Cecilia Pérez Homar is my movie therapy partner — you may have already met her on my website (movie rx page, link below). She’ll now be posting her picks here, under the Movie Rx category. Her reviews emphasize how each movie impacts mood and consciousness, helping you select the movie that helps what ails — or enhances what excites. Note that you can find an archive of our picks at http://www.wakingdesire.com/movie_therapy.htm. Now here’s a classic for you:
Roman Holiday (1953)
Directed by: William Wyler
Starring: Audrey Hepburn, Gregory Peck, & Eddie Albert
Synopsis: A young princess (Hepburn) runs away after the frustration of her duties sends her over the edge. Denouncing her true identity, she sets out on a day of adventure with a man she meets on the street (Peck). Unbeknownst to her, though, this man is a newspaper reporter looking for a big scoop.
Movie Mood: Roman Holiday is just one of those movies that makes you feel like you have gardens of flowers growing inside. It’s a beautiful fairy tale about growing up and coming into one’s own. How could you not relate!
As the credits roll I am left feeling: Like I’m holding a grab bag of emotions. This movie sets us up to believe we know what will happen, because we’ve seen this fairy tale before. But much like life, we are constantly surprised by how things actually unfold. And when reality and fairy-tale clash, the flavor of the outcome is more complex – one part bitter, one part sweet, yet satisfying in the way only a great love story can be.
Memorable Quotes:
Irving (Albert): Joe, we can’t go running around town with a hot princess!
Anonymousopotamus // Feb 18, 2010 at 10:58 pm
I am fascinated by the new field of movie therapy. Watching films has always been therapeutic outlet for myself and I very happy to see therapists utilizing films to help treat patients. Thanks for blogging on this subject!
Anonymousopotamus // Feb 18, 2010 at 11:07 pm
And I forgot to mention Laurie, it was such a great confirmation to see “Tips for Viewing Your Life Cinematically” on your website. That is something I have been attempting to do the past few years when I am feeling negative about life. My idea for doing it was inspired by the way films made me feel hopeful and confident about life.
I always thought I would be the only person weird enough to use that approach, so it was a shocking pleasant surprise to see you writing about it. I will certainly put your tips to work! Thanks again for your great work.
Laurie // May 3, 2010 at 4:24 pm
Hi Anonymousopotamus,
Wow — that’s a mouthful! Thanks for your comments. I am heading out for some movie therapy this afternoon. Isn’t it great?
The movie? Not much out this week, but it doesn’t matter — just want to sit in a dark theatre, eat popcorn and watch life on the big screen. Did see Oceans — lovely, and sadly, timely with the current threat to such beauty. All best, Laurie