The Boat That Rocked... My World

Just seen this again. I have always loved it. Blew my mind the first time I saw it back in 2009, for some very particular reasons, not limited to: the story premise - revolving around music (particularly rock and roll, of course) and its faithful followers; the setting - the United Kingdom in the swingin 60s, and the actors - the stellar cast made up of some of the best and most influential of the British movie industry, which include some personal favorites like Philip Seymour Hoffman (the only American in the ensemble), Bill Nighy, Rhys Ifans, Nick Frost, and the eye candy that is Tom Sturridge.

Rewatching it in this time and place in my life, I've found that the movie only makes me even giddier, for the same reasons still, and then some more. Now I see and feel, even more, that the movie is so right in so many ways. It could possibly be the perfect metaphor for my life - or at least the life I would like to have. As if, to my not unwelcome surprise, time and experience have developed my sense of connection to the movie and its elements so that it moves me on a whole new level today.

For one, the main premise of the movie - the beautifully chaotic, creative, and fun world of radio. I had been lucky enough/blessed to have gotten my feet wet in this world for quite a while. It really is as fun as the movie shows it to be. And the DJs really are as passionate of their work and the music. They're great role models. It's inspiring. I believe I see a bit of myself and my co-trainees in RT (Farmers, we were called c:) in Tom Sturridge's character, Carl, in that we all "went with the flow" too, just as eager to learn the ropes. We had a lot of fun, too, as we went.

Some people may not have necessarily understood what went on in there, the heart, thought, and effort we and especially the legit DJs put into the work, but as long as we were doing what we loved and having fun doing it, we were good. And as long as the music was there, life was definitely good.

Then there's the setting - the UK in the swingin 60s. The place and the era - two of my biggest interests. The imagery, the costumes, the sound and the accents in the movie just absolutely stimulate me. Moreso now when I'm taking these so called baby steps towards this big British dream of mine.

Then there's the cast, all of whom I find so attractive - all not necessarily in the conventional way, but more for their acting chops and for being so cool.

The Music buff, hippie, and Anglophile in me is happy. Not to mention inspired. Very. Rewatching The Boat That Rocked tonight was a good idea.