Art – The Endless Call to Rewind

The arts have forever pulled us into their worlds. They are not simply invitations to see, read or listen. The good works pull us in. There is room inside for us to bring our own feelings, ideas and memories into the frame, page or song. Our initial experience – that first exposure – is like a doorway. It’s up to us to step inside – to yield and trust. To let them lead us in new directions – new appreciations.

The more familiar we become with a work, the more we can find – and feel. Entering a gothic cathedral is no less stunning on our second or hundredth visit. In fact, the more we understand about the construction challenges or the craft of stained glass or the symbolism of those candles – the more we yield in awe. We loosen our tethers and constraints – and can become new.

Why do you suppose a child, after hearing their favorite story, says, “Read it again!” They know how the story ‘ends’ – so that’s not it. What is it that draws them back? The book cover just needs to be opened and they are jumping in – not just with their imagination – but with their real concerns and feelings. Their daily default is about possibilities – almost everything is new to them. Each rewind brings a chance to try some new POVs – to picture themselves as giants or stars. Kids come to the party less tightly bound than grown-ups. Utility is never a concern. It just feels good to imagine – so they do it again – and again.

Music. Here we find an art form where rewind is expected. It might be the sound of a voice that pulls us in. The timbre or range or softness. It might be the story or expressions of longing or regret or silliness. Sometimes it’s the power of the instrumentation – the lure of the cello, the thrill of the tympany. And always – melody, rhythm, refrains. Even if we have heard our favorites a hundred times – each replay can flip us over anew. With each visit we let go of what is around us. We bring old and new emotions. We recognize. We yearn.

So, dear reader, I am stymied why people so rarely give movies that same attention. Perhaps a few rewinds before moving on? First viewing is simply the invitation – from a team of artists from writers to visual and art design – to sound and music – and wardrobe. Cinematographers. And, of course, the actors. They all collaborated under the guidance of a director to bring each frame to life. Perhaps instead of thinking of movies as motion pictures – we should think of them as motion paintings. There is lots to see, hear and engage with. 

Finally, humans are a connecting species. We have thrived because we are better – together. Instinctively. Our hearts spontaneously feel a lift when we see kindness or forgiveness – or grace. We feel – human. Happily human. I confess that my rewind habits often focus on those screen moments that touch my heart – that inspire gratitude and appreciation. It’s harder for our hearts to harden when they get melted down daily, right?

As you undoubtedly now know, I am a serious rewinder. My family is accustomed to seeing the same movie playing each time they enter – days at a time. Below I share just a few of my discoveries and special moments from my most recent addiction, Emma (the 2020 version).

Some Emma 2020 Rewind Moments

The director, Autumn de Wilde is a photographer of some renown so every frame is stunning. She brings us close – very close. 

Here are just a very few of the gifts I discovered with a rewind – or two:

1. The moment of kindness. I honestly don’t know who can watch Knightley invite Harriet to dance and not feel grateful for all those people in our lives who step in and lead with kindness. A values play. A hero. 

3. A painting comes to life. Knightley storms into his home frustrated and confused about Emma. While standing in front of an enormous 17th (?) century painting of a formal social scene, he struggles to tear off his vest. The effect is that he is IN the painting – come alive – and shedding the formality.

4. Echoes of form. Same scene, Knightley throws himself onto the floor in despair. Lying there with one knee bent – he mirrors exactly the drape of furniture coverings behind him. 

5. Chestnut tree – Emma and Knightley are talking under a huge – HUGE – chestnut tree – in full bloom. Close-ups show that some of the blossoms are fading – and thinning – which means, of course, that they are falling to the ground. EXCEPT – when the camera pulls out (and we see the unbelievable scale of the tree) there is not a trace of white on the ground. Just green grass. How did they keep the grass clear for all those shots? 

Your Turn

I would love to hear from you about your favorite rewinds. Movies, songs, albums, books, TV series.

No judgments here.

Leave a comment below…