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Today's film was about someone who left.

I have been interested in this dynamic for a long time since I was one who left too.

John and I saw a painting in the Museum of Modern Art. I think it was actually two paintings.

It was titled "Those who stay" and "Those who go away" or something.

The bottom dropped out when I saw it.

There was never any question about me staying around where I grew up. It was understood from the beginning (at least to me) that there was nothing there for me.

The hero of today's movie leaves because so much happens in his life that he cannot bear to stay any longer. He is deeply alienated.

He stays away for 15-20 years.

Then he comes back.

It is explosive.

Perhaps that is why I so appreciated the film.

The last words are about how he has left them but they have never left him; not for one day.

They are his 'saints'.

The toughest kid, the battered Antonio has gone to prison and we see him as the hero visits.

He looks to be a saint. He is beautifully realized. All the mean is gone.

He even looks a bit christ figurish; long hair and all. Beatific.

Wonderful.

Labels: coming of age, films