Rambling thoughts

Just read an article about how men in modern society aren't allowed to be manly, are penalized for it. How women are dominating in all professions, except the law. How men who aren't 'feminized' are being passed over and punished. It resonated for me because of what I have seen happen to my two younger brothers. I know that I am powerless over a social phenomenon, but I wish there was some way that I could see the day when society self-corrects and allows men the same freedoms that they demand for women.

When I went to the support group yesterday I was comforted and amazed. Listening to everyone talk about being arrested by the police while in their manic phase, or for acting out in anger, or being kicked out of their families, I realized how well off I am, and how well controlled my illness is by medications. I felt so grateful. It was also comforting to realize that I'm not the only one who struggles with depression. It was like an AA meeting, in that I was able to identify, which stopped me feeling alone.

Last night I watched an excellent movie with Gabriel Byrne, Laura Linney, and Steve Martin called A Simple Twist of Fate. I realized pretty quickly that it was a modernized version of Silas Marner. I had read the book in high school English, and hadn't liked it, but I'm going to reread it to see if 40+ years of maturity might not improve my understanding and enjoyment.

I also watched and enjoyed 12 Angry Men. Excellent performances by some great actors, and some actors that I had never before considered particularly talented. The story was compelling, and I loved the ending, which I felt really drove home the point that this was a story about Everyman and his duty, and how that duty is one of the things that really sets out our freedom.

The third film I watched was Point of No Return. I've seen this film before. It's an American remake of the French film, La Femme Nikita. I love both films, but La Femme is by far my favorite. Watching Point last night, I was struck by how much better it was than I had previously thought. Well worth the price of admission!