Sadly, my local movie house—The Landmark Theater—is closing January 5.
I grew up with a neighborhood theater in walking distance of my home—The Inwood Theater on Lovers Lane in Dallas. Selling popcorn there was my first job. Twenty-five cents a bag. No butter.
Determined to savor Landmark’s last moments, we plan to see all movies playing there between now and its final days.
We started with the Dylan movie last night, A Complete Unknown.
The movie was brilliant; the popcorn cost $10.75 which could be one reason audiences in my hood have chosen to stay home in their easy chairs and pop their own popcorn.
An ad for AT&T led up to the previews (which seemed a bit unnecessary since the theater is closing).
The advertisement’s message has stayed with me— “Connecting Changes Everything.”
I believe that and as I begin to focus on the new year, 2025, I’m embracing the idea.
Interestingly, the movie which chronicled a tormented four-year period of Bob Dylan’s life beginning as a nineteen-year-old when he arrived in New York City with his guitar and embarked on what would be his meteoric rise in the music world, reveals his inability to develop lasting relationships.
Although he forged interactions with music icons of the day, he did everything he could to resist or sever connections; he pretty much eschewed any kind of meaningful relationship.
I am obsessed with Dylan and his life story now, and from the little I’ve studied so far, I don’t think this anti-social behavior continued. However, he is a genius, and geniuses behave in very different ways from us common folks.
Connections are crucial to us common folks. Whether family gatherings, the folks in line at your favorite store, like-minded colleagues, or well-meaning neighbors, these connections enhance our lives.
Interpersonal relationships are critical to our well-being I believe.
My connection with those of you who are my readers is paramount in my creative life.
I appreciate you. And I look forward to a new year of more connections.
My New Year’s wish for you from English author, Neil Gaiman, is one I adopted during the pandemic when a love affair blossomed on the street in front of my house, a story I told in my current book—After Goya, A Mature-ish Fairytale.
May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness. I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you’re wonderful, and don’t forget to make some art. . . . And I hope, somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself.
Happy New Year, my friends. Connecting changes everything.
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