I rented "The Soloist" on DVD and...just watched it today. I thought it was a phenomenal movie. I think "A Beautiful Mind" was more intense but this film was good too. I sobbed throughout and had to take breaks because some of the scenes were triggers for memories for me.
I think the main thing I got out of this movie is that you cannot change anyone. Even with the best of intentions. I needed and wanted my mother to be different when I was a kid so that I could have a mom who could take care of me. I read medical books and psychology journals even when I was a kid...I wanted to be a psychiatrist and "cure" her.
But probably the best thing one can do...is just to love the person no matter what.
I have a son now...who has autism and some of his ways remind me of my mother. He draws like her. It is interesting that autism used to be called childhood schizophrenia.
So did anyone see the soloist and what did you think of the movie?
What better gift to give anyone, than that they are loved unconditionally.
On the strength of your post I have ordered this movie and will probably enjoy it and hopefully, take something from it as we do from your writing. However, if it's not good, I will let you know!
We shall see.
From your other writings, your Mom could not have a better daughter. As a child confronted by such anguish, you could have walked away at an early age but instead you stay and wanted desperately to heal, or to find a way to help. You couldn't change but you still love. That's a very hard thing to do.
Oh I do hope you see this movie...and It's a Beautiful Mind too...I cried through them both.
Thank you for all your kind words...I don't feel i deserve them so much. But...yes the love is always there.
You will have to tell me and this site...how you like the movie.
Thanks so much for your comment.