Time is of the Essence

Timing is an emotional element in films

Some of the great movies reflect on time. Films are a collection of images processed in rapid secession through time and it’s not hard stretch to layer that with true concepts of moments stacked on itself. Today I had that privileges in seeing my daughter ride the go-cart today by herself with her friends. Yet I remember the first time I took her on the go-cart when she was small and now she does not need me. To add to the suspense and joy she had, they didn’t know if she was tall enough. Two teenagers looked, but needed a supervisor to approve her going through. Then a girl in line said “If she goes, I’m going also” In the right movie this scene would work, but try sharing this with someone and they’ll yawn like Hesh Rabkin when Tony was talking about his issues in the Sopranos.

Of course, the most shmaltzy of them all is “Sunrise Sunset” in Fiddler on the Roof. Yet it worked. Usually, these memorable scenes work when there is conflict, a rushed manner, then a pause to reflect on what the couple has missed over what at the time seemed like something important.

Sound could also be something that changes over time. My bedroom is next to the living room and for the past year and a half I hear my two kids sounds in the morning playing at 5 am. When they go from 3 to 5 years old, the voices and their words do change. It’s the symphony of time.

As you can see, time and reflection is on my mind. It must be as after a 20 year hiatus, I want to write on things I know, love, and have a passion for. If I won’t be that person that makes the great American film, I hope at least to inspire someone out there too (not to say that I won’t try).