It’s a Pitiful, Dreadful Life

Since I first watched the film sometime in my early teens, I've been a great fan of Frank Capra's "It's A Wonderful Life" starring James Stewart and Donna Reed. For those who have never seen it, Stewart plays George Baily, a frustrated small-town businessman with unfulfilled dreams.

When faced with financial ruin, George attempts suicide, thinking that the world would be better off if he'd never been born. Fortunately, his guardian angel saves him from death and shows him what the world would look like if indeed he had never been born, causing George to appreciate how full and important his life has actually been.

This is truly a brilliant film and, although a bit schmaltzy, never fails to entertain and lift my spirits, even after twenty or thirty viewings. At least that's what I always thought.

Wendell Jamieson in the New York Times posits a different take on the film. He says:

“It’s a Wonderful Life” is a terrifying, asphyxiating story about growing up and relinquishing your dreams, of seeing your father driven to the grave before his time, of living among bitter, small-minded people. It is a story of being trapped, of compromising, of watching others move ahead and away, of becoming so filled with rage that you verbally abuse your children, their teacher and your oppressively perfect wife. It is also a nightmare account of an endless home renovation.

I must admit he's right. I should have realised this earlier, especially as my favourite line in the film is when George says to Mary: "You call this a happy family? Why do we have to have all these kids!" And surely anyone can see that alternate-world Pottersville is a much more fun and exciting place than exceedingly dull (film) real-life Bedford Falls.

Maybe the real message of the film is "Sure, life sucks, but it's all you've got, so make the best of it!"

Not that it matters. I still love this film and can't wait to see it again!