1918

that was when Robert Ripley first birthed the idea.

Was it exactly the same, initially? No – originally titled, ‘Champs and Chumps’,
it focused on the world of sports. But it did not take long for the fire to catch –
ultimately it came to have 200 plus physical locations in many countries.

Why this? Why now?

It pertains to a fundamental principle of creative writing:

• a willing suspension of disbelief •

Do all stories contain such? No – but many do. Superman, Frankenstein,
Groundhog Day. Hundreds do.

Even a little-known, but charming story called ‘The Last Bookshop’
that tells about Mr Adler’s London establishment  that has a dragon as
a resident in the basement.

And we have also, today.

One Battle After Another

Project Hail Mary

Hamnet

Hamnet? Really?

Indeed. I won’t tell you of the various instances that embrace

• willing suspension of disbelief •

…. rather that it is one of the finest films I’ve seen in  a long time.

Jessie Buckley, as Agnes, is wonderfully powerful – mysterious, tantalizing,
sure of herself and her place in the world. Chloe Zhao, director – delivers
a masterpiece.

Not to many, or not to most – for it is far outside the brackets of car chases,
gratuitous violence. But Steven Speilberg, as a co-producer, makeshis values
and his presence known.

And so – Project Hail Mary – with Ryan Gosling, who, IMHO – is the only
actor who could have played the role as deliciously as he did. 

But, albeit couched in the legitimacy of proven star science,
it asks, almost from the outset, that one places their trust in only what they see –
what they are shown. The evidence on hand.  And, we do.
Won’t tell you if you haven’t yet seen it. But do yourselves a favour – see it in a theatre 
with as large a screen as possible.

I guarantee you one thing – if you do not exit the movie house,
somewhat floating on a cloud – somewhat suspended somewhere between faith 
and trust – you and I did not see the same movie.

And, yes – ‘One Battle After Another’. Hate to rain on people’s parades –
but this parade never really got out of the gate, never started.
Disconnected rambling, insensible silly actions and distorted personalities
of principal players – does not a movie make.

For any aspiring writers out there – do some research – do some reading…..

Google ‘willing suspension of disbelief’- enjoy, and learn.