Paul Rudd plays a character who chooses to only see the best in people, situations, and life in general. Rudd’s character is through and through, trusting, optimistic, and innocent. He lives with a childlike joy and untainted appreciation for life. He doesn’t lie his way out of sticky situations, fudge the facts for personal gain, take advantage of people, or partake in anything that isn’t “right.” And while this may not immediately strike you as radical, his character is ostracized by his family and even jailed as a direct result of his honesty. And thus earns him his title as the family “idiot.”
Our Idiot Brother
His family, I believe, represents us, the average human being. And when portrayed against the backdrop of Rudd’s purity, their crooked ways become glaringly apparent. Now, they aren’t criminals or anything…just people willing to compromise their values to make room for other priorities…something that has come to be accepted in today’s society. Rudd’s sister exploited an interview subject in order to produce a “hot” story; his other sister had a one-night affair; an officer conned him into selling him weed, etc, etc. In each scenario, the status quo behavior side-by-side with the moral response. Over and over again, Rudd took the noble route, the road less traveled, more uncomfortable, and according to everyone else, “idiotic.” I appreciated the reminder that this movie attempted to express.
I challenge you to imagine a typical day of yours and how many times you may mask your true feelings, lie, cheat, or even think bad thoughts. I understand that taking the high road is often uncomfortable, but I also believe that you benefit in the long run and/or are more at peace with yourself for doing so. And the movie portrays the same. Rudd’s family was on the path to misery and it was only due to his intervention that their worlds were rocked in the right direction and they found true peace in honesty.
Honesty is the best policy…not idiotic at all!
Amen to that J! Im loving all your blog entries lately~ they always provide a nice break from the day and a positive perspective shift. Thanks for the inspiration.