The first time I saw Mona Lisa Smile, it was years after it's release in 2003. It was probably only months after I resigned from my marketing posistion to stay home with my children in early fall of 2006. I remember having mixed feelings as the story line progressed, wondering if it was only about women who were encouraged to pursue a professional career by Julia Robert's character.
Then...I saw this scene...and I had tears:
"I know exactly what I'm doing and it doesn't make me any less smart."
There are often movie lines or scenes that stand out to us. This one has stood out to me for years. She articulates how I feel when I think about the fact that I did work hard to earn a bachelor's degree, work in my desired field, and then put it all aside to devote all of myself to my family. And it doesn't make me any less smart.
"She watches over the affairs of her household..." Proverbs 31:27
As I watched this scene several times after I finally found it on YouTube, I kept thinking, "Does Julia Robert's character really get it?" Do people like her really get it? I don't know. But that can't keep me from doing what I'm doing.
I love that scene.
*It's a 10-minute set, but it's only the first two minutes that capture what I'm talking about.
Last Night As Family of Five
8 years ago
7 comments:
Oh my girl!!!! I watched this movie in the theatre with the great Jean Knight, Amy Denton and Laura hardecke. That movie spoke to me but I didn't like at all how housewives were portrayed. That particuluar scene I was so proud of the housewife character but so dissapointed with julia's character's reaction. It was like she was happy for her but not because she believed her to be making a good choice.
I think there will always be people who just can't understand why a woman would "choose" to stay at home instead of having a career, but like you said just because some people don't "get it" doesn't mean we should stop doing what we are called to do!
One more addition is that this scene also spoke to me in that we can't judge others for making different choices than we would make. Just like she called out julia's character for looking down on housewives, I have to watch myself to not look down on those who choose a career. I just have to trust what God is telling me to do. :-)
I couldn't believe that Julia's character chose to stay in the home after her prestigious education. I understood Julia R's character's reaction! As a teacher, she tried to open doors, and it was as if the student looked in the door, really liked it, but didn't walk through. I have NEVER understood that choice.
Not yet.
I haven't thought of this movie for such a long time, but I did enjoy it. I really liked the naughty girl's character! I didn't especially identify with her, but I certainly didn't identify with the girl with the perfect family and life and boyfriend and engagement and marriage. I cannot believe that you thought I was like her!
Thanks for helping me to think about this. I also liked thinking about the mom post from today, too.
PS - I don't think you settled when choosing your path. I can't understand that choice, but it isn't really mine to understand, since I am not you. I think its okay for the Julia R of the world to not get the Julia S characters of the world...
PPS - Maybe I will watch this movie again!
I feel that it was the teachers job to make the choices available for the students. Not all students have to choose to take the path the teacher is offering.
Chrissy you had a blog one time about how it shouldn't even be an argument... i mean why can't the two groups just accept that women choose what they feel is right for them to do... and it's not for anyone else to judge them for it....
ok I'm off the soap box now! :-)
Kassie...I was being nice that day. I actually have a strong opinion about that. That post was PC.
Bethany...I didn't know you felt that way about my choice to stay home. I still like you, though. ;o)
Chrissy - I was just agreeing that I don't think you settled or anything. That you chose to do it. Do you feel like you didn't choose it? Like it was chosen for you?
I wish all people had the ability and freedom to do what they would prefer to do. I can tell you prefer this, and it is great!
I think we should get together to watch this movie! The first time I saw it, I only paid attention to the hair, makeup, and costumes. The second time I paid attention to the actresses. I don't think I really paid attention to the plot!
This is one of my favorite movies. I have been all across the board on how I feel about this subject. I am struggling right now with what's next in my life and the life of my family. I am a strong believer in staying at home with your kids, especially when they are young, but I know women who are not cut out for that. I respect you for your choice. I know how hard it can be. I love kids and am great with them but staying at home was very difficult. It was also very rewarding. Bright intelligent mothers help raise bright intelligent children. Keep up the great, noble, and selfless work you are engaging in.
Thanks for that momentary reminder that I can be who I want to be not who everyone else thinks I should be.
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