There might be be more famous lines from the excellent script of 'It's a Wonderful Life', but I find no more memorable nor poignant reference to the hidden danger of discouragement than the opening exchange between two senior angels, and the junior angle, Clarence, who's been called to help a man in distress.
"Clarence, a man on Earth needs our help"
"Is he sick?"
"No worse, he's discouraged..."
Counter traditional perception, 'It's a Wonderful Life' is a dark movie. It's the story of a man seeped in bitterness, resentment, and jealously. He's known to fly into fits of rage. Though a father, husband, and community leader that from the outside, is respected by many, the character of George Bailey is struggling so much that he thinks the world would be better had he never been born. Ultimately, he attempts suicide.
Had the movie been made in today, perhaps we'd consider it an important independent film, challenging stereotypes of mental illness. Considering that 'It's a Wonderful Life', with its dark undertones was made during the triumphant rebirth of the American Dream (be it warranted or propaganda) following World War 2 and it's a wonder that the film was even made at all, let alone become a such a staple in holiday traditions. What we do know is that
Great performances of art and sport are often inspired by great pain. Brett Favre's miraculous passing display against the Oakland Raiders the day after his father died. Shah Jahan's commission of the Taj Mahal after the passing of his wife in childbirth. These were great performances by people who were in the midst of great pain.
After spending 2 years as a bomber pilot and squadron commander over the skies of Germany, Jimmy Stewart was performing in his first post-war motion picture. Unknown to audiences and film critics alike, the movie star was suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). He had flown 20 combat missions, hundreds of men in his command had been lost, and he was also carrying guilt of killing civilians during one tragic air raid mistake. Behind the camera, Jimmy Stewart was known for playing the everyman, often inspiring the common people through his uncommon pursuit of ideals. Like his character, the Jimmy Stewart of 'It's a Wonderful Life' though was looking for a bit of inspiration himself, having lost his confidence in ideals.
It may be surprising to learn that those battling great pain can also be known as high performers. Athletes, law enforcement and members of the military. These are all people who are able to adopt a laser focus under pressure and pain, and still perform at a high level. This isn't reserved for just these specialized professionals. In your own life, you are likely surrounded by steady eddy's, those that despite all that's going on around them, appear to never be shaken, never discouraged. Like George Bailey, we may find that the people we depend upon the most for their consistency and resiliency, are simply high performers struggling the most.
Consider this anecdote from a friend of mine who's daughter almost died in the hospital:
"After being awake for 48 hours and only once the doctors insisted I go home to rest while she recovered, I had an incomprehensible desire to wash my car. Given the grand scheme of things going on around us, it made no sense other than the innate need to accomplish a simple task."
He later concluded that this was his mind's attempt at a brief moment of control, and that a routine, failsafe task of washing his car was something that could give him the moment of sane command which he so desperately needed in a season of uncontrollable fear and pain.
dis·cour·age·ment/
noun
1.a loss of confidence or enthusiasm; dispiritedness
Just months after winning an Academy Award for The Philadelphia Story, Jimmy Stewart entered the war at age 34. Three years later, he returned to Hollywood looking 50. His body the victim of guilt, trauma and near starvation. Although he slowly recovered physically, his mind and that of his screen character George Bailey, were fighting the same enemy; discouragement. No matter how perfect they could perform or how perfect others saw them, they only saw negatives.
'It's a Wonderful Life' offers George Bailey the rare opportunity to gain perspective on not only his life, but that of the people whom's burdens he was unnecessarily carrying.
“Strange, isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?”
Perhaps the irony was too much for the actor; he almost gave up on the film and acting altogether.
Fortunately, Stewart was met with perspective from his co-star Lionel Barrymore; considered one of the finest actors of his generation. In a moment of frustration during the filming of the movie, Stewart was confiding and venting to Barrymore about the prospects of a career so inconsequential as acting. Barrymore needed no dramatics of his own to breakthrough to his struggling co-star.
"So, are you saying it's more worthwhile to drop bombs on people than to entertain them?"
This simple anecdote reaffirmed to Stewart that his legacy was more than just his worst moments. Though he was a gifted pilot, it was his gifts as an actor which were now needed most. He bounced back, completed the film, 50 others and even went on to another 23 years of service in the military. Jimmy Stewart retired from the Air Force Reserve in 1968 as a Brigadier General. What beauty awaits all who remove the burden of self-judgement over the errors of our past.
In the closing scene of 'It's a Wonderful Life', George is reunited with his family, tragedy saved. His friends rally around him, paying tribute (and the debts for) a man they had all depended upon for his measured manor and dependability. Though the last person they would have ever thought was battling demons of discouragement, they reassured to him, his meaning to all.
As the lyrics of 'Auld Lang Syne' are sung, 'we'll drink a cup of kindness yet', George's guardian angel Clarence leaves us all parting wisdom:
Regardless of where you are in your journey, know that you have friends both heavenly & earthly that are watching over you, wanting what's best for you, are willing to help you, & are better off because of you.
YOUR LIFE HAS MEANING!
Merry Christmas,
-sam
I highly recommend the fascinating documentary, 'Five Came Back'. It covers the story of 5 Hollywood directors (Frank Capra included) who served their country during WWII and how the experience shaped their views on life, art, and ultimately transformed their film making forever.
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