Today, I was initially excited to write my thoughts on the spectacular, if slightly flawed, conclusion to Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy. But the events in Aurora, Colorado have tempered all enthusiasm.
I'm still glad to say that Nolan has created a spectacular film, turning comic book into a form of Americanized Greek mythology - something I've always thought was there that no filmmaker had quite tapped into. But instead, I feel as if someone has invaded my territory and sullied its preciousness.
I know it sounds weird. I mean, I've always been saddened by any tragic loss of life, especially at the hands of others, but this one feels very specific. The movie theater is, obviously, a very special place to me. And now it's been invaded.
It will certainly bring changes into the movie-going experience. I plan to see The Dark Knight Rises again, but now the movie will be draped in the memory of those who lost their lives simply for their love of movies. It will be read differently. It will feel different. In a way, every movie will feel a little bit different now.
There will be a lot of talk following this. Sadly, not all of it will be positive. Some will blame violence in movies for this act. Some will blame guns. But, in reality, we won't know what lead this crazed mind into taking the actions it took. Humans are all flawed, but some are so deeply flawed that they feel the need to take it out on others.
My thoughts and prayers - and those of all of us at the Nashville Film Festival go out to the friends and families of the victims. Tonight, as I do on most Fridays, I gather with my friends to close out the week. It too will have a deeper meaning now. Because we are reminded how fragile life is and how important it is to enjoy every moment with someone you love.
I will go to see a movie tomorrow, if only to try to normalize the process for me as quickly as possible. If only to defy those that try to take the simple joys of life away from us. I hope you will as well. At least watch one at home with your friends or family. Movies bring us together. They teach us about lives different from our own. They challenge our thoughts and assumptions. They make us laugh. They make us cry. But the most important thing they do is they force us to share something in common. Even if we disagree about the movie, we're talking about it. Together.
Well said.