MovieChat Forums > Goodbye Solo (2009) Discussion > Here's what's really great about Goodbye...

Here's what's really great about Goodbye Solo

posted 12 years ago by RandyHeffner
4 replies | jump to latest

This post assumes you have seen the film. If not, go here: http://piercedtotheheart.org/2011/good-bye-solo-before

I happen to be writing this early on Christmas morning, before anyone else in the house is awake. They say Christmas is all about "peace and goodwill toward others" (leaving the whole important Jesus thing aside for now). Cynically speaking, "goodwill" can turn out to be not much more than "live and let live." Goodbye Solo goes much farther than that, exploring one small bit of what a truly deep and beautiful love for all people might look like.

I was intensely struck by Solo’s character and specifically by his immediate -- and sustained -- reaction to a fellow human in crisis. I want to be that ready to reach and stretch to care for another life. The moment (two minutes into the film) that Solo realizes that William has specific plans to kill himself, he is snapped into a heart-level connection with William. Solo seems to immediately feel the pain that William must feel, even though Solo knows nothing about his pain. For the rest of the film, Solo tries to draw William back into life. I want such depth of love and commitment to those I chance upon in life.

Solo is the type of guy who wants to have fun and share life with anyone he meets -- and he finds great value and beauty in each person he meets. So, when he senses something odd in William’s request for a one-way ride, he pursues the conversation. Others might simply take the money and run, or they might be put off by William’s sharp responses, but Solo cares about people and wants to know them. As he chatters on, Solo’s thoughts lead him to the reason behind the request, which William tacitly confirms by turning to look at Solo. Solo’s smiling chatter suddenly turns to concern. Immediately he tries to encourage William to see that “tomorrow’s gonna be a better day.” From there, Solo reaches toward William in at least twenty different times and ways, but there are significant lines he doesn’t cross — at least not until some distance into his relationship with William.

The way Solo cares about William is wonderful -- wouldn't you like to find more people like that?

Go here http://piercedtotheheart.org/2011/good-bye-solo-after for more and deeper thoughts on what's going on in Goodbye Solo.

[–] withnail69 11 years ago

great post man. Seriously. I can't believe nobody replied and kudos-ed this. Take care big dog, I loved this film

[–] Yirone 10 years ago

People like Solo are wonderful indeed, it made him very suited for the job of plane steward (which is taking care of people, really). In the case of William, I think it put a bright edge on those last dark days of his life.

Although, if everyone was like that...it might get a bit tiring, maybe? And I mean that for both parties. Near the end, Solo's care for william almost seemed like an obsession, to me.

Sometimes, the best answer is a more interesting question.

[–] rooprect 9 years ago

I agree, whether or not people like Solo truly exist in the world, I think his character is a great ideal we can all aspire toward. Did you also catch how well he deals with violent conflict? I mean, the guy insults him, decks him, pushes him around and tells him to get lost. And not once does Solo get angry in return.

Or when his wife goes ballistic on him for no reason, tells him he's basically worthless and rudely insults his friend, he just quietly disagrees, then goes back to being helpful.

Similarly when he confronts the other cabbie (who also decks him and pushes him around), Solo bounces back with level-headed rationality and absolutely no anger or resentment. Normally I'd say "get real, nobody is like that!" but there was something about Souléymane Sy Savane's excellent performance that made me believe that people like Solo do exist. What other movie does that?

[–] TermlnatriX 9 years ago

The moment (two minutes into the film) that Solo realizes that William has specific plans to kill himself, he is snapped into a heart-level connection with William. Solo seems to immediately feel the pain that William must feel, even though Solo knows nothing about his pain.

That's called empathy. Can't be taught.

:: filmschoolthrucommentaries ::