Christine Mitchell

Prof: Ostiz

English 101

Reading response

The Movie That Changed My Life by Terry McMillan

Response

Have you ever seen a movie and wished you could escape into another life, a different world as the people in the movies do? In the story “The Movie That Changed My Life” Terry McMillan describes her life living in a small town in Michigan, Port Huron and how she longed for an escape. The author describes her first time seeing the movie the “Wizard of Oz” and the impact the movie had on her and how she was able to relate to Dorothy. Like Dorothy, Terrie lived with a bossy mom who kind of reminded her of Dorothy’s aunt Auntie Em they both ran the show. They both longed for an escape out of the chaotic lives that their living.

A part that stood out to me was when she said “And even though I lived in a house full of people, I knew how lonely Dorothy felt, or at least how isolated she must have felt” (Terrie). They both felt alone and isolated, not able to speak with anyone and didn’t fit in. Both Dorothy and Terrie long for something different and better, but had no one to share their thoughts.

Something that also stood out to me was when she stated “ I didn’t know little Dorothy was actually dreaming”, “ of course, once I realized she was in fact dreaming, it occurred to me that this very well might be the only way to escape” (Terrie). It occurred to her that she may not be able to escape the chaotic world she calls life, but maybe through dreaming she can learn to escape to another place that wasn’t her own.

In watching “Wizard of Oz” it though Terrie a lesion, as she stated “ I do believe that the oz taught me much about friendship”, it thought her even though she may not have meat any good friends yet, but when she did she would learn to cherish them because good friends are hard to come by. The movie also thought to have a different outlook on life, a different outlook on her life.

I believe the authors purpose of this story, was no matter what your situation is or how crazy your life may be, you must have faith. You have to believe in yourself and that things can get better. In life you will deal with adversity and obstacles that will try and at times get in your way, but it’s how you overcome them adversity without letting it bring you down. Life is full of trials and tribulations, but doesn’t break you will only make you stronger