Christmas, Capra & Family
Christmas tis not the season for the new cinema release, DVD’s certainly as they make popular gifts, but festive films at the cinema are usually met with rolled eyes and tutting. ‘Oh look a Christmas comedy caper offering no surprises starring Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon.’ Sigh. And yet in a few years time possibly as soon as next Christmas we will happily cosy up at home and watch it.
The reason; Christmas is the time of year for traditions. We decorate our homes, wrap gifts and get together with people we tend to avoid for the most part. Our fondness for this time is triggered by childhood and nostalgia and what better way is this expressed but by sticking on the box and watching the ‘classics’. Most involve John Candy.
As my mother’s birthday falls in December the family has decided to meet up and visit the Glasgow Film Theatre, screening all the holiday favourites. This is a retro cinema which regularly holds film marathons, master classes and meeting sessions with independent filmmakers. Th
e appeal furthered by the 1940’s interior and stylish bar on the 2nd level. My mother has chosen Frank Capra’s Its A Wonderful Life. I only saw this for the first time very recently so I am prepared with a bulk box of tissues, as is my sister albeit in a fashionable sense blending in with the era in her long dress gloves and fur coat.
Christmas can be a time of wonder; we seek out moral and life affirming tales. Its A Wonderful Life is the story of a family and their faith and dedication in times of trouble. The climatic scene when the community rally around as the bells toll is the perfect example of Christmas spirit and reminds us to be thankful for what we have- a lovely way to begin Christmas together as a family.
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