IF YOU HAVE HOPE, YOU CAN DO ANYTHING



“Either you vegetate and look out of a window;

or you activate and try to effect change.”

Christopher Reeve

 

My wife and I have watched on last two Sundays, back-to-back, two out-of-this-world movies – ‘Jurassic World Rebirth’ and ‘Superman’. You see, it’s best to get lost in these fantasy worlds, now and then, knowing very well, that neither the dinosaurs nor the Superman live in this ‘real world’. But, when you wear those dark 3-D glasses and transport yourself into the fantasy worlds – yes, yes, yes, it can be the best medicine for  your worried and wounded souls…

The Jurassic Park and the Superman movies we had watched years ago – for the first time – and, now, these latest ones – yes, they did succeed in captivating our hearts. May they continue to do so for centuries to come…

The child in me doesn’t want to grow up… That’s something nice, na?




Last evening, on our way to the multiplex to watch ‘Superman’, I fondly remembered Late Christopher Reeve. He was the first Superman I had watched on the big screen (1978). He was 26 when he had acted in it. Almost for a decade following that, he continued to be the Superman… What an actor! What a strong personality!

Then, at 43, in a freak accident (he was thrown off while riding a horse), he got paralyzed his neck down; but, he lived the rest of his life (till the age of 52) on a wheelchair and ventilator…

Imagine that!

Christopher Reeve did not stop living and doing what he loved -  acting and directing – even after he was reduced to ‘utter human’ from the celluloid’s Superman (Have you watched 'Rear Window'?)... For that, I remembered him last evening… in awe and respect.

“Pain is inevitable; but, misery is a choice.” Christopher Reeve would often quote this inspiring statement. He would add, “If you have hope, you can do anything.”

So, knowing very well, that in this real world, there are no dinosaurs or Supermen, you and I flock to the cinema halls and transport ourselves to these imaginary worlds…

I think, it is a nice thing to do, now and then, for our worried and wounded souls, as I said…

Agreed, in this real world, there are real challenges… In fantasy world, too, there are challenges… in fact, massive ones.




“Do good to others, and every man can be a Superman,” says Superman on the screen…

In that sense, Superman is real, isn’t he? Do you hear him reminding us - “You’re much stronger than you think you are. Trust me.”?

 

GERALD D’CUNHA

 

Pic’s: 1. Ysmael Dellcana   2. www.pinterest.com 

 

Video: Oscars

 


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