Watching a video of one of my favorite actors, Frances McDormand, and the Coen brothers something struck me profoundly at the end of the clip. When asking about Billy Bob Thornton, a main character in the Coen brothers' movie, "The Man Who Wasn't There," Ethan Coen, described him as "a treat." Even before any descriptive, a pleasurable laugh was made by all. I loved this.
The beauty for me here is the pure pleasure that was evoked through smiles and laughter at the mere mention of Thornton's name. McDormand even said that he felt like a "family member." How wonderful is that? McDormand also noted that even though Thornton himself is a writer and director that he never sought to usurp his role in this setting. He was an actor. There is a beautiful humility here and a great lesson. Thornton will undoubtedly work with the Coen brothers again. The atmosphere changed at the mention of his name.
Looking at the clip I could not help but to wonder if we are really conscious of the impression we are leaving whether at home or work. Do others enjoy our company? Would they like to work with us again? Here's another thought that came to me: Isn't it funny that Thornton is sometimes viewed in the media as complicated and uneasy? Yet, he is described in the clip as being "so easy" to work with. I never bought into that negative stereotype anyway. While Thornton undoubtedly has his ways, as we all do, I always viewed him as the consummate professional. His body of work proves this.
So, I had to ask myself after watching this video today: What impressions are you leaving?
6 comments:
I remember being blown away by the Coen Brothers' first movie, "Blood Simple" - one of the most clever of the genre. It was immediately obvious these guys were in a class of their own.
Ah, no doubt about it John! The Coen Brothers are awesome and you gotta love Frances McDormand! Did you read that first post I wrote on her? Speaking of being blown away, there isn't one movie that she's been in where I haven't absolutely loved her portrayal. She's such a diverse and exact kind of actor. She becomes each and every character. Brilliant!
Frances McDormand is great to watch. The Coen brothers do know how to tell a story with guts and heart. I always hope that I leave a positive impression on those who cross my path in this life. Judith, you're aware of the tension between myself and my neighbor. I truly wish her the best and don't want any hard feelings. She, on the other hand, seems to want to continue this cold shoulder approach to our meetings. It does bother me that this woman chooses to see my presence in a negative way. I wish the block parent politics did not have to turn out this way. Maybe she'll be open to discussion at some point.
Kelly - Yes, I am aware of the situation with your neighbor. The one thing that is for certain is that we cannot control how others feel about us neither should we try. What I have found most helpful is to control myself and be as honest as I can be with my dealings with others. Some people I have found simply do not like others. That's their perogative. But it is also our duty, as I see it, to show love and even a stiff kick if need be. :-). Kelly, you are beautiful and I am happy to call you friend. Peace and love to you.
McDormand is one of my faves! Loved her in Fargo - when she did her Sarah Palin imitation.
Yeah, she won the Academy Award for that one.
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