Category Archives: “The Movie that Changed My Life” Response

The Movie That Changed my Life by Terrie McMillan response

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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

 

“The movie that changed my life” by Terry McMillan

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Vanessa Espin

In the “The movie that changed my life,” by Terrie McMillan, The author analyzes her positive and negative reaction to watching the Wizard of Oz. This movie made a significant impact in her life. She has a clear memory, with specific details about this significant time in her life. The author witness how her family had no power over their own lives, The were in what she called a “drugary.” She lived in a chaotic house full of noise, and fighting, and found an scape in the Wizard of Oz. Dorothy’s life and her’s, were very similar. For example, Terry’s mom was bossy and domineer just like Dorothy’s aunt. They were both looking for an scape. This caught Terry’s attention. How was Dorothy going to run away, and where? She realized that the way was through dreams, to dream for something better, and aim for it. Terry learned that she was complete and nothing could stop her. She had a brain, a heart, and she was going to use it.

I found it interesting 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.” They both felt misunderstood and wouldn’t fit in. They wanted something better, and yet there was no one to whom they can share there thoughts and ideas.

I also found interesting when she said, “Of course, once I realized she was in fact dreaming, it occurred to me that this very well might be the only way to scape. To dream up another world. Create your own.” This movie had taught her a great lesson. She had realized that dreaming of a better life and having a clear picture of what she wanted was going to help her achieve great things.

“And to believe that if I did the right things, I would never stray too far from my yellow Brick Road.” Did this mean that she had to do something’s wrong to be where she is today, or that if she would have done what her mother and family thought it was right, or real, she would have never reached her goals?

The purpose of the story was that no matter what your situation might be, you can always find a way out whether is through people or even movies that inspired you. The idea of dreaming of something better and going for it, will never have a negative result if its done with honesty. We should never settle for less, and if you feel that something is not right, then do something. Change it.

“The Movie that Changed My Life”

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  • The author recollects very specific things in her home (ie the fireplace, the railroad, etc)
  • Emotions that directly impacted her adolescent development are very vivid in her memory
  • She often questioned her family’s living situation. She would question why they didn’t move somewhere else more pleasant
  • I think the author felt emotionally attached to Dorothy. She became an idol of freedom and ambition for the author
  • She acknowledged that even 30 years later, Dorothy had made such a lasting impression her, watching the movie completely through again would be overkill.

The author states that she remembers strong feelings of confusion of why nobody had any energy to find enjoyment. This compelled me because I can relate to the feeling. My family never really wanted to do much outside of sitting down and smoking or having a drink.

Another moment I could resonate with was her want to escape her family and go to Oz. To me distance away from my family has always been a pipe dream. My life has always revolved around copious amounts of family being a stone’s throw away.

What causes the reluctance to look back? Why be afraid of the next page when the book isn’t finished yet?

I think the Author’s purpose was to juxtapose her fantasies of being in Oz and wanting to be independent to the reality that she lived in.