What Makes For a Wonderful Life?

I was inspired to watch It's A Wonderful Life for about the hundredth time after reading this article by Wendell Jamieson in the NYT.  Jamieson argues that "It's a Wonderful Life is a terrifying, asphyxiating story about growing up and relinquishing your dreams, of seeing your father driven to the grave before his time, of living among bitter, small-minded people.  It's a story of being trapped, of compromising, of watching others move ahead and away, of becoming so filled with rage that you verbally abuse your children, their teacher, and your oppressively perfect wife.  It is also a nightmare account of endless home renovation".

Furthermore, Jamieson argues that Pottersville, the town Bedford Falls would have become of there had never been a George Bailey, "looks much more fun than stultifying Bedford Falls - the women are hot, the music swings, and the fun times go on all night.  If anything, Pottersville captures just the type of excitement George has long been seeking".  Even financially, Bedford Falls/Pottersville would be doing much better in 2008 if George had not helped bring manufacturing to the town (i.e. because the economy of Pottersville is driven by brothels, bars, and other service industry-oriented businesses).

Despite the fact that Jamieson admits to being teared up by the movie's final scene (come ON, who isn't?) this has got to be one of the most cynical articles I've ever read.  "Is this what adulthood promised?",  he asked his fifteen-year-old self upon first seeing the movie.  Considering Jamieson was a teenager in the eighties, I'd estimate he's in his mid-40's today.  I'm 25, and have already realized that adulthood is often about giving up your hopes and dreams in order to support those you love.  But the whole POINT of the movie is that love and friendship are better than all the money, education, and travel one could achieve in a lifetime.   Life is about compromise, and if you can't accept that and make the most of it anyway, you're never going to be happy.  Cheesy?  Yes, of course it is.  But maybe we see it as such because we're socialized to believe real enjoyment of life can only be had when we relinquish all responsibility and follow all of our craziest dreams.  I'm guessing the majority of us (myself included) glamorize this hypothetical alternate life because we have chosen to allow ourselves to enter relationships - not only with a significant other but also with friends and family - in which we are forced to compromise.  But I'd bet you my next paycheck if we actually lived in this alternate reality for a day or two we'd miss the comfort provided by love and friendship.

I'll admit Pottersville looks like a blast.  And yes, you're supposed to feel bad that George has to give up on his dreams.  But who knows?  With all that money he gets at the end of the movie, maybe he and Mary were able to go on a much-delayed honeymoon after all.