I enjoy that elusive sense of wonder–that spark of amazement that many of us point to as the reason we started to write speculative fiction in the first place, to share that wonder and inspire it in others. Sometimes, though, this feeling hits from an unexpected source. Like the other day, Jen convinces me to watch this movie with her (which, if you know me and my movie-watching tendencies, is no small feat).
The Adventures of Baron Munchausen
So we’re watching this. It’s an older movie. Cheesy special effects. Obvious props and backdrops. Much silliness abounds. But you know, the more I watched it, the more it charmed me because it held to a simpler form of magic…one based on a childlike love of fun and adventure. Not “childish” mind you. Childlike. There’s a huge difference there, I believe, and it’s up to you to figure out where that line is chalked.
It had parts by such notables as John Neville, Uma Thurman, and Robin Williams, among others, but the focus wasn’t on Oscar performances or big social commentary. If there was any sort of message, it was that anyone can make a difference no matter how young, old, senile, or preposterous they may seem to “normal” folk. Also, a hot-air balloon can be easily made out of women’s undergarments. Take that to heart.
But it amazed me how such a silly movie left me with that familiar little pang in my chest, feeling the desire to see the adventures continue, sad to see those ridiculous characters wave farewell and head off to finish their stories without me. Sure, the plot is wobbly, the logic blown to little wriggly bits by the first ten minutes, and the absurdity of it goes beyond all bounds. But watch this movie sometime, and I think you’ll find yourself smiling and cheering along, and wondering how such a silly story can capture our imaginations so powerfully. It’s pure fun.
We don’t always need epic fantasies with gritty kingdoms and swords and duels. We don’t always need a flawlessly worked out system of magic to govern our character’s actions and power. Wonder can come from something as simple as a child’s need to stow away and see the world, or a Baron’s goofball ride while clinging to a cannonball. That’s a bit of bliss that can’t be conjured any other way.
I see that smile.
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