To the 'GREAT'ness....

I never thought I would dedicate a blog to a  movie, but I would like to make an exception because it's based on a book. And a great book at that! I am not a fan of  film adaptations of novels. But I do like to be proven wrong sometimes. :-) And I was more than happy when the 'The Great Gatsby' film actually proved to be worth the wait! So here's my review of the book and the movie on the book.

What Fitzgerald actually talks about is the beginning of Jazz age. First, about its grandeur and exuberance and then its extreme dark side. Not directly but through a storyline. His book is not just an description, but a visual extravagant portrayal by a highly imaginative mind. He describes people, places and situations as illusions or like illusions. And the film actually captures that visual treat quite perfectly! It's simply Great! 'Great' is only a word. However, the story refers to the effect it adds to everything it is used with. Be it dreams, money, emotions or carelessness. So, basically, the book is not rich just because of the atmosphere in which it is set up. And not a thing about the film is even distantly related to simplicity, as it ought to be.

The story starts with..."Whenever you feel like criticizing any one just remember that all the people in this world haven’t had the advantages that you've had.” And it implies it all the while. I forgot to mention that the dialogues are a treat as well. It's not just because of the way they impact you but also because of the philosophy behind them. About direction, acting, technicalities and music of the film, all are very good and in the spirit of the book. Overall, I would say one may not fall in love with it the way I did. But it will definitely impress you, at least while watching it. Or leave you breathless when you read it!

Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future
that year by year recedes before us.

Personally, I would always prefer the novel over the film. And it will always be the original one. A film cannot match up to it but certainly live up to it. And 'THE GREAT GATSBY' does do that! So thanks to F. Scott Fitzgerald for the great novel! And to the cast and crew for the film!(Although, one hitch, it doesn't include the very important-Gatsby confiding "Her voice is full of money". Which explains a lot about many things happening in the story.)

On the edge

I went to a fort few months ago. We climbed on a wall over a straight rock face. It was an amazing experience. The thing that scared me the most, is the realization after getting a view of where I had gone. The fact that I got scared only after looking at in from a different perspective is the most important part. What we did in itself was neither dangerous nor risky. All we did was to climb and sit, which we do every day in our life. This was only in a different backdrop. In the end, it was worth it! It's just the awareness or realization of where you are that scares you the most. I think that is the best part about trying yourself. You may fall or achieve something really good. But you will never know that unless you have tried it. 

You never know your capabilities unless you actually challenge yourself. That moment has helped me with my fear for heights a bit at least! It's not that I no longer get scared. But just that I can deal with that fear and go on longer. I know what i am writing may not be unique and something quiet obvious. The most fascinating part is that I realized it on my own. I never really get tired of doing something. Rather, luckily, I get to do things I really like. What really tires me is not doing anything. The only thing to do with energy/enthusiasm is- use it. And you always have some more left. Don't use it, and still its just some more left and not very much. That is why I love to try, exert and test myself.

Been on the edge has repercussions too. But they are easier to bear if you willingly do what you want to do. Being reckless is foolish but being adventurous only enriches your capabilities more. The most crucial part, of course, is knowing the difference between the two.  I too wish for a peaceful life but not one without experiences. Because only when you have tested yourself, you can make peace with what you are. As my one of my Guru says the more you stretch yourself physically, healthier you get. I think that is applicable in life too. 

Lastly, what you need most in unpredictable life is consistent strength. There are various types of strength. The one I find most challenging and yet most worthy is tolerance. It's somewhat like these lines I once read-