Every day Albert (Morgan Freedman) takes his little dog out
for a stroll through their gentrified Brooklyn neighborhood, then struggles to
climb “5 Flights Up” to his beloved apartment/art studio and even more beloved
wife, Ruth (Diane Keaton). When the dog suffers from a ruptured disk and has to
be carried downstairs, it seems like it’s time for a new place with an
elevator. Their real estate agent/niece
insists that they take advantage of the current escalated value in their trendy Hipster neighborhood.
Set on the weekend of their open house, not a lot happens in
this pleasant little film. They worry about their dog. People traipse through
their apartment trying to picture Albert’s art studio without “all that junk”
(his paintings). Ruth tries to arrange for a showcase of his life’s work. When
the gallery owner claims that it isn't hip enough, she loses it. She explains
that he is an artist and he isn't about to adjust his vision for the latest
trend. I glance around the theater and
see smiles all around. It is delightful
to see this charming couple still supportive and in-love after 40 years
together. I love the way Albert and Ruth live life on their own terms – creating a
haven where Albert can paint and Ruth tends her garden up on the roof.
Unfortunately, that liberty is threatened when a manhunt for a suspected terrorist causes gridlock on a nearby bridge and the couple feels pressured to sell before the media induced fear forces apartment prices down. Societal pressure to pursue financial gain encroaches on their happy home.
My fiancé Dan and I try to create a haven where he can work on
his humanitarian projects (Dan also plans to plant a heritage garden) and I can
write my love projects, draft reviews of meaningful films, and be there for my
teenage boys. I hope we are as happy as Ruth and Albert in ten years.
One of the things I love about movies is how everyone brings
their own stuff to the theater that they project onto the big screen.
A simple story like this leaves space for you to ruminate about similar
experiences: long term relationships, selling your apartment, N.Y. City, your
pooch, and for me – the struggle of being an artist in this profit driven society.
In this day and age when accumulating wealth is valued above all else, where do
artists fit in? OK. I admit it. I’m upset that our governor has cut millions
from education – forcing schools to drop art and music classes. Our city
council plans to shut down our award-winning public access station (where I
made my micro-budget movies and at-risk kids created cable programs). The city invests in street cars that connect sports bars, but cuts
funding for events that connect our diverse community - like the Family Arts Festival
and Tucson Meet Yourself. Beautiful architecture and historic buildings are
torn down to make room for ugly office buildings. I wonder if they will eventually close down everything
that makes Tucson a great place to live. I understand that people are struggling
just to make a living, but by throwing away the arts we are losing something
that enriches our daily life and gives it meaning. Art is an expression of hope. Art is important. End of rant.
I’m grateful that we still have The Loft, where we can catch up with this happy, loving couple in their artist haven... just, “5 Flights Up."
Movie blessings!
Jana Segal
reelinspiration.blogspot.com
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