents considered it Christmas. Even while ensconced in Christmas I’m still a pedantic nerd. As I watched the movie and listened to my 2020 albums on shuffle I scrolled through my Facebook feed reading my friends post wonderful giving things about Christmas. When a cynic asked Hillel to explain all the Torah while he stood on one foot Hillel responded, in Aramaic, “What is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow: this is the whole Torah; the rest is the explanation; go and learn.” When I say that I’m ensconced in Christmas I mean, “Peace on earth and goodwill to all people: the rest is explanation; go and learn.” I’m feeling love towards people. I’m appreciating that we live in an age of miracles and wonders. I’m enjoying seeing other people happy. I feel like George when he returns from Potterville.
Everything about the film is perfect, the casting, the direction, the music, every shot, and every camera angle. Everything resonates. I love the little risqué bits, when Violet walks down the street and all the men’s heads turn almost causing a car accident. When Mary’s robe comes off and she had to hide in the bushes and George appreciates the possibilities in a teasing but totally innocent way.
The Potterville segment is pure film noir. It’s as dark as any film any made. We see the other side of all the happy good people of Bedford Falls. Good and evil are not inherent in our natures but accidents of circumstance. The look of horror in George’s face is terrifying. It always reminds me of when Kevin McCarthy kisses Dana Wynter after she became a pod person in Invasion of the Body Snatchers. Someone’s entire world is stripped from them, they find themselves in hell. When George prays for his life back and says he wants to live I cry on cue, every time.
I’m appreciating all my little interactions with people, from a phone call from a friend to expressions of mutual appreciation on my baseball trivia group. People are going out of their way to be nice. We just have to learn to do that the other 364 days of the year. As I listen to the albums on my best of 2020 playlist I’m continually amazed at how good they are. They are all excellent but some of the songs really pop. That’s how I figure out what to play.
I’m writing this from what is now an unusual place, my bed in a dark room. I enjoy that. I have one little light over my shoulder and that’s it. For years that’s how I spent most of my time. It’s a nice feeling, I’m alone in a little bubble of light. As much as I love people there are times this is pleasant. I can’t see much past my feet. I’m surrounded by a peaceful darkness. I should do this more often.
If you haven’t already watched It’s a Wonderful Life today, watch it now. It was voted the most inspirational movie of all time. If you have Amazon make sure to go and go now and look at the trivia on X-Ray, Learn how to use it here. That’s enough for today. It’s still Festivus so remember to be kind to others and to be kind to yourself. Remember that every day.
Wise Madness 