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Words by: Ryan Johnston

Image by: imdb

Every year around this time there are a handful of films that air relentlessly from now until December 25.  Most of them are classics like A Christmas Carol and White Christmas.  A few hilarious ones with the likes of A Christmas Story and Christmas Vacation (my fave).  However, there is one more that has fallen into this group of jolly old flicks and that is the classic, It’s a Wonderful Life.  Arguably Frank Capra’s best work, but if he were here today I am sure he would be wondering why his film has become a staple in the holiday season movie marathon.  The point of the film is lost because of the way it has been taken as another seasonal film.  If you really watch the film you will realize that it has nothing to do with christmas other than the fact that it takes place at that time.  So, in the spirit of not writing about the holidays, because it is already getting to me, I am going to talk about the importance of this film as a film, not as a permanent installation in your holiday movie agenda.    

      There is a very clear message throughout this film, and that is, “Things can always be worse”.  George Bailey, played by James Stewart is a businessman as well as a family man.  He is compassionate and hardworking, but times are tough and he does not understand why his life is in disarray.  He starts to believe that he is the most unfortunate person on earth.  I like to call it the “Why me?!” syndrome.  Fortunately for George a wise cracking, friendly angel comes along named Clarence.  Clarence gives George a glimpse at what life would be like if he never existed, something I think we could all benefit from.  George is able to see how the world would be without him and it allows him to realize that he does have a purpose in life and there is a reason he is here.  

      The idea that things can always be worse is something that is often overlooked.  When you are in a place where you feel the whole world is coming down on you and your universe is collapsing, it would be hard to imagine that things could be any worse.  This film was trying to push that notion that it can always be worse, because it can.  No matter how bad things get, if you are able to focus on the positive, and cherish the important things in life then things will most likely turn out for the best.    

      The underlying details of this film are not hard to pick up.  Capra is not trying to hide anything here.  He had a simple concept in making this film and he pulls it off with grace.  Keep in mind that this film came out in 1947, so as dated as it may be it’s message is still valuable today.  This is what makes this film timeless.   

Now, somewhere along the way this became a christmas film.  I don‘t know if it is because there is a christmas tree in the background in the famous final scene or if it is just because of the warm feeling you get when it ends.  Nevertheless we need to acknowledge the fact that, even though most of us only see it during the holidays it is still an important film with an important message and if we can understand that message it is sending then everyone will be better for it.  It’s funny how fictional stories can have such an effect on real life.