By Michael Lyons
As Election Day gave way to Election WEEK, the “2020 Stress-O-Meter” ratcheted up again. Now, we lurch forward to an unknown future and it’s hard not to wonder, “What’s next?”
What we all hope for is just that...Hope.
And, while we may not be able to see that Hope just yet, we can at least look to our old friend, The Movies, to fill that void. Throughout the years, a number of films and filmmakers have offered us films that provide this positive perspective of Hope.
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001, 2002 & 2003)
Peter Jackson’s epic movie adaptations of JRR Tolkien’s beloved books are more than just some of the greatest fantasy/adventure films ever made, they’re beautiful examples of stories that speak to enduring through the impossible.
As Gandalf the wizard (Ian McKellan) says to a disheartened Frodo (Elijah Wood): “All we have to do is decide what to do with the time that is given to us.”
Cast Away (2000)
Tom Hanks is truly an amazing, one man show in director Robert Zemeckis’ story (which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year) of Chuck Nolan, a man stranded alone on a remote island, who never gives up hope of getting back to civilization again.
In one truly touching scene, late in the film, after his rescue, Nolan recalls a moment on the island, when he was truly in despair, but learned to not give up. It’s an amazing message of Hope, as the character recalls “I know what I have to do know. I’ve got to keep breathing. Because tomorrow the sun will rise. Who knows was the tide could bring.”
The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
There is reason that Frank Darabont’s adaptation of Stephen King’s novella is so incredibly rewatchable. The story of two inmates (Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins) in a Maine prison over the course of several decades contains such an uplifting perspective that it never fails to buoy ones spirits, As Andy DuFrane (Robbins) says, “Hope is a good thing. Maybe the best thing and no good thing ever dies.”
The Back to the Future Trilogy (1985, 1989 and 1990)
Whether it’s 1955, alternate 1985, or the Old West of 1885, the time travel trials and tribulations of Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) and Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd) offers such a positive perspective of our future and how we can learn from our past.
“The future is whatever you make it. So, make it a good one,” says Doc, at the end of Part III, summing up the trilogy’s central message.
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)
“Cheer up Charlie,” is the song that’s sung to young Charlie Bucket (Peter Ostrom), the poor boy whose only wish is win the Golden Ticket that will allow him to take a tour of the candy factory run by the hysterically eccentric and off-center Willy Wonka (Gene Wilder in an unforgettable role).
What follows during the tour are a series of mishaps that provide significant life lessons to the children and their families in the group, And, what emerges is that Charlie is so pure of heart that just by being who he is, all of his dreams come true.
“Don’t forget what happened to the man who suddenly got everything he ever wanted,” Willy Wonka says to Charlie at the end of the film. “He lived happily ever after.”
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
One of the most beloved films ever made is more than just a Christmas movie, it’s the story of all of our lives.
Just like George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart) our lives are beset by setbacks, disappointments and maybe even tragedies. And, while it may not often times be how we thought life would turn out, it’s good to be reminded, as George is thanks to Clarence the angel, just how fortunate we are.
As George stands in front of his Christmas tree at the end of the film, with the entire town of Bedford Falls before him singing “Old Lang Syne,” he realizes that “No man is a failure, who has friends.” And we realize it too, year after year.
Pinocchio (1940)
Arguably the greatest animated film ever made, Walt Disney’s masterpiece about the little wooden boy and his conscience cricket who go on an adventure that involves a maniacal puppet master, the hedonism of Pleasure Island and the belly of Monstro the Whale, comes with such an upbeat message of hope that the film should almost be mandatory viewing in times like this.
As the lyrics to “When You Wish Upon a Star,” the song that would become the anthem for all things Disney, states:
“Fate is kind
She brings to those who love
The sweet fulfillment of
Their secret longing...”
So, take a breath, take some time, turn to the movies, look ahead...and never lose Hope.
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