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October 10, 2005
While seeing The Family Stone once again this weekend, something finally struck me. It is a "yes... and" movie.
What does that mean?
It's an improv term. In order for improv scenes to work, the players have to work from a place where no matter what happens or what is said, the response is "yes... and," so that the drama (even comedic drama) can build. The word "no" stops everything.
In his script and with his direction of this film, Tom Bezucha said, "yes... and" to everything. The result is an endless stream of emotion, from humor to sadness to rage to forgiveness. It is a movie made from love. And various members of the team, cast, crew and studio, confirmed that utterly over the weekend as they played meet the press, meet SAG, meet HFPA, etc.
To quote Sarah Jessica Parker of her director, "Where did he get the nerve... where did he get the arrogance... where did he learn to talk to me just the right way when so many other directors haven't known how?"
I want to chew on it all a bit more. But I also ran into a song on Sunday that expressed much the same spriti as Tom Bezucha. So read on, McDuff. And if you have speakers at your desk, you should be able to hear Mandy Patinkin singing it if you so wish.
Everybody says don't,
Everybody says don't,
Everybody says don't-
It isn't right,
Don't-it isn't nice!
Everybody says don't,
Everybody says don't,
Everybody says don't walk on the grass,
Don't disturb the peace,
Don't skate on the ice.
Well, I
Say
Do,
I say,
Walk on the grass, it was meant to feel!
I
Say
Sail!
Tilt at the windmill,
And if you fail, you fail.
Everybody says don't,
Everybody says don't,
Everybody says don't get out of line.
When they say that, then
Buddy that's a sign:
Nine times out of ten,
Buddy, you are doing just fine!Make just a ripple.
Come on be brave.
This time a ripple,
Next time a wave
Sometimes you have to start small,
Climbing the tiniest wall,
Maybe you're going to fall-
But it is better than not starting at all!Everybody says no,
Everybody says stop.
Everybody says mustn't rock the boat,
Mustn't touch a thing!
Everybody says don't,
Everybody says wait,
Everybody says can't fight city hall,
Can't upset the cart,
Can't laugh at the king!
Well, I
Say
Try!
I
Say
Laugh at the kings or they'll make you cry.
Lose
Your
Poise!
Fall if you have to,
But buddy, make a noise!
Everybody says don't,
Everybody says can't,
Everybody says wait around for miracles,
That's the way the world is made!
I insist on
Miracles, if you do them,
Miracles - nothing to them!
I say don't,
Don't be afraid!
"Everybody Says Don't,' music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, sung here by Mandy Patinkin.
