Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion The Water Cooler Ever met someone who's changed your life?

I know I've been scarce around here lately, but something happened today I had to share.

I grew up watching movies. That's all I cared about. If I wasn't going to the theatre, I was watching tapes at home (or laserdisc!) I was fascinated by everything about them. The acting, the cinematography, the dialog, the camera work. Everything - it all fascinated me. Two people in particular really effected me. Robert Deniro, and through him, Martin Scorsese. To me, they were the absolute best of what cinema could be. Together, as in Taxi Driver, and especially Raging Bull they created stories on screen that changed my life. I wanted to be able to create something that could effect people like they had effected me. So, I packed up from my little town of 5,000 in Maine, and moved to Los Angeles. I'd been accepted to film school.

14 years later I'm working at IMAX, helping to make the biggest, brightest, most amazing movies in the world. Over the past few years we've been remastering "Hollywood" films for our giant screens. I've been lucky enough to be a large part of that process. There have been a few real "pinch myself" moments sitting in a dark theater watching things like Spider-Man 2, and Batman Begins on our IMAX screens and knowing I helped put it up there.

This afternoon I stood in our lobby awaiting the arrival of Martin Scorsese to view his new Rolling Stones concert film, "Shine A Light". I shook his hand, and then sat in the theatre and watched the film with him. Looking up at the screen at a huge 50' tall image of Martin Scorsese, then turning my head and seeing him sitting just four seats from me smiling was surreal. The emotions were so strong, that my eyes welled up. (Thank god it was a dark theatre!)

It seems foolish to have such strong feelings...he's just a man, but I can honestly say without his films, I'd probably never have moved from New England. I wouldn't have the friends I do, I would very likely not be working doing what I love. My entire life would be so different. The funny thing is he has no idea what an effect he's had on my life, and never will. If we met again tomorrow, he'd not remember quickly shaking my hand today. It's so bizarre.

That's a great story! It's so cool that you're able to work at something you're very passionate about, and I can only imagine the excitement of being able to sit with one of your heroes.

Great stories! The re-issue of some of his movies on HD-DVD was one of the main motivators for me to buy a unit last summer!

That's awesome, Craig! Like you, I had an opportunity to see "Raging Bull" when I was younger and it absolutely mesmerized me. To be able to spend time with Martin Scorsese must have been incredible. Truly, one of our greatest film auteurs.

Dear Craig,

Your ongoing willingness to tell personal stories is something I treasure. From them, we have a great opportunity to learn and to heal.

That must have been a great encounter. Something to savor.

Congratulations on doing work that you love. Most people are not nearly so fortunate.

I really appreciate you taking the time to share your story.

We make it a point to see feature IMAX films when we can; Spiderwick Chronicles will be soon. It adds measurably to my sense of joy and wonder that I have the honor of seeing your work.

I just look forward to the day I can meet some of you fine Axiomites in person.

Watch out for this guy! He's just trying to pass his curse on to someone else!

yup, any of you priests?

No, but I always keep a plentiful supply of holy water on hand, so if we ever happened to meet in person, don't be upset if the first thing that I did was to douse you.

Awesome story, Craig! The last time I saw Martin Scorsese was in a champagne commercial.

I LOVED that commercial! Hilarious!

I'm glad my personal stories are appreciated. I wonder sometimes when I post them..."who the heck wants to hear this?".

oh...and btw, you guys that change your avatars all the time...stop it! I know you all by you avatars! I didn't even realize Peter had posted to this thread until just now typing this - and I had replied to him!

If any of you are ever in the Des Moines, IA area look me up.

Actually, it's not that we change them so often.... it just seems that way when you only check once a year!

Good to see you, Craig, and thanks for the story!

Some of us change more often then others...

Great story. I always enjoy your personal stories, Craig.

Actually, I live in dread of meeting someone who changed my life or for whom I hold an inordinate amount of respect, admiration, awe, affection, etc. I'd be sitting there, thinking my face appeared to have a relaxed, devil-may-care, casual attentiveness, something like....



