(Criticism and the arts, part 2)
I saw the movie “Birdman” last weekend. Michael Keaton
plays a former movie star/action-hero (Birdman) named Riggin Thomas, who opted
out of the “Birdman” franchise years ago, and hasn’t had much success since.
Thomas adapts the Raymond Carver story “What we Talk About When we Talk About Love,”
for Broadway, and is writing and directing the play in the hopes that it will
revitalize his career.
One of my favorite scenes features Edward Norton,
who plays Michael Shiner, a not-so-likable-character who drives Thomas (and
others) crazy before and during the play. In one scene, though, he defends Thomas to a theater
critic sitting in a bar. (I’m paraphrasing)
He’s taking a chance. He’s willing to lose
everything for this. What are you willing to lose?
So why do we do it? Why do we create art? Why
bother, when we know people will line up to tell us what we are doing wrong. Many
writers, artists and musicians get the “art” beat out of them early, and stop.
But others who are hurt just as badly continue. Why?
Is it that you want to change the world, or share a story
that is bigger than you? A story can offer a new perspective or understanding
of a topic, or maybe you want to connect with people - make them laugh or cry. Perhaps
it’s just that you want to get something off your chest. Writing can be
cathartic, and make you feel better. Or do you think your story can help
someone who is struggling in the same way you struggled?
Does fame or recognition play a role in the process?
A healthy ego is necessary to put forth any art in the world, so is that what
drives you? Or is it money? Is writing just a job that pays the bills?
Maybe it’s all of those things, or a little bit of
those things all rolled into one big giant unknowable reason that has no definitive
answer. So, I'll ask again - why do you write? And what would you be willing to lose?
Write soon,
Mary
