The Artist

by Stacy McKenna

I was just adding my final edits to another article on an entirely different topic when all the Oscar buzz around the astonishing smash hit The Artist captured my attention and inspired me to write this piece instead.

Perhaps you are already tired of all the talk about this movie and the awards shows in general, but I promise you, this article is not about the movies, Hollywood gossip, the red carpet and certainly not about what people are wearing.

So let me back up...the first time I saw the trailer for the film

The Artist on the big screen, I was mesmerized. Not only am I fascinated by the 1920’s, in particular with the fashion, but put me in full view of some tap dancing and good luck trying to steer my attention from it. Admittedly, I am a huge film buff and albeit the trailer piqued my curiosity and aroused my senses I was still not convinced it was a movie I would want to see, at least on the big screen. And so, Oscar night arrives and I have yet to see the film, but like the millions of other viewers, I too, was captivated by the accolades and the awards this film had managed to sweep up.

My mind is reeling. My heart is thumping. I’m smiling, almost giddy, as this French director run towards the stage to accept yet another Oscar. I think to myself…can you imagine what this man had gone through to make this film?

Let’s take a moment to consider…

This director may be known in France, but in America he is virtually an unknown.
This film will not only to be a silent film, with occasional subtitles, but it will not have any violence, special effects, adult language, nudity or sex.
Oh, and the lead characters are French actors whom are unknowns in America as well.

Can you just imagine how many eye rolls, no thank you’s, laughs, sneers and doors slammed this director must have endured? I wince at the thought of all the rejection. Yet, when I think of his dream, his vision, his dedication, his desire, his persistence, his faith and his passion I can’t help but feel the goose bumps tickling my skin. Not only is the film brilliant (I saw it the weekend after Oscar night), but it is also a shining example of what can be created when one dares to dream.

“All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them."

– Walt Disney

We have all had so many dreams growing up, and then life, circumstance, fear or whatever we decide to choose as an excuse seems to diminish, then ultimately, extinguish them. The creator of The Artist and his passion has been a huge wake up call for all of us to not only dream, but to dream BIG. And to never give up on your vision and passion(s). You may not know how you will get there. You may not know when you will get there but if you are true to yourself, you will undoubtedly get there and thus, magic will be created.

So I ask you, when did you abandon your dreams? What is stopping you from taking them off from the shelf, dusting them off and embracing them once again? You can’t deny the nagging in your soul, the wrenching in your gut with every day that passes knowing that there is so much more to life and that you have so much more life in you yet to be discovered and revealed. We all have responsibilities and circumstances and baggage. We all have the same 24-hrs in a day. Why is it that some of us create masterpieces and so many more of us lead mediocre lives? We all have been given gifts and it is our birthright to tap into our light and shine like the stars we all are. At the end of our days, our regrets won’t lie in what we did do, but rather in what we did not.

“Don't look for your dreams to come true; look to become true to your dreams.

– Michael Beckwith

My offer to you is to seek out that child in your heart and connect with him or her. You know the one. The one open to adventure, not afraid to fall and could care less what others think, say or do. Your dreams are yours. No one, not anything, can take them away from you.

So, what are you waiting for?

The world is awaitng you...