Darkness and Light - Page 5


Mamma Mia! is directed by a first-time film director Phyllida Lloyd, from Broadway, who doesn't know how to light a scene, move a camera, or set things in motion between musical numbers. However incompetent the film, and however much most critics reviled it, it's already become one of the most successful musicals ever made. What's distinctively seductive about it is seeing the cast, of every imaginable age, size, shape, nationality, and level of talent, all joining in on the musical numbers, all becoming part of this joyous world of hope and optimism.

To be sure, Streep is no Cyd Charisse or Lena Horne, but her voice is serviceable enough and her dancing energetic as she smiles joyously throughout. We don't care much who gets the girl or who gets the mother of the bride, but we assume it'll all work out.

On Meryl's Greek isle, the sun always shines, there are unlimited second chances, and the world doesn't need superheroes to help us get through the night. Best of all, we don't even have to sing on key.

Frank Pittman, M.D., is a contributing editor to the Psychotherapy Networker and is in private practice in Atlanta, Georgia. Contact: Fsp3md@aol.com.

Letters to the Editor about this department can be e-mailed to letters@psychnetworker.org.

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