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Dec. 6th, 2005 12:51 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
shipperx.
It's a Wonderful Life has been dismissed by some as a saccharine, Norman Rockwell-esque valentine to Middle America, but it is much more than that: a look at the pettiness, incompetence and bullying of small-town life. It is also an almost frightening portrait of a depressive man (played by Jimmy Stewart) with suicidal wishes. Capra's is a tragic sense of life. It's a Wonderful Life is a film of endless frustrations, deferrals of gratification, and of the complete impossibility of realizing the most passionate impulses and imaginations of the self in the world--and yet the title is still entirely unironic.
The fact that this tone is ignored in the public perception speaks to Capra's talent in creating this dismal story, throwing the hero into an alternative world nightmare and then shattering it with a blast of pure joy and love at the end as he realizes that his life has been wonderful after all. ~wikipedia
Noir Dame speaks of It's a Wonderful Life
About 15 years ago, when I was a teenager rebelling against all things trendy and modern, I developed an interest in old black and white movies. I read biographies of Hollywood’s early stars. I idolized Greta Garbo and Marlon Brando. At Christmastime, I noticed that Frank Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life was listed yet again in the TV guide, and I decided to watch it for the first time. But something – was it busyness? forgetfulness? stood between me and the film. I didn’t see it that year, or the year after, or the year after that. Many holidays came and went without my ever making acquaintance with George Bailey.
Finally, this year is different. At the behest of a friend, I checked out the video at my local library. It seems that some things do happen for a reason. Had I seen the movie 15 years ago as I had planned, I might have rolled my eyes (as many of Frank Capra’s critics did, dismissing his movies as “Capra-corn” flicks). But now, older, wiser (hopefully), and less cocky, I found myself surprisingly stirred by the emotional pleas in the film.
Frank Capra said that he wanted the movie to give one clear message: that no man is a failure, and that every person’s life counts. The movie does successfully transmit that message, but it didn’t seem to resonate much when it premiered. Critics gave it lukewarm reviews. Then it went off Hollywood’s radar screens so completely that it actually lost its copyright. It took decades for the film to reach its current “classic holiday film” status.
Watching this movie, I could see a little bit of myself in the beleaguered hero, George Bailey. And I’m sure that most other people can see themselves in him, too. I suspect that people these days identify more strongly with George than audiences did when the film first appeared in
1946. That would explain why it has gained so much popularity over time. We now have more personal freedom than our counterparts did 50 years ago, but also many more uncertainties, insecurities, and, I believe, more personal responsibility over our lives. So George’s trials, the consequences of the life he chooses to lead, and the painful sacrifices he makes – have become more relevant – and more poignant – for people living in the 21st century.
What’s a bit jarring about It’s a Wonderful Life is its honesty. Holiday films, and a lot of films from that era, tend to gloss over life’s darker moments. Inner turmoil is downplayed, and conflicts are presented as mere temporary challenges to give people a chance to exceed their limitations. People always rise to the challenge with relentless courage and optimism. But not in this movie. The transformation of George from a bright-eyed youth brimming with zest for life to a broken and embittered man is…uncomfortable to watch. For a time, in the middle of it, George becomes “comfortably numb”, until his worst crisis hits and he’s on the verge of total collapse. While few people (thankfully) are driven to the point of jumping off a bridge, most of us can understand George’s frustration and anguish. People in the more structured world of the 1940’s may have looked at our hero with limited sympathy: “That’s life, George. Now get over it.”
Lost dreams are heavy burdens indeed. We’ve all felt the weight of responsibility bearing down on us too hard. But this movie affirms that, despite it all, the world is governed by a deeper justice. Good people are ultimately recognized for their goodness, and they are saved and rewarded by a higher power. As tough as things get, we do live in a good world. Watching the film gives us hope that we, too, will be recognized for our goodness and get what we deserve.
It’s a Wonderful Life easily could have been a kitschy movie. For some people, I’m sure it still is (certain things, yes, are a little “Capra-corny” – like the image of galaxies and stars flashing when heavenly angels talk. But, hey, it was 1946). And the premise that guardian angels protect us could be, well, sappy for some and distasteful to others. But regardless of our religious beliefs, this movie does appeal to a common human desire to be “saved,” to have that angel watching over us. It’s part of our heritage, just as much as the ‘holiday’ virtues promoted by the film: community, gratitude, charity, and family.
But beyond these virtues, the bigger contribution of It’s a Wonderful Life to the holiday spirit is its tribute to the common man. It affirms the value of all lives. In a society where exciting, glamorous lifestyles of the rich and famous are exalted in the media, we need to hear Capra’s message reiterated that a humble, “ordinary” life is anything but. After Clarence the angel shows George that his seemingly mundane life is absolutely vital to the health of the community and the well-being of his loved ones, we all revel in George’s personal triumph. We all want to be great, to do good, to effect positive change and to help others. Upon a little reflection inspired by this movie, we can all feel great satisfaction knowing that yes, indeed, we have made a difference in somebody’s life, however long-term or ephemeral. And we are reminded once again that it’s the simple things that truly matter – love, family, service to others – and not the fulfillment of grand, glamorous dreams. Those add flavor, but they’re not the meal itself.
Why is this so important at Christmas? It’s interesting how many holiday movies are about journeys. Life journeys, adventurous journeys, harrowing journeys, journeys with conflicts and resistance and obstacles to overcome. It seems that we need these journeys in order to appreciate and get back to the essentials – family, love, relationships, home. During the rest of the year it’s easy to forget the basics and get caught up in the ups and downs of life. But then we watch a movie like It’s a Wonderful Life and we’re reminded that the daily grind doesn’t matter so much. Our sufferings are redeemed. They’re worth it. George’s life is worth his sacrifices. That’s what’s so profoundly important – and uplifting – about the movie and the holidays in general. People continually search for the meaning of life, but once a year, however briefly, the meaning becomes clear. It is in the giving and sharing and exchanging, and good that we do. Of course it sounds cliché, but it’s true. And there’s nothing dull or ordinary about it. Everybody has something to contribute, great or small, in making the world a better place.
Clarence earned his angel wings, George got his business back, and Mr. Potter (the necessary villain)….well, let him be till his time comes, the poor guy is miserable enough. Life’s too short to concern ourselves with the pettiness of others. Give, and you shall receive. That’s what Christmas is about, and that’s what we can remember a little more often year-round. Like our hero, we, too, will get what matters most to us.
And an odd little footnote:
"It's A Wonderful Life" is one of the most popular films ever made, long regarded as the definitive Christmas movie. Yet in 1947, the FBI had some very different ideas about this holiday classic. In fact, the FBI branded "It's A Wonderful Life" and seven other films, including "The Best Years of Our Lives" as subversive.
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Date: 2005-12-06 09:34 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-12-06 11:40 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-12-07 06:45 am (UTC)But then, it's amazing what was considered "subversive" by the FBI and HUAC in those years. Even such a cliche-ridden melodrama as "Tender Comrades" was believed to be promoting a socialist/communist agenda. J. Edgar definitely seemed to see communists lurking under the bed.