I Love You.
In the history of written and spoken communication, has there ever been a more wonderful phrase? Whatever the language, no other three words have the capacity to transform, heal, change, fortify, or inspire. No other three words can be used to mean different things, like the way a prism changes color with the light. At the same time, though, no other three words can also mean the same thing - across the World. Like a sturdy oak that withstands the elements, whatever Continent it may grow in. That’s the dichotomy of love - it is both mercurial and singular.
No other three words can also encapsulate numerous other words within their folds: trust, compassion, fidelity, forgiveness, affection, loyalty, passion, friendship, devotion, tolerance, vulnerability, joy, humor, fulfillment, generosity, sacrifice - and much more. No other three words are like a seemingly-simple puzzle box with complex mysteries waiting within.
Someone once told me that the frequency with which one says “I Love You” is a good indicator of that person’s happiness. I like to think that’s true. This week alone, my father, my brother, my sister, my mother, two friends, my cats, and Mr. Wonderful have been on the receiving end of those words. And I meant it each time. With life as short and fleeting as it is, say it now before it’s too late.
The most powerful emotion explored by the movies is Love. Think about it: even genres like Horror, Thrillers, Actioners, and Mysteries often have romantic sub-plots. Why? Because audiences like to see characters going through what they are. And there is no more universal a language than Love. We may not be able to relate to an assassin trying to kill the heroine - but we can relate to her heartbreak at watching someone she loves be imperiled. Love is the language of film.
With that in mind, we begin our Valentine’s 2012 Celebration. Just like a prism changing with the light, we will explore Love in all its shapes and sizes - just like last year. From romantic love (THE VOW, I HATE VALENTINE’S DAY, VALENTINE’S DAY, THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY), to platonic love (GOOD DEEDS, CIAO, THE SECRET LIFE OF ARRIETTY, FRIED GREEN TOMATOES, FANDANGO), to familial love (A BETTER LIFE, MINE VAGANTI), to gay love (I CAN’T THINK STRAIGHT, WEEEKEND), to idealistic love (PUNCTURE), to sporting love (FOR LOVE OF THE GAME, RUDO Y CURSI), and much more.
One thing is for certain: Whether Love makes the World go around is arguable - but one thing we can’t deny is that it is everywhere in the World…
With that in mind, welcome to our celebration of Love this year. It is more than just another four-letter word - it’s the only one that matters…
Please expect the reviews for THE VOW, I HATE VALENTINE’S DAY, FOR LOVE OF THE GAME, CIAO, and VALENTINE’S DAY to post by next weekend. We will be on travel, so please expect some delays...
Have a wonderful Valentine’s, folks….
