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Over the last few years I’ve found escaping to another place extremely helpful and often necessary for my peace of mind. Films, books, music; the list is endless but each medium offers me something new and the chance to explore and capture a moment that usually is very different from my current circumstances. The business and stress of school and work has led me to this retreat time and time again and I felt that it was finally time to pay it the tribute that I feel it deserves. This may not be perfect but even now I’m escaping into another world where words can sum up the feelings that I’m unable to express any other way. This weekend I indulged in a couple of my favorite films, The Maltese Falcon and The Treasure of the Sierra Madre, both classics featuring Humphrey Bogart, a big hero of mine. What makes films like these so great is their timelessness and their ability to inspire viewers and entertain them. If films couldn’t do that then they would most likely not have the same impact and attractiveness that they do now for so many people. In The Maltese Falcon we see Sam Spade, a slick, calm, and cool detective who not only solves the case but in the end does the right thing and sticks to his principles. While the movie is fictional the character gives us something to strive for and proves that heroes have been around in films since their very beginning, inspiring audience s while still providing solid entertainment and the opportunity to escape the daily grind and drift into another world. It may seem small but in the big picture it can take on a completely different significance. Over time these heroes inspire others who in turn create or even become heroes and thus the torch is one again passed to someone else. It’s a terrific cycle and the evidence is all around us if only we’re willing to look for it. However, escapism must also be used in moderation. Spending too much time engrossed in a fictional realm can sometimes cause us to neglect our duties and can keep us from doing what must be done. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying a series of books or films and being a big fan; in fact, I’m a huge fan of many series, everything from Indiana Jones and James Bond to classic films and some television shows. Still, while these things are great, we can’t let them overshadow real life and what our duties are in this world. Similarly, I tend to think that escaping from the real world every now and then is always a good idea and we should all take advantage of this opportunity whenever we feel the need arises. Maybe I haven’t done a good job of proving my point but I do think that retreating into another world can have many benefits and most people have probably figured that out already. I just felt a short tribute was needed to express the wonder and excitement that can come from something as seemingly simple and innocent as watching a film for a couple of hours. Nothing beats going out and having your own adventure and that’s what we should all strive to do when we can but if you have the time tonight, sit down with your family, spouse, friends, or just by yourself and put on a great film or read one of your favorite books. Reality will always be here but the chance to step into another world and have an adventure doesn’t happen often. Don’t be afraid to put life on hold for a little while and enjoy a work that someone else has created. Your mind may just thank you for it. Austin Phillips (Zoo Station) |
The above song lyric holds a lot of truth for me and probably for most
people, regardless of sex, race, age, or religion. It’s that place where, for a
short period of time, we can leave our troubles and life behind and escape into
a world that’s, many times, right where we would like to be. There’s a common
term for this practice and the name sums it up perfectly: escapism.
