http://1morefilmblog.com/wordpress/lars-and-the-real-girl-gillespie-2007/ Wed, 11 Jan 2012 04:12:09 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 http://1morefilmblog.com/wordpress/lars-and-the-real-girl-gillespie-2007/comment-page-1/#comment-13 Kenneth R. Morefield Sun, 03 May 2009 18:07:15 +0000 http://1morefilmblog.com/wordpress/?p=595#comment-13 That's a good point, Cindy. When I originally posted this entry at my blog, one commentator left a message about acts of compassion and kindness in the community in which he/she grew up. It is encouraging to me to know that many people recognize something that is true and possible in LATRG, not just some sort of recapitulation of ideals. That’s a good point, Cindy. When I originally posted this entry at my blog, one commentator left a message about acts of compassion and kindness in the community in which he/she grew up. It is encouraging to me to know that many people recognize something that is true and possible in LATRG, not just some sort of recapitulation of ideals.

]]> http://1morefilmblog.com/wordpress/lars-and-the-real-girl-gillespie-2007/comment-page-1/#comment-12 Cindy Sun, 03 May 2009 13:22:56 +0000 http://1morefilmblog.com/wordpress/?p=595#comment-12 I so enjoyed this film, and for all the reasons you have detailed. Did want to comment on this statement: "I know, I know, this film is a <i>fantasy</I> and those other films are <i>realism</i>." I've long questioned the notion that kindness, goodness, optimism, etc. are less "realistic" than cruelty, evil and pessimism. Some studies have shown this assumption to be ubiquitous among humans (cf. Daniel Gardner's <i>The Science of Fear</i>), so it's quite understandable that it would predominate in films, too. Still, I think LATRG is wonderful not just because it shows us what could or should be - though that is an admirable and necessary endeavor, as you indicate - but also because is shows what IS. It is fiction, yes, but kindness and compassion do exist and are practiced by countless people every moment. LATRG shows this reality subtly and convincingly; for me, that's not just refreshing, but also evidence of at least some greatness. I so enjoyed this film, and for all the reasons you have detailed. Did want to comment on this statement:
“I know, I know, this film is a fantasy and those other films are realism.”
I’ve long questioned the notion that kindness, goodness, optimism, etc. are less “realistic” than cruelty, evil and pessimism. Some studies have shown this assumption to be ubiquitous among humans (cf. Daniel Gardner’s The Science of Fear), so it’s quite understandable that it would predominate in films, too. Still, I think LATRG is wonderful not just because it shows us what could or should be – though that is an admirable and necessary endeavor, as you indicate – but also because is shows what IS. It is fiction, yes, but kindness and compassion do exist and are practiced by countless people every moment. LATRG shows this reality subtly and convincingly; for me, that’s not just refreshing, but also evidence of at least some greatness.

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