FAN REVIEW BY PATSY, APRIL 1, 2008
Loneliness and infidelity in a wealthy, seemingly "together" family in Westwood. Toughness and the necessary ability to shun heartache like water off a duck's back in a struggling, broken family in Compton. "Grand Canyon" is a movie that depicts the weakness in "affluent" culture and the nobility and amazing strength in those who lack monetary fortune. I was amazed at the juxtaposition between the 2 families and 2 cultures.
How much stronger is a person who has to struggle daily just to "make it" in our world? How much happier are those who seem "lacking" in material wealth and priveledge. I can recall a time when I was struggling just to get through college. I bought a VCR, used it maybe twice, just to have a fun weekend, and then returned it because I needed the money again to make the bills. I did the same with a vaccuum cleaner and other things I needed but found less important than eating or having electricity. Eventually I got through school and got my job. Money was much easier to come by, but I was astonished to find that I wasn't as cheerful a person as I had been when I was struggling day by day. I love Danny Glover's character "Simon". Such a quiet man, yet so wise. Very "at peace" with himself, as Kevin Kline's character observes, with not a little obvious envy, very dignified. What an inspiration for any of us who feel that our lives aren't what they should be. How much happier we would all be to accept life as it is given to us? Mary Louise Parker illustrates this terrible, depressing measure of dissatisfaction with life. It's the opposite of the inspiration of Glover's character. (His sister-in-law, whose house is shot up by gangs, is quite strong and impressive as well, a wonderful mother who clings to the hope that her children will survive the statistics of young black people in LA.)
The movie is quite simply put, about life, universal. You will either find peace and learn to be happy in your life, or you will always be at odds with yourself, always wishing things were different. But if they were different, would many of us appreciate our new fortune, or would we go on wishing for things to be different. This film is similar to "Broken" in that respect. Some people don't want to be who they are, where they are, or even when they are. Many will never discover the simple joys of life. Many are doomed to be unhappy until they die. What a shame. I don't mean to be a "know-it-all" who has "found my nirvana". I guess I've just come to this realization that we only have one life. Whatever it turns out to be, we should trust that it's right for us. This movie really makes one think of these simple things.
Okay about Jeremy in it, wow! Is he young or what! He did a terrific job as a sort of comedy relief and that is a good thing. This movie is pretty heavy for the most part. His character is growing up, and it's sweet to see him going off into the world, falling in love, learning to drive, etc!
