The Rockville Film Society

My name, Tyler Durdan, always ensures that I am not too far from the world of film. Consistently people ask if I have seen Fight Club, or if “that is really my name”.

This connection to the cult classic film, as well as my natural curiosity to ask people questions, led to a surprise conversation that led to a surprising series of events for one couple.

My full time job is as a car salesperson. A guest was waiting for service last week, and was diligently reading Project Hail Mary. This guest is consistently reading all sorts of texts, so the timing of the Andy Weir novel being read with the movie coming out was, without a doubt, intentional.

Yesterday, I passed by the same guest who was now reading something new. I asked what his thoughts were on Hail Mary, and he said he loved it. We discussed the characters, the story, and the feel good nature of a space adventure.

I asked the question I ask everyone: “Will you see the movie?”

He said that his now adult, avid reader daughter was pleading with him to see it. He was mixed on the length and the transition from page to screen.

The gentleman looked at me, curiously, and asked, “What did you think?”

Almost too passionately, I talked about the translation of science and how the film gives it to you in full technical glory, but also in a simple and clear to understand form (Gosling’s Grace and the rock-like alien Rocky communicate with hand puppets early on).

I mentioned the clear admiration and love of Kubrick and Spielberg movies that the directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller clearly possess. I left him with the conviction that going to see the film in a theater, with other like minded strangers, to laugh, to cry, to cheer, and to be amazed is something not to be missed.

We parted, and he said his daughter would be excited to hear that he was at least wiling to go.

A few days passed since our first chat, and the guest made a point to find me and proudly tell me that he was going tonight with his family to see it, and to expect a review when we see each other next.

I smiled, he smiled, and a powerful feeling of connection grew inside of me.

That’s the power of movies and great stories. Two strangers, with nothing more than a Ryan Gosling movie spurring us to read and watch, came together to find common ground.

My ask to all of you is to do the same.  Go see a movie, any movie. Experience feelings and emotions that you haven’t felt before. See something new! Something strange.

Filmmakers are telling bolder stories in more beautiful ways that ever before. See something early in the morning or late at night. Go to an independent theater. Explore and use your beautiful imagination.

This interaction is proof that inspiration and a good movie always go a long way.

So please, choose your seat. The show is about to start.

Tyler