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Jul 27·edited Jul 27Liked by Jeffrey Nall, Ph.D.

Wonderful review, not only of a film, but of the underlying theme of the film. Of the simple pleasures of life and of the joy they bring. The pleasures becoming greater and more pronounced when the choices are narrowed down to few, often one, such as one cold three-day old pizza. Too much choice can make one numb.

There is also joy in giving and in sharing, as in the giving and sharing between friends. I remember one time when we were going through a particularly hard time financially and someone gave my wife a gift basket that contained cheese, fruit jams and crackers. It tasted wonderful as we lived in the moment.

This is what Being is about. I never felt more alive, as I did then.

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Yes, this is a great point. Sharing and receiving kindness during hardships can offer great joy.

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Aug 19Liked by Jeffrey Nall, Ph.D.

Thank you Dr. Nall. I have kept you in mind when I have some extra money. It seems unexpected bills seem to come often but will sooner, but will cease with the help of my dtr-in-law I hope. I love your discussion and words in the above essay and take them to heart. It is very difficult for me to live them but I try. If I didn't read your offerings I'd be the poorer for it. Your other commentaries on Life are equally valid and necessary to live by. With gratitude,

Bonnie A.

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Take care of yourself, Bonnie. I'm grateful for your readership and comments.

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Jul 30Liked by Jeffrey Nall, Ph.D.

Interesting thoughts. I haven't gotten into the Quiet Place films. But you've given me things to think about.

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Jul 29·edited Jul 29

This is one of the most insightful film critiques I have ever read. Writing a critique is a challenging task that demands unique talent and cleverness. It aids readers in diving deeply into specific aspects of the movie. It involves exploring the film's plot, direct themes, and hidden symbolic meanings. The mastery with which you infuse your words to breathe life into the sounds, colors, and images makes this analysis more enjoyable than watching the movie itself.

The movie "A Quiet Place: Day One" is a political allegory that uses symbolic language, imagery, and non-human entities to convey deeper meanings. The invasion and rule of the aliens in the movie act as an analogy for the existing destruction, population reduction, immorality, and oppressive system that enforces silence as the only means of survival. This parallels our realistic world, where demonic dark forces similarly silence our voices and conscience and restrict our communication through implicit or explicit threats. Witnessing violent acts such as shootings or war devastation can lead to severe traumas like "selective mutism" and fear of speech, which can result in a reliance on body and sign language for communication. This mirrors the movie's depiction of forced silence and the suppression of speech, as both seek to control and inhibit our freedom of expression.

Sam and Eric have denied the rule of aliens; instead, they have chosen to adopt the value of life and make the most of each day. This kind of defiance is unfortunately difficult to achieve in reality. We often find ourselves being manipulated, caged, and robbed of our happiness, essential human qualities, and dignity by the most insidious entities — the "hypocrites." Hypocrites mislead us not by telling lies but by speaking the truth and promising a better life. They are the most dangerous because their deceptive speech revolves around love, peace, and equality, while behind the scenes, they are fueling various forms of violence and terrorism. Hypocrites are the most brutal because they hide their evil actions behind a mask of goodness, leaving us unable to identify them until irreversible harm has been done. They strike us in the darkness, ensuring our silence until the end of our days.

Sam's hunger for pizza, a simple joy she cherished before her death, reminds us of our unspoken apathy to the suffering of thousands of children who are dying of hunger and war. The sounds of their desperate cries and the heartbreaking images of their tears mixed with blood must drive us to consider not only the value of life but also its profound purpose. The greatest satisfaction and joy in life doesn't lie in our own pleasures but in alleviating the suffering of others, as emphasized by the King wise words: "I submit to you that if a man has not discovered something that he will die for, he isn't fit to live.”

I truly appreciate your outstanding and invaluable critique.

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