I often wonder what caused my life-long addiction to movies. Even now, as much as I hate those repetitive special effects, loud soundtracks, and crude attempts at humor that ruin so many of today’s movies for me, I can’t wait to get my next film fix. Going on these make-believe journeys while sitting in a darkened theater still makes my endorphins kick into high gear. While saddened and dazed over the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, I sought refuge from reality inside my favorite movie theater, thereby proving the degree of my addiction. Because confession is good for the soul, I admit enjoying films mostly for their escapist entertainment qualities. But I also love to be enchanted by cinematic artistry, enlightened by a great story, and inspired by memorable performances.

Film critic Diana Saenger says much the same thing in Everyone Wants My Job! The ABC’s of Entertainment Writing (Picadilly Books, Ltd., 2000) when she observes, “The power of film makes us laugh, cry, or get angry. . . (Movies) are probably the most influential medium in our world. They showcase our history, offer us escapism, and become a part of our everyday lives. . . Films guide us in how to think and behave.”

When I think about films that did more than entertain me, that list is long enough to make up an entire book. In fact, author Raymond Teague mentions many of them in Reel Spirit—A Guide to Movies That Inspire, Explore, and Empower (Unity House, 2000). According to Teague, films have become our cultural storyboard for spiritual exploration and renewal. His book lists 400 movies that offer life-enhancing lessons for modern viewers. In addition to films with an obvious religious theme, like The Ten Commandments, some wonderful surprises are included. Who would expect to see such movies as National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and Stuart Saves His Family in a book about spiritual messages? But here they are, along with The Life of Brian, As Good As It Gets, Gone with the Wind, Sleepless in Seattle, and other intriguing listings.

Steve Martin’s character in Grand Canyon declares, “All life’s riddles are answered in the movies.” Hyperbole, yes. But many important questions have been answered for me by the movies. What happens when a person is consumed by obsession? Watching Jimmy Stewart stalk Kim Novak in Vertigo showed the dangers involved. Is there a universal longing for home? Judy Garland’s search for the way back to Kansas in The Wizard of Oz proves that to be true. Can someone be too ambitious? Citizen Kane dispels all doubts. What’s it like to be different and made fun of because you are? Films like Simon Birch, Edward Scissorhands, and The Elephant Man gave me an inkling of those feelings. How can a teacher motivate students? Stand and Deliver and Dangerous Minds offer valuable tips through super performances by Edward James Olmos and Michelle Pfeiffer respectively. What are the symptoms of alcoholism? Lee Remick’s performance in Days of Wine and Roses reveals more than any textbook, and so on.

Because acting, writing, music, photography, and technical know-how all come together in a movie, filmmaking is the central art of our time. When everything works, something magical happens. A masterpiece that dazzles the senses while touching your heart or tickling your funny bone reaches the big screen. Film gems like To Kill a Mockingbird, Moulin Rouge, Adam’s Rib, Kolya, Waiting for Guffman, Casablanca, Little Voice, The Godfather, Topsy-Turvy, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Witness, Blazing Saddles, Night of the Hunter, Laura, Silence of the Lambs, Gladiator, and Singin’ in the Rain, come along too rarely—but they are worth waiting for.

(Excerpt from CONFESSIONS OF A MOVIE ADDICT, published in 2001 by Hats Off Books.)

Photo by Bryan Kelsen for The Pueblo Chieftain.