Alan, 'Coco,' and storytelling.

November 29, 2017

  So, this appeared on my Timehop today...

  I didn't get as emotional as I would have last year, but it still hit a sore spot. When I started prepping for tomorrow's meals, I thought of the newest Disney Pixar film I saw with a friend last weekend.

  Coco is an animated film about a boy whose family banished anyone from partaking in anything music-related, because of a deadbeat husband who left the family to pursue a music career. On a quest to play guitar like his dead idol, he gets stuck in the world of the deceased on Day of the Dead. He doesn't want to take the easy way out and compromise his passion for music. As usual, I spoil endings so I won't go further. But, because of the film, I know I'll be able to deal with death and grief a little bit better.


  I have many deeper thoughts about Coco (such as the idea of why it's important to bond over music with family and friends!) but one thing really has stayed with me since seeing it. The most significant lesson: Don't stop sharing the life of those you love and preserve their memory through storytelling, photos, and by sharing similar passions - if you have a desire to do so. The biggest disservice we could do is forget them.

  I thought of this, and I had to smile; even though there won't be any new Alan films on the horizon, we're fortunate for the time we did have him working in cinema and will never lose his spirit in presence. His life's work is preserved in his movies, and we can still share it with future generations.

  It was an incredibly moving movie, and you should see it. I cried but held back a lot of tears; I could have sat there for 10 minutes and still wouldn't have gotten all of it out of my system. When I go home for holiday, Dad and I are going to see Coco. His idea, seriously. His passion for music is everpresent in my life because of him, and actually because of my sister, too.

  Only a few more weeks until the annual deep dish and Die Hard family gathering.

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