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Interview:
Thanks to David Spaltro for the great interview. Listen to the writer of ‘…Around’, talk about his life story, the film, and a few keys to living a great life. Also, look for the reference to Viktor Frankl’s book: Man’s Search for Meaning. To learn more about David, and his film, visit his WEBSITE.
“You don’t climb the mountain to reach the top, you climb for the love of climbing and that makes reaching it all the more rewarding and bittersweet the journey. I feel blessed to have been able to take this one and look forward to the next, whatever they may be, with all that I’ve learned and now know. ”
The above quote, is from David Spaltro. Producer of the independent film “…Around”. What makes the film so special, is that it’s based on his life, and the various challenges that he went through. Of course, there are some added cinematic elements, but they never distract from the main message of the film: Do what you love, and throw yourself at your passion. Things may not work out at first. Actually, things may not work out the second, third, fourth, fifth, or sixth time. It’s sad, but it’s the truth. There is always something that matters more than success. And that is the enjoyment of the journey.
Life will keep kicking you down, and if you think that you are bulletproof, then think again. No one is bulletproof. However, there are many people who are bullet resistant. To be bullet resistant, is to have the ability to deal with whatever problems life throws at you. Difficult childhood, financial troubles, physical disease, loss of a loved one, and depression, are just a small selection of problems. Doyle Simms, the main character of the movie, goes through a great amount of problems. Each one kicks him hard, and keeps him down for a long time. He goes through many phases in his life, and he reacts to his problems by bottling himself up. Eventually, things get out of hand.
It isn’t until the end of the movie, when Doyle truly learns to ‘Embrace the Fall’. When everything falls apart in his life; his relationship with the love of his life doesn’t work out, his mom dies, and there doesn’t seem to be any hope left. This is when Doyle learns the true gift of his suffering: A clean slate. He has been given the gift of freedom, to do whatever he wants in his life. The only one limiting Doyle is himself. Borrowing a great quote from the movie, spoken by Doyle’s mother, I believe this sums up Doyle’s character quite well:
“Nobody expects much of you, do they? That’s your gift, you know.”
Everyone is different. Some people thrive under pressure, and some people fold. It’s just they way that we are. Doyle is the type of person who performs best when people don’t expect much of him. When he is given freedom to live, and freedom to find the right life for himself. One downside of low expectations from others, is a lack of guidance. When you don’t have an image to live up to, you probably won’t get as much help and respect from other people. Again, this can be a blessing or a curse, depending on who you are.
To me, …Around is a sadly optimistic film. It belongs in the category of poignant films, and for great reason. It’s best to be prepared before watching a film like this. After seeing the film, you do feel bad for Doyle. The movie ends very uncharacteristically from most films. To sum up the final message: Keep moving on. When one opportunity has failed you, move on to another. Life is going to kill you whether you like it or not.
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