The Lonely Individual and the Celluloid

Being alone is different from being lonely. The former one is torture and the latter one is a constructive act. This blog is dedicated to all those people who enjoy the bliss of loneliness. I am one who likes to join their company. I think being lonely helps you to achieve much more than in the company of others. I detest the herd mentality that is quite common in today’s academic environment. Stand up for your rights – single handedly. Not afraid of the world and the consequences. In a gap of one year I have seen two movies related to this theme. Both the movies celebrate individual glory. The first one is titled – The Straight Story and the other one (which I saw last night) is, Into the Wild. Both the movies are based on real life stories.

The Straight Story is directed by David Lynch and tells the story of an old man, from Iowa, who decides to visit his brother in Wisconsin. He begins journey on the 30 year old John Deere lawn tractor. The film thus follows the story of Alvin's six-week journey across rural America, the people he meets, his impact on their lives, and theirs on his. It has been called a modern odyssey of a man dealing with his own mortality and mistakes and the lasting bonds of family. I read some where that the actor who played the role of Alvin Straight died a few months after the release of the movie. This is indeed one of my favourites and I keep watching it when I get a chance. Alvin teaches me new things each time when I encounter him on the celluloid. I should also mention Alvin’s daughter who has got some psychic disturbances. I think hers is one face which is still fresh in my memory. I also liked the theme of the movie – reconciliation and resolute mind of Alvin.

The movie which I watched last night again celebrates the caption – Being lonely is Lovely. Into the Wild is all about a 23 year old college graduate who decides to leave for Alaska. He hates society and control. He is kind of searching for the ultimate truth which was never there in his home. He changes his name to Alexander Supertramp. He is a voracious reader. His favs being Tolstoy, Jack London, and Thoreau. The script is sprinkled with quotable quotes from all these writers and has got some beautiful songs by Eddie Vedder. The movie is directed by Sean Penn and has got some beautiful cinematography. In one occasion the boy says that the purpose of human life is not just about making human relationships. We can relate to anything in this world, provided you have the mental perception within.

I also fell in love with the 16year old girl who the boy meets at the Slab Colony. Her name is Kirsten Stewart.