Week 3: Running on Empty

Running on empty is not only a good movie due to the charm of River Pheonix, but also how relatable yet different it is to my current life due to the context. I could relate to the family dynamic and parenting style of the Pope family because of the authoritative parenting style. For example, some parents would have flipped out knowing their child did something behind their backs, for instance, sneak out at night, or even going to auditions especially if the child already knows their parents would have opposed such as Danny. However, Annie and Arthur were understanding yet firm about what Danny did. Not only that, the sex talk between Arthur and Annie showed trust that Arthur had to his son.

This reminded me of myself and my parents during my teenage years. I was brought up with strong family bond, my dad always taught me the importance of togetherness in a family, and being honest. However, I would be lying if there weren't times where I did what I was not supposed to. For example. having a boyfriend at a young age. Although initially they warned me not to have a relationship in high school. They soon found out, and although they were not okay with it in the beginning, they adapted and gave me the freedom but with their rules and limits such as no dating except if we went out with a group of friends. So, it was a win-win situation for the both of us.

In my opinion, family bond is important because these are the people that one grows up with. It shapes and mould a person into certain types of human beings. Family-oriented people are often perceived as caring and thoughtful. Those are the qualities of a good human being.

Not only that, this movie portrays first love impressively. True, first love indeed is an awkward one. The amount of 'overthinking' and unsure of our actions makes things not only awkward but a memory that one would not forget. Movies tend to portray that people fall in love from their first sight of a beautiful woman, the popular one. But, this movie shows how each character falls for the other in a perfectly normal way.

Danny and Lorna reminded me of my first love. They were different, yet similar to one another. Similar in a sense of interest, but different in a sense of thinking and family dynamic. Although Lorna would be considered as 'disrespectful' towards her father, but it is considered as normal behavior in the American culture to behave in that sense. This may also be due to her relationship with her father which is not so understanding towards one another. This opposes to Danny's relationship with his mother.

Lorna opened Danny up to a different world. Allowing Danny to differentiate himself and become an individual of his dreams. Because Danny had different values from Lorna, he would take her advice but process it differently.

Me and my first boyfriend were very much like Lorna and Danny. Although we had different context but I understood how Danny felt when he had to leave Lorna for his family and how Lorna felt when Danny had to leave her as he was the only person who could accept her as she is, unlike her family who is still in denial.

All in all. this movie is a great movie and it gives good value to the viewers to understand and see the different perspective in lives of different individuals.