It’s a Wonderful Film: Bite-Sized Thoughts on It’s A Wonderful Life
George Bailey, a frustrated young inheritor of his father's bank, repeatedly neglects his childhood dream to leave the cozy town of Bedford Falls. After his father's death, he accepts his responsibility towards his community and family, giving up the opportunity to travel and receive a college education. Though he loves his family, his bank’s near bankruptcy leaves him feeling trapped in a life he never dreamed of. On Christmas Eve, depressed and inebriated, George is left contemplating whether he wants to end his life. Clarence, his guardian angel sent from heaven with the promise of earning his wings if he helps George, stops him from attempting suicide. While conversing with Clarence, George wishes he was never born. Granting his wish, Clarence shows him a world in which he was never born.
Made in 1946 and released January 7, 1947, It's a Wonderful Life is a Drama Fantasy. Amongst the writing team were Dorothy Parker, Dalton Trumbo, Marc Connelly, and Clifford Odets. The original story was by Philip Van Doren Stern, and directed by Frank Capra; the runtime is two hours and fifteen minutes. The film stars John Stewart and Donna Reed. According to an article written on Mentalfloss.com, even Capra, Reed, and Stewart have all cited It’s a Wonderful Life as their favorite movie. Loved by many, including myself, It’s a Wonderful Life continues to hold its title as a Christmas classic. Though I do not remember my first viewing of the film, it is a family tradition to watch it every Christmas Eve.
Even though George Bailey was loved by his family and the community, he perceived his life as a failure because he left his larger-than-life dreams in the past, which to me is very relatable. As an artist, I invariably desire to improve my skills and exceed my own expectations. I do not feel like a failure; I am grateful to have such a wonderful life, but humans are sensitive to the instinctual belief that you need to be successful by personal and societal standards. As a result, the perception that you blundered fulfilling your calling is horrifyingly accessible. This film shares a timeless message: it encourages the viewer to be happy with what you have accomplished; that achieving your goals is important, but other elements in one's life will contribute to your happiness. Christmas Eve is the perfect time to convey the message that if you actually examine your environment, you may recognize you have more blessings than you believe. To be reminded of this is critical; it keeps me grounded. It is also unparalleled in inducing me to laugh and be teary-eyed all in one movie, which is a remarkably difficult feat to pull off.