What makes us like a film ? There are many different answers that can be given for this question. For example, it could be the story, the performances or even the style of film making itself. But sometimes, you end up liking a film simply because of the connection you feel with the characters. You see what’s happening on screen, and you feel that this could be happening to you. So today I want to talk about The Spectacular Now. My reason behind feeling a connection with this film is probably because of how old I was when I saw the film. I was just a little older than the characters shown on screen so, it was pretty relatable for me. Though I’m from a different country and background, I believe the emotions I saw were universal and therefore will appeal to everyone, including you.
Despite there being many things to talk about from this film, I would like to talk about a particular line of dialogue that Sutter, Miles Teller’s character says. This is how it goes:
Sutter: Compared to other kids, I haven’t had that many hardships… not really. Shit’s… Stuff’s happened, sure, but stuff always happens right? But the real challenge of my life, the real hardship is me. It’s always been me.
When I first heard these words, I was amazed at how much they can be related to me and my life. What Sutter talks about here, is what I feel the majority of people go through in life. Sure, there will be difficult moments and challenges that one will have to face but for a lot of us, the problem is ourselves. Leading a life of privilege has shielded us from many of life’s hardships so at times, we end up creating problems for ourselves. This single line of dialogue made me form a connection with the film. I have seen many coming-of-age films but rarely have I felt such a connection this immediate.
Read those words again, and you could easily see yourself in that situation. That is the beauty of it. I am not going to claim that seeing the film had a drastic change on my life or anything like that. But it was able to speak to me on a level that most other films fail to do. It becomes a special feeling when it happens as it does not happen too frequently. Here’s to being less of a problem for ourselves.
Until next time, bye.
Films & Frames 