The paradox of tragedy in Life Is Beautiful (1997)
After facing a stressful day, many turn on their television or open a book to unwind. Reality shows are a favorite for those who enjoy laughing at the conceited (it’s easier to laugh when the egotistical are on your screen, rather than in your group project); horrors and thrillers are chosen by those looking for their heart rate to increase after a dull day. Yet, at the mention of tragedy—a devastating movie that ensures at least a few tears from the consumer—it’s difficult to understand why we’d willingly subject ourselves to the genre.
It’s no secret that we gravitate towards things that make us happy: an Instagram page of cute dogs, sitcoms that remind us of the strength of familial love, and, of course, memes, which have purely comedic intentions. Why do some tune in to a tragedy, the medium doomed to include devastating content, when we are looking to seek pleasure after a long day? It seems paradoxical. And why, at the end of the day, do I declare my favorite movie to be Life Is Beautiful?
Life Is Beautiful (1997), an Italian film directed by Roberto Benigni, is a tragic romantic comedy that follows the victimization of a family during the Holocaust. While the first half of the movie is a lighthearted romance between an eccentric Jewish waiter and a teacher from a wealthy family, the tone shifts with the deportation of the father and his young son to a concentration camp. During this pivotal moment, the father convinces his son that their situation is simply a game designed for his birthday and continues to use his imagination to protect his son from the truth.
Naturally, the heart-wrenching events left me in a pool of tears. I was grieving for fictional people dealing with unnecessary pain. Instead of discarding these memories of hours spent watching the film, I felt grateful as positive emotions—more potent than negative ones—rose from within.
Philosopher David Hume explains in his book Of Tragedy that we feel good when an actor, a playwright, or a painter is so good at their craft that they can overwhelm us with pity for the misfortunes of their character. Through the artistry of work, negative emotions produced by tragic content can be converted into positive ones. Life Is Beautiful (1997) has many aspects to appreciate, like the incredible acting, score, writing (the movie tastefully mixes humor and tragedy), and the chemistry between the two love interests.
Aside from the conversion of emotions through a work’s artistry, we also may enjoy tragedy because it can be a form of self-reflection. Tragic works often cover deeper subject matter, allowing consumers to learn important truths; they offer close insight into human experiences. Life Is Beautiful (1997) allows viewers to reflect on ideas that many people may not think about in their everyday lives, such as the importance of hope, love, and perseverance, and the lengths traveled to protect one’s family.
Watch Life Is Beautiful (1997) to see what I mean, and remember: While art can hurt us, our appreciation for the craft and its intention to reflect our reality cushions the blow of tragic works.
Thumbnail Photo of Roberto Benigni courtesy of Wikimedia Commons