running on parallel time
A couple Sundays ago, I took some time off to be by myself. Work the week before that frazzled by nerves, and the weekend before that was a social, noisy, one – movies, lunches, a full-day of music at Laneway Festival (LOVE. FEIST.)
I’m not anti-social, and I miss company and companionship when either is absent for too long. But I enjoy solitude – the space and time to let your thoughts roam, to listen and see.
So that Sunday, I ran an errand, bought a book, went to a café and read over coffee, and watched “Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy”, which is probably the perfect movie if you’re in the mood for solitude: sparse dialogue, camera lingering on the characters’ faces, an intricate plot that unfolds quietly, tension and melancholy.
The woman next to me fell asleep, and I actually heard faint snoring from the row behind me. But I was enraptured. After a day spent by myself, watching other people and then reading a book of byzantine intrigues, I felt like a spy myself.
I have a simple criterion for movies: I need to be “pulled in”; when the movie ends, I need to pull myself back into the waking world. I admire the technique and artistry it takes to achieve such an effect on people. I love the magic of leaving the world behind for a couple hours and coming back, slightly changed by the experience. “Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy” does this very well – I could practically smell the damp London air.
Solitude is the same. I feel part and not part of my immediate surroundings. I set the pace, walk in a narrative of my own imagination and choosing, listening to my internal soundtrack. When I emerge back into the social world, it’s like leaving the cinema – your eyes adjust the light, you move sluggishly like you’ve forgotten how, your voice sounds foreign. Like waking from a dream.
P.S: Those who love Gary Oldman – a man whose colourful credits include "Leon", "The Fifth Element", "Dracula", "Air Force One" (HAHAH), the Harry Potter movies, "The Dark Knight" "Kungfu Panda 2" (!) – should read this Q&A in NYT; wonderful for the way he describes the movie, and, you know, because it’s him.
Picture by jack english via beyond hollywood
Comments
domi
"When I emerge back into the social world, it’s like leaving the cinema – your eyes adjust the light, you move sluggishly like you’ve forgotten how, your voice sounds foreign. Like waking from a dream."
This aptly describes what has been missing in my life. I miss the experience.
domi: Oops, I hope I didn't mislead you into thinking it was a book about the Byzantines, haha. I was actually describing "A Dance of Dragons", which is part of the "A Song of Fire and Ice" fantasy series. It's my fave escapist series of the moment - not too demanding to get through but very richly plotted and very vivid characters. Highly recommend it!
Joy: Benedict Cumberbatch is in it, if that's any encouragement!
Fen: Actually, I have trouble getting through John Le Carre novels, haha. I have a couple of abandoned attempts on my bookshelf. Hopefully you fare better!
LN: Thanks! And that sounds like my idea of a wonderful day too. I "save" books for such days.
Megan: Thanks! I suppose there is a danger of becoming "lost" forever but I think it's invaluable to have such moments to stay sane.
The Waves: That "slowness" is exactly what I mean. And I actually do look forward to revisiting the movie too.
Eileen: I hope you get the make the most of it when such a day comes along.
Your day sounds wonderful. As a mom of two one of my favourite ways to get "me" time and stay sane, is to take an afternoon or evening off and see a movie by myself, or go to the ballet; something I can totally immerse myself in and not have to converse with anyone! -- Nadia
I missed the movie in theaters, will have to wait for the DVD now.
I really appreciated that break too.