Remember them Well

Mountains and Places – Any Day and Any Table

Many of us enjoy watching movies time and time again. Each year I promise myself to find a few others and as I sit with pencil and paper in hand, neatly levered into my chair – my place, I jot down a few titles or more. The latest list includes one film I had not thought on for many years until Cold Mountain comes to mind and especially for what I recall as the end theme. To my great pleasure I have forgotten much…..but not this day…..

My gosh where has my time gone? Jude Law, Nicole Kidman, Renée Zellwegger and the band, Brendan Gleeson, Jack White and Ethan Suplee. As I watch this story of the Civil War…and its hurt…I cannot help but drift with my thoughts to Ken Burns’ documentary and its wonderful reoccurring theme Ashokan Farewll. In Cold Mountain we have to wait to the ending for Alison Krausse and The Scarlet Tide to take up the story, and in her sweet voice paraphrase and melodically rekindle our 154 minute journey.

This film is an allegory, a reminder of hurt in war where pain is masterly crafted in simple words (but my how I wish I could write them). As you read upon Ada Munroe’s [Nicole Kidman] thoughts…think of all families…left with the same hurt…from any war…any where….any time…..

What we have lost will never be returned to us…..The land will not heal……too much blood…..the heart will not heal…..All we can do is make peace with the past…and try to learn from it….

And later

…..There are days now when I manage not to think of you…..When the needs of the farm call with more urgency than my heart…..This time of year there’s so much life everywhere…..I find you in all of it…..as if you were still walking home to me…..If you could see us now this Easter day, at Black Cove, you would know every step of your journey was worth it.

As you watch this clip I cannot help but think of families after the Great War (or any war) at special events or for that matter any day at any table. Know that every person gathered at this table has somehow suffered a loss related to war. Think too about Canada’s Great War families, America’s families, anyone’s family – they may have spoken Athabaskan, Norwegian, French, Russian, English, Chinese, Flemish, German…all nations hurt…all of us try to heal…

 I’m still climbing upwards and my journey’s almost ended. So friend if you’re thirsty climb this mountain with me….


About The Author

pferguson
Paul has worked with the Paradigm Motion Picture Company since 2009 as producer, historian and research specialist. Paul first met Casey and Ian WIlliams of Paradigm in April 2007 at Ieper (Ypres), Belgium when ceremonies were being held for the re-dedication of the Vimy Memorial, France. Paul's sensitivity to film was developed at an early age seeing his first films at RCAF Zweibrucken, Germany and in Sardinia. Paul returned to Canada in 1967 and was further amazed by David Lean's "Lawrence of Arabia" and "Bridge on the River Kwai". Film captivated Paul and with time he became increasingly interested in storytelling, content development, character, direction, cinematography and soundtracks. At the University of Victoria, Paul studied and compared Japanese and Australian film and became interested in Australian film maker Peter Weir and his film "Gallipoli" (1981). Paul was entranced when he learned Weir had visited the beaches, ridges and ravines of the peninsula. The film "Gallipoli" alone led Paul on many journeys to sites of conflict in England, France, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Malta, Hawaii, Gallipoli and Salonika. It was, however, when Paul watched documentary filmmaker Ken Burns, "The Civil War", that Paul understood how his own experience and insight could be effective and perhaps influential in film-making. Combining his knowledge of Museums and Archives, exhibitions and idea strategies with his film interests would be a natural progression. Paul thinks like a film-maker. His passion for history and storytelling brings to Paradigm an eye (and ear) to the keen and sensitive interests of; content development, the understanding of successful and relational use of collections, imagery and voice. Like Paul's favorite actor, Peter O'Toole, he believes in the adage “To deepen not broaden.” While on this path Paul always remembers his grandmother whose father did not return from the Great War and how his loss shaped her life and how her experience continues to guide him.

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