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It's a Wonderful Life! ...except when it isn't. Lessons from the film
Episode 9 of the Kick Ass w/Klaas podcast is up and we're diving into the lessons from my favorite holiday film, 'It's a Wonderful Life'.
Even as a kid, I was drawn to its mix of innocence and haunting. As an adult, I've only grown to appreciate and learn from it even more.
Yet despite traditional perception, 'It's a Wonderful Life' is a very dark movie. The story of a man seeped in bitterness and resentment, known to fly into fits of rage and whom ultimately attempts suicide. Had this been made in the 2000's, perhaps we'd consider it an important independent film, challenging the stereotypes of mental illness. Consider that this was made in the post-WWII American Dream propaganda heyday and it's a wonder the film was even made, let alone become the epitome of celebratory life in the holiday season.
I wrote a blog about this three years ago and am re-posting to the Klaas website because it still rings true today. Perhaps the back story of the movie and its characters will provide new perspective for you. Likely, there are similarities to people in your own life that on the outside appear as high performers but who are battling silent demons in their mind. Your friendship means more to them than they realize.
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By Klaas
5
11 ratings
Episode 9 of the Kick Ass w/Klaas podcast is up and we're diving into the lessons from my favorite holiday film, 'It's a Wonderful Life'.
Even as a kid, I was drawn to its mix of innocence and haunting. As an adult, I've only grown to appreciate and learn from it even more.
Yet despite traditional perception, 'It's a Wonderful Life' is a very dark movie. The story of a man seeped in bitterness and resentment, known to fly into fits of rage and whom ultimately attempts suicide. Had this been made in the 2000's, perhaps we'd consider it an important independent film, challenging the stereotypes of mental illness. Consider that this was made in the post-WWII American Dream propaganda heyday and it's a wonder the film was even made, let alone become the epitome of celebratory life in the holiday season.
I wrote a blog about this three years ago and am re-posting to the Klaas website because it still rings true today. Perhaps the back story of the movie and its characters will provide new perspective for you. Likely, there are similarities to people in your own life that on the outside appear as high performers but who are battling silent demons in their mind. Your friendship means more to them than they realize.