I see a lot of movies. I guess it’s my escape. Last night I got the chance to see the movie, Quartet. I am an opera lover (and of course strings as well) and this movie was filled with bits of both. While not a flashy movie, it was really delightful to watch. But, the meaning went beyond the music for me.
For those who’ve seen it, the plot revolves around many retired musicians and singers, who live in a retirement home in the English countryside, which is in danger of closing down due to lack of funds. As fate would have it, four of the greatest opera singers that England has ever known are reunited for a fundraising gala to save the home.
The music is certainly one of the stars of the film – with its quick, cursory journey through some of the biggest and best-known classical musical pieces and arias. At every turn you see real musicians and operatic stars performing. That part is fantastic!
But the real message for me was about getting older. It is happening to all of us. Even when we say we don’t feel “our age” – the truth is we are getting older. Yet, the big question is “what are we going to do about it?”
The answer, of course, lies in each of us. It seems easy not to worry in our 40’s, 50’s and even our 60’s. But we are getting older (and wiser!) and how we embrace those changes will make the process easy or hard.
Look, I go to the bathroom way more at night than I used to. I wake up often, I have to work harder to stay in shape, my aches are a bit more in the morning. But what do I get in return? My kids are older and so much more fun to be with. I’ve figured out how to have an incredible relationship with my father (something I clearly didn’t get when I was younger), and I know now, more than ever, what I want and who I want to be with during this next part of my life.
We never think that we’ll become old — We think we will hold on to our minds and bodies forever … I guess that’s a natural response. This film was a gentle reminder to me of the beauty of music and the joys and realities of getting older.
My take away — If you embrace every day and surround yourself with those you love, you will have no regrets. And that, my friends, is the goal, isn’t it?
Have a lovely day!
theyearof50 