You know how in epic movies, and classic literature, around the 2nd act of the film, or final chapters of the book, the protagonist always has one more battle either against himself or the antagonist before finding solitude? For instance, the movie you're watching leads you into the comfort that things worked out for the hero; but you know this isn't the end because there's 25 more minutes left.
I watched Air Force One starring Harrison Ford as President of the United States, and Gary Olman as a deranged terrorist who hijacks the un-hijackable plane. I was suffering another unexpected stint in the hospital last week for "surgery complications" associated with my catheter. (admission: I was on a really heavy dose of pain medication which would have made Sandra Bullock's performance in Speed 2 seem Oscar worthy).
In a classic final act, the President of the United States just killed like 11 terrorists including the ring leader, Olman, who was seriously pissed the whole time. Out of fuel and plummeting towards the ocean, we think the President might get off Air Force One alive - - the odds being really good since Harrison Ford's never cast to get killed in the end of the movie. Anyway, out of fuel and plummeting towards the ocean, one of his staff pulls a gun and starts offing the crew. We're about 1,000 feet above the ocean, and Harrison Ford manages to thwart this dude by avoiding some bullets (for the 16th time) and clipping himself to a wire connected to a rescue plane. Our President lives to see his wife and kids; bad guy goes down with Air Force One, and Glenn Close (playing the VP) doesn't end up becoming President. The end.
While I watched, lying in my hospital bed, coming out of my pain med induced inebration, I couldn't help thinking about my final act. Not dying or anything terrible like that. I mean death resonates a little (it's sort of inevitable when you're having every test in the book to rule out heart failure) But I am resolved to a happy ending. Anyway, when Harrison Ford is finally reunited with his family I think of my reunion and this disease that's been playing Gary Olman's part in Air Force One. I want to kill the bad guy and get off the crashing plane too.
My hospitalization is short this time. Mind altering chest pain and cramping that forces me into a cold and understaffed Burbank ER last Friday at 1AM is not a heart attack, nor is it even a once thought pulmonary issue. It's myalgia. Muscle pain. That's it. Gotta rule out a lot to get to muscle pain.
I guess all the ruling stuff out coupled with the intense pain medication all led me to my deep connection to the good triumphing over evil themes in Air Force One. Otherwise, it's just an over-the-top, predictable action flick with a big star.
I'm home now, reunited with my family. My mom is here with us for a while. My son Jax just said he's going to marry his little sister and "stay with her for ever and ever".
Feels a little like the bad guy is dead for now.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
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