TMT: Getting Beyond The Abyss
This is the next entry in a Theatre… a Movie… and a Time, a series that was begun here. Since this film’s silver anniversary lands this weekend — as my marriage this year — the time would never be more appropriate for this husband to pay a debt. I owe my ever tolerant and loving wife this mea culpa. Been too long in coming.
A few years ago, my friend and author John Kenneth Muir’s reviewed the film in question,
“…a riveting, emotional roller coaster ride because it so brilliantly weds a personal story of marital/interpersonal redemption to a global story of a world still painfully devoid of that redemption.”
Theatre
Movie
Time
August 11, 1989: Six months married. Half a year into wedlock and I was still a selfish schmuck. My Mexican grandmother spoke very little English, absolutely none of Yiddish, but would’ve understood the gist of the Jewish pejorative. Mom, too, as she’d been hitched to one, once. Moi? Who better to admit the folly that qualified me. The worst idea ever.
Ten years before, I befriended a nurse I was attracted to at work. She in the midst of a nasty divorce with her soon-to-be ex-husband. “…a piece-of-work”, she’d admit. I’d agree after I met him in front of her apartment one day. If I’d mentioned this to mom, she’d have rung all sorts of alarm bells for what I was getting myself into. But by this time she was no longer with us, and I was thinking with the wrong head, anyway. Typical.
One decade later, a few years after we’d split up, chums of a sort we remained. As mentioned, “Just friends, the type who’d still go out on occasion to take in a flick.” Now married to the woman I’d courted in ’88, though. Foolish on my part to think I could have both in my life. Even if she who’d be my bride tolerated such from her inane husband. Not my finest hour by any stretch.
On this day, a Sunday matinee to see James Cameron’s latest, The Abyss. Always avoided Friday or Saturday night for such outings — while full of myself, I wasn’t insane. I’d learn sometime later escorting [redacted] to the Century City 14 had irked my forgiving bride something fierce. Contrary to whatever was in my head, these two were not destined to get along. Go figure.
“…the writing was on the wall that such a convention didn’t have much of a shelf-life.”
When it came time to end the stupidity, earning the moniker she has to this day, She-whose-name-must-not-be-mentioned responded with, “What had taken you two so long to reach this?” Crowing she’d have never tolerated another’s woman’s presence, if she had been my wife. Learning the hard way is my most puissant attribute, apparently. Have I mentioned I’m married to the greatest and loveliest woman there is? No doubt.
The entire TMT series can be found here. If you’re interested how it’s put together, click here.
It Rains... You Get Wet 
17 Responses to “TMT: Getting Beyond The Abyss”
Well done on the quarter century Michael – and hey, the only way to grow is to learn and change – right or wrong doesn’t really have to be part of the equation. And it is a great movie 🙂
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Even though I married late, still had a lot of growing up to do 😉
Thanks so much, Sergio. Also great to hear you’re a fan of the film. Another post on it is coming.
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That was a very cool post to read. Cheers.
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Thank you very much, Keith 🙂
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Ah, the greatest lessons come from the greatest pains. I’m so glad you found sustained happiness! True love is always great to hear/read/see about. 🙂
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Yes indeed! Thanks so much, Cindy 🙂
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Oh, and the movie. Other than they took their time getting to the most amazing ending, it was still worth the wait.
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Love this film. Something more in the offing on its way regarding The Abyss. Hope you like it. Thanks, Cindy.
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Now, The Abyss is a damned fine piece of work, one of Cameron’s finest. Fine work my friend.
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So glad to hear it! Keep your eye out for the next post then 😉
Many thanks!
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[…] not my wife, but we did not see this in ’89 together, to my everlasting […]
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Hi, Michael:
Nice retrospective!
One of the cool things about ‘The Abyss’ is that Cameron took a page from Roger Corman. Saved serious bucks on one end and arranged access to a the large water coolant tanks of a nuclear reactor for the film’s many underwater exploration, chase and model scenes. Leaving more for effects and underwater lights and cameras.
Though the flooding scene works well. My guess is ‘The Abyss’ was more an exploratory venture with liquid Special Effects. Which were honed and polished for ‘T2’.
Also cool that Ed Harris positively rocks whatever role he’s given and makes his own!
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So many great scenes in the film, and this scene really worked. Ed and Mary Elizabeth rocked in it. Many thanks, Kevin 🙂
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Very cool idea for a series. I often also think back to when and where I saw certain films. I miss the 80’s where I spent so much time at the theater enjoying seeing those 80’s and 90’s classics on teh big screen.
Thanks for sharing
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Thank you very much. The big screen is still my favorite place to see a film, no question 🙂
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Sorry I’m late to the party! I LOVE this movie, boy you are lucky you saw this on the big screen Michael. Always fun to read personal tidbit about one of your memorable days at the movies 🙂
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Well, I have you beat for tardiness, Ruth, being that it’s taken me almost THREE YEARS to respond to your comment. Many thanks for your patience and friendship. 🙂
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