When, in fact, it would be frozen in an expression similar to...



It's always good to leaving a suave, sophisticated, man-of-the-world impression of oneself.

Yeah, I look really creepy in this picture, but at least she looks good.

Don't sweat it Jack. I'm pretty easygoing in person. You'll do fine.

And only a tiny bit scared.....

(at both of your responses)

OK, I will admit ignorance. Who is that with you, CV?

REGINA SPEKTOR.

Sorry, but you got me excited.

It's hard to see the taser she's clutching in her left hand.

I did? Or she did?

So she is an actress?

((ducks, giggles))

I know she is a singer. I just am out of touch with modern music and don't have any of her stuff.

LOL at the taser quip, too. Good stuff all around.

You know, I love her music and respect her for that, but seriously, I just wanted the picture with her, and it was a struggle to pry her off.

Is anyone buying that?

Have you told her to stop calling?

Nah, it's kind of cute, the relationship she's developed with my outgoing message.

[looking at your avatar]

Is it true that you are the dragon and she is the unicorn? Or is it the other way around?

I think I'm going to have to content myself with being the background.

I thought her first name was "Mulva"

I though it was Rhee, and that's why CV does.

Hey, now.

Funny stuff but I thought I'd answer his original question. it's a long post but I ask a favor of everyone that you take the time to read it.

Two years ago I got to hear Lt. General Romeo Dallairre speak at a National United Way conference. He spoke on the challenges and effects leadership can have on a person. He was available for book signings and I spoke to him briefly as was the last to arrive with a book in hand due to some other duties. Despite his long day, he was still eager to chat. I had days of questions but I tried to keep it short out of respect for his work that day.

If you don't know the name, Dallairre led the UN peace keeping mission during the genocide, that the world pretended didn't happen, in Rwanda. His refusal to abandon the people of Rwanda saved tens of thousands of lives but cost him dearly in health both emotional and physical.

His book, "Shake Hands with the Devil", is long and can be difficult to read. Difficult not only in length and understanding due to all the different political 'factions with in factions' that existed, but also very difficult emotionally as he pulls no punches in displaying the reality of the genocide.

I believe his book should be required reading in high school classrooms and for anyone who wants an insight how the occupation by 1st world countries can turn an other wise united nation against itself. Also, it is a real eye opener as to why so many United Nations missions fail, despite what you might see on the news. The international politics and refusals to act from his point of view almost brings you to tears.

The movie of the same title I don't recommend so much. There is just to much to explain for a feature length film. The movie is scattered, hard to follow and you don't get an understanding of why the events you do see are happening. If you don't read the book, you will be very confused trying to understand the different factions and regimes and you won't realize how much totally frustrating time he spent trying to negotiate with them all and maintain neutrality. It also only hints as to the full nature of some of the things he saw and experienced.

Dallairre has triumphed, for the most part, over his resulting mental illnesses that began in the mission and haunted his years afterwards. Make no mistake, no one on earth could go through what he did unscathed. However, he now continues to lead and inspire the Canadian Military and is a world spokesman for peace and against such things as the use of children as soldiers.

I can personally attest that he still is an inspiration to our troops. In a recent return trip from Ottawa, I shared the plane with a small troop of soldiers on their way to South Africa. They were traveling there to help coach the local authorities how to better police while respecting human rights and such. Due to a faulty seat belt, I ended up sitting beside the mission commander. As we discussed their mission, he VERY proudly told me that they were just visited by Romeo Dallaire in the airport, who gave them a very inspiring send off speech. It was extremely obvious from this and other chat I heard that it had had a very positive effect on the group. He also pointed out a young man a few rows up who was Mr. Dallairre's son. For him to be serving our country overseas after seeing the trauma and effect of the Rwandan mission on his father, also deserves that some praise be passed his way.

To me, Lt. General Dallaire is not only one of our countries most inspiring leaders but he is also a hero. Plain and Simple.

An inspiration for me when faced with my own little problems, to be sure.

LGen Romeo Dallaire's web sight