It’s almost over. Year 3 my college life is coming to a close and so far, not so reflective on it. Normally, I get a bit contemplative and sad about another chapter of my life coming to an end. For some reason, this year… it’s been different. Everything’s just been so non-stop, whirlwind, go-go-go that I haven’t really had a chance to sit back and reflect. For once, I haven’t been thinking, writing, or wondering about life… I’ve been living it.
It just keeps being re-enforced to me that things in life happen for a reason. Things don’t always happen the way that I would originally have them play out, but my expectation versus my reality are never fully insync. But, they end in a more unexpected yet (mostly) positive outcome.
Last Thursday, I had originally hoped to spend at a certain event celebrating some of my work with more people. (Same location, different audience). However, for some reason, that expectation did not become the reality. Instead of celebrating my work, that night ended up being celebrating some of my most important friendships. That night ended up being one of the most amazing and unforgetting nights of my 21 years of life. Songs were sung. Laughs were laughed out loud. Memories were cemented.
That next morning, I realized that if my original expectation had happened, I never would have gotten the opportunity to experience that night and all that came with it. I think the experience I would have had would not be nearly as memorable.
Tonight, I was able to witness an amazing work entitled: (500) Days of Summer. I love the title. I love the numerous meanings that could be held within it. Everything. I heard about this film a long while back, and even though it was a bit vague what this movie was really about, I had high expectations. The director of this film (Marc Webb) is a great music video director. Some of his works are my favorites. This was his first feature film, and I wondered if he would be able to translate the uniqueness of his storytelling from one medium to the other.
The answer? Yes. Yes, he was.
As a filmmaker, I go into most films with a hope that I’ll enjoy it (even if it’s a little) and leave most films content but never fully satisfied. Then, when a film like this comes along, it just inspires you so very much. It makes you jealous that you weren’t the one who created what you’re watching on that screen. It makes you want to go out that very second, grab a camera and go make a film. At least, that’s what it did to me.
The main character of that film experienced (500) Days of this girl named Summer, but in reality, he experienced (500) Days of Life. In life, a major part is LOVE. We think of love as a great and joyous emotion. It’s not. It’s a raw, sometimes happy, sometimes miserable experience that we cannot do without. That’s what I loved so much about this film; it really wasn’t a love story, it was a story about love.
I think back on my past (500) days and wonder what I’ve experienced. Happiness. Disappointment. Anger. Exhaustion. I look forward and wonder what will be next? (500) Days of _____________ ?
