I remember seeing Fried Green Tomatoes for the first time in the early 90s. I can’t remember if it was at a theater, or on video, but I do remember falling in love. I had had a crush on Mary Stuart Masterson for just about ever, and she was her strong, beautiful, somewhat sullen self again, and I loved it. The movie was sad, to be sure, but I can remember thinking it was beautiful, and romantic, and sexy as hell, even though it refused to show any of the scenes I knew were hiding just out of sight. The first time I saw the movie, it was a happy memory for me – a future wish for love and romance of a flavor I’d never tasted before.
The next time I remember seeing the movie, it was over a decade later. I had met – and been spurned by – Catherine, and the movie was suddenly poignant in ways I hadn’t seen before. The movie was thick with the theme of loving and not being loved in return, and I cried. I cried for Idgie and I cried for myself, and for everyone who loves in vain.
I saw the movie again last night and I cried again. For Idgie and Ruth, and for everyone who comes close to paradise but can’t get it to stick. Suddenly the movie wasn’t just about beauty and romance, and it wasn’t just about unrequited love…it was about anyone who’s ever had to face the truth of what they’d never have and still wake up in the morning to live through the rest. Idgie was so close to her heart’s desire, but dreamed of love…and I have love, but dream of being close. The people around them worked so hard for a place in the world, only to be denied it. Everyone in the movie was holding tightly to the hope for something better, just around the corner. And, it’s true, you know – the wanting makes the getting so much sweeter, even if it’s just for a brief moment here and there.
So here’s to honey-sweet memories and sweat-soaked hopes. This isn’t a movie I can bear very often, but it’s one I keep tucked away to rediscover again and again, and it makes me wonder – when I pull it out again in a few years…I wonder now what I’ll be able to see then.
Yeah, that’s a movie that I haven’t watched in over 10 years. It’s one of those hard movies. Yes it has the sweet romantic elements, but in the end it’s sad and heartbreaking. It’s too close to home for me in a lot of ways. I’d watch it with you, though
I love the insights and connections you make about things: songs, books, movies. I want to watch every movie I’ve ever seen with you, so I can see what you see.
I want to be your bee chahmah forever, love..
Great movie — I love Idgie’s spirit!
I love this movie and the book was a great read as well. Sorry, it brings you to tears, but really enjoyed your take on it.