Last week I saw Beetlejuice (1988) on the big screen here at my local movie theater and it was great, no, wait, it was better than great, it was freaking amazing! I was just a little kid when the movie came out in the 80’s so I had of course assumed that that was it, I would never see the movie (now one of my top 10 favorites) like it was meant to be watched, in theaters.

Long story short, fast-forward thirty-one years later and voilà, a miracle happened! Oh dear god, when the room got dark and the movie’s catchy opening title (the one I have watched on my television countless number of times) started playing, I felt overwhelmed with joy and dread… hear me out, joy because duh, but dread because how (how!?) could I ever have a better movie-going experience than this? It was Beetlejuice, people, Beetlejuice on the big screen! AH!

I had a great time at the movies and did not mind embarrassing myself in front of all those strangers; I said out loud in unison the lines I love so much (This is my art, and it is dangerous. Do you think I want to die like this? / I must express myself. If you don't let me gut out this house and make it my own, I will go insane, and I will take you with me! / Go ahead, make my millennium. / Nice fuckin' model! / It's showtime.), I sang and danced on my seat to its iconic songs ("Day O" / "Jump In The Line"), but most importantly, I laughed, I laughed so much and so hard I thought I was going to get kicked out of the place. Put simply, it was the perfect experience.

The storyline of Beetlejuice represents to me the ups and downs of life, all while being told in the most bizarre, cynical, hilarious way possible… hear me out, you have a couple of newlyweds spending their vacation at home with all their plans of relaxation (Adam) and renovation (Barbara), even contemplating trying for a family again. The Maitland’s live a simple happy life. Until they die due to random events. No big plan, no reason why, just dead. The end. Enter the afterlife and all its complicated rules to which you either adapt and learn fast or, well, you have seen the movie. Beetlejuice reminds me that life is short and random and that it is up to me to get on with it and adapt to its craziness, all while having as much fun as possible while I still can.

Closing side note: I have realized that as I type this today Tuesday, April 16, 2019 I, myself, am on vacation just like the Maitland’s were, spending my time off at home with the intention of relaxing and renovating… mmh, I am suddenly feeling a strong aversