Wednesday, July 9, 2014

ONE OF MY FAVORITE QUOTES // FROM THE MILLION DOLLAR HOTEL

The Million Dollar Hotel

When I was in high school, I was really into U2.  Like, really into them.  I still love their music, but back then I had to get my hands on everything U2.  I read biographies about them, listened to The Joshua Tree on repeat, and I was even a U2 lemon for Halloween one year.

Man, I wish I had a photo of that.  You see, they came out of a lemon at one of their concerts, so naturally I thought that would be a great costume idea.

Plus, I found a yellow trash bag in our garage so already had the majority of the costume done.

So when I heard that Bono had written the story for a movie, I just had to see it.  The Million Dollar Hotel was already out of the theaters (blame a lack of social media or reliable internet for my tardiness), so I went ahead and purchased the VHS.  This was an investment, you know, since I knew I would undoubtedly love the movie and would be watching it over and over.

It wasn't a cinematic achievement by any means and did terribly in the box office, but I loved it nonetheless.  I don't know if it was my teenage angst that turned anything not mainstream into the greatest thing since sliced bread, but there was something about this movie that has stuck with me through the years.

Upon further reflection, it's this quote that has made the movie into a classic for me.


"Love can never be portrayed the same way as a tree, the sea, or any other mystery.  
It's the eyes with which we see.  
It's the sinner in the saint.  
It's the light inside the paint."


As I'm writing this, I have a yearning to watch it again.  I'm hesitant, though.

What if I don't view it the same way?

What if it doesn't have the same impact on me?

I've changed and grown and I'm scared to take away that piece that my 17 year old self thought was so enlightening, so revolutionary.

Maybe it's best to let her be and allow her to think that she's still a rebel wearing her beaded hemp necklace she made herself and watching movies that others just don't get.  


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Have you read a book or watched a movie you loved when you were younger and thought was so insightful again years later?  Did you have the same reaction or did you find that it wasn't as good as you remembered it?


9 comments:

  1. I know exactly what you mean, it would be so disappointing if you didn't love it as much. I remember loving the Arthur Ransome books so much when I was little. I have some of them now, to read to the children, but I keep hesitating in case they don't love them, and in case the magic has gone. It would be awful if the magic had gone. But really, I don't think it will have done. I'll let you know when I find out. CJ xx

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    1. I'm glad I'm not the only one who is concerned about this! I'm sure your boys will love the books just as much as you did, but keep me posted. I hope you're having a great week, CJ! I'm so glad it's Friday:)

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  2. I love how a quote can totally turn your day around! Also, U2 4eva :) xx

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    1. Yay! I'm not the only U2 fan girl:) Hope you're having a great day, Maya!

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  3. I bet even if you watched it now, the feelings of nostalgia would be so strong that it wouldn't matter if the 2k14 Kari was the same as the high school Kari. It would be a fun Memory Lane trip! :)

    -Ashley
    http://bit.ly/lestylorouge

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    1. I think you're right, Ashley:) I'll let you know how it goes. Hope you're having a great day! It's finally Friday:)

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  4. I have never seen that movie (yet!), but that quote is awesome and so very true. I will have to think about a quote from years ago. I am sure I have some, especially a music lyric from years back! :)

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    1. Yes! I'd love to hear some of your favorite quotes! It's funny things that stick with us through those impressionable teenage years:) Hope you're having a great day!

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  5. I just re-watched one of the Twilight movies the other night. I had it on my iPod so Scott and I started watching it as we were falling asleep while camping. It was kind of a let down. Although it has only been a few years since I loved that series, I felt I had already outgrown it some. Although, I have re-watched Harriet the Spy and Matilda a fair amount and I am still just as much in love with those movies as I was when I first watched them. I like hearing about how obsessed with U2 you were. It seems like you've always been a passionate person, very invested in and moved by your inspirations. The quote is beautiful. I especially like the part about the light in the paint.

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