Karma: What We Can Learn From ‘Dead Again’

Over the Thanksgiving weekend I watched the 1991 movie ‘Dead Again’ starring Kenneth Brannagh and Emma Thompson. The whole cast is actually quite remarkable, but what was more interesting to me was how this movie relates to current topics I think many of us are struggling with today.

I will take a second to say a little about the movie. Director Kenneth Brannagh along with Matthew F. Leonetti make for a very interesting neo-noir visual experience of Scott Frank’s work. While by today’s standards the symbolism may be a TAD obvious, but isn’t that sorta the point? Also, the actors, while famous while this was made, were a lot younger, and make you realize just why they are famous- from Robbie Williams to Andy Garcia- they play their roles well- to the point where you want to know about their backstories in more detail. The plot can be a bit hard to follow- but that’s whats brilliant about the movie, when it finally all comes together you wonder how you didn’t see it sooner. But also, it makes you ask a lot of questions about the themes of the movie and what the actual point is. So let me take a stab at what my take away is:

You can never escape the past- or unfortunately the present- but you can do you hardest to make it better. There is always going to be some person trying to bring you and your happiness down… so just don’t let them. It’s easier said that done- but I would want my significant other to reincarnate himself just to make our happiness happen… but I also love ‘The Princess Bride’, I dig movies like this. If only it was how it works… I don’t love Kenneth Brannagh for cheating on Emma Thompson in real life… but, you can’t deny he made a great movie. NOT THAT IS AN EVEN GOOD EXCUSE