Wall·E: Simply Lovely

There are love stories, and then there’s Wall·E. Wall·E is clearly the best film I have seen in 2008, and perhaps not surprisingly, it is also one of the greatest love stories I have ever witnessed on screen.

Why is the love story between EVE and Wall·E so effective?

Because in the end, with all the technical prowess and intricate animation that is evident in the film, the most important thing about Pixar’s newest hit isn’t in the complexity of its craft, but instead in its simplicity.

Don’t worry, I won’t be posting any spoilers here. (Though judging from the money it made this weekend, I’m surprised there are still people out there that haven’t seen the film.)

Wall·E’s love for EVE is not one that is based on looks or sexual desire or even the need for self-validation through the eyes of another. It’s not selfish or wrought with unnecessary drama.

Instead, it focuses on the simple, basic, and wholesome need for companionship. It is centered upon the simple notion that we, as humans or as robots, need to be reminded that we are not alone, that there is someone out there that wants to dance and watch Hello, Dolly with us on our iPods.

Our lives are filled with work and commitments (directives?) that often distract us from simple and honest human interaction. Wall·E — both the character and the film — reminds us that these raw and unfiltered personal connections are what really drive us to (as perfectly noted by the Captain) live, and not just survive.

Pixar’s amazing focus on simplicity in its love story is most evident in the guiding premise of the film: through all the trials and tribulations, all Wall·E really wants to do is hold EVE’s hand. It’s hard to argue that that isn’t the most simple, basic, but beautiful expressions of love possible.

FWB

I had a conversation with a few friends last weekend about casual romantic encounters and the ability to become physically intimate with someone without necessarily being emotionally attached to them.

It was late Saturday night, so I don’t think I was as articulate as I should have been. Which is why I hope they read this essay by Joel Walkowski. He brings up the same issues with much more eloquence than I had. For example, on transient romance:

For my generation, friendship often morphs into a sexual encounter and then reverts to friendship the next day. And it’s easy as long as you don’t put yourself on the line or try too hard.

And more, on expectations and maturity:

Maybe it’s just that we have learned nothing can compare to the perfect moment of the unexpected hookup — wet lips on the beach, lying in the sand — and so we aim to accumulate as many as possible. Or maybe we’re simply too immature to commit. That has been the rap against guys forever, but now women think the same way. With the world (and the world of sex) at our fingertips, it’s difficult to choose, to settle, to compromise.

I’d recommend reading the whole essay not only for Joel’s insight, but for its lyricism as well. And then let me know what you think of it.

I don’t suffer from Valentinits. And I’m single.

Before we begin, first a quick look at the horrible ailment that is Valentinitis, courtesy of Maggie Puniewska:

Valentinitis: A condition in which individuals lacking a stable romantic relationship begin displaying anger or depression toward any mention of Valentine’s Day. This behavior can be onset days or weeks before the aforementioned holiday and is worsened by exposure to related apparel such as hearts, flowers, anything pink or red, and the word “love”. Symptoms include frequent attacks on couples, destruction of the Valentine’s Day section at drugstores, and sudden attachment to ice cream, particularly Ben & Jerry’s.

I do not suffer from Valentinitis, even though I fit into the target demographic: lacking a stable romantic relationship, quick to anger, affinity for Ben & Jerry’s.

Instead, I love Valentine’s Day. I love that there is a day — commercial and contrived as it may be — when everyone in the country is thinking of love. I don’t mind the jacked-up prices on flowers and chocolate and cheesy romantic cards. I still buy them for my friends. I don’t mind the commercialization of romance. I still thrive on sappy love songs and store displays.

Some people love Christmas, while still acknowledging that it has become a commercial holiday rather than a religious one. In my life, Valentine’s Day is like my Christmas: a day when saying “I love you” to the people that make me smile isn’t weird or taken as a come-on, but instead embraced and enjoyed by all.

L’amour

According to the BBC (via), 34% of couples who go to Paris together end up having an argument there. Which is why I say we should all just to got Paris as singles and find short-term love there.

So much easier, with no messy aftermath.

I don’t like you in that way

I’ve always found it easier to make friends with women. That’s just the way I am — I feel more at ease with members of the opposite gender.

I’ve always told myself that my close connection with my female friends has nothing to do with attraction. Sure, some of my closest friends are remarkably attractive, but that does not mean, in any way, that I’m interested in the romantic sense.

So I’m not sure that this quote is really accurate:

A woman has a close male friend. This means that he is probably interested in her, which is why he hangs around so much. She sees him strictly as a friend. This always starts out with, you’re a great guy, but I don’t like you in that way. This is roughly the equivalent for the guy of going to a job interview and the company saying, You have a great resume, you have all the qualifications we are looking for, but we’re not going to hire you. We will, however, use your resume as the basis for comparison for all other applicants. But, we’re going to hire somebody who is far less qualified and is probably an alcoholic. And if he doesn’t work out, we’ll hire somebody else, but still not you. In fact, we will never hire you. But we will call you from time to time to complain about the person that we hired.

I’ve asked a few other guys about this, and it turns out that they agree with the quote. Does that make me an anomaly? Or am I just in some serious denial?