An open letter to GATW’s Managing Editor, @JamesWallace
How do I begin to explain James Wallace and his love for all things film?
I guess I'll start with the beginning - well, actually pre-beginning, because just about every piece of James' life contains a movie...even his conception.
Back in 1984, James' parents caught the baby bug and, after trying for months and months, decided to take a little romantic getaway to Hollywood, CA. One night they took a stroll down Hollywood Blvd., right into Grauman's Chinese Theater, where they saw AGAINST ALL ODDS. Nine months later, James Michael Wallace Jr. (or "Jamie" if you met him before high school) was born.
Fast forward to the college years, when James and I met. My little Radio, TV and Film major. I can't even tell you how much of his parents' hard-earned cash went right into the pockets of AMC, Cinemark, Rave, and Movie Tavern. Seriously. Once we were officially dating we probably went to the movies 3 times a week - minimum. We saw so many movies it's kind of unreal, but the movie that sticks out the most to me is GARDEN STATE. God, that movie just summed us up to the "t." We were young and loved each other, but were scared of what that meant (hence, why it took us 3 years to say "I love you" and 7 years to finally tie the knot). We would watch the movie over and over again and make out while listening to the soundtrack. I'm kinda getting teary-eyed just thinking about it, actually. You know that line from the Postal Service song, where it's like "I've been waiting since birth to find a love that would look and sound like a movie"? Well, we always joke about how our relationship could easily be made into a movie with all of the ups and downs and all-arounds. James used to always tell me that if he made a movie about us, no one else could play my part because he is just that in love with me as a character. With lines like that, how could a girl not stick around?
I think in going through college and trying out different aspects of film, James finally realized the place he feels most comfortable isn't necessarily behind a camera, but rather exploring the vastness of others' visions and dreams. He loves connecting with other artists by understanding how and why they made a film the way they did. What are they trying to say to the world through this angle or that color choice? Why would this actor choose that film even if it's not his normal style? James has taught me to appreciate all of it, even stuff that drives me crazy. I love watching his interviews and reading his reviews because he just genuinely loves every minute that he is lost in this art form. Other people's creativity continues to evolve through his interpretation, through his questions, and through his silly little puns.
So, in honor of James Wallace's birthday, go out and re-explore your favorite movie, and maybe, if you feel so inclined, leave him a little comment about why you love it so much. He would get a kick out of that.
Happy Birthday, babies! I love you!
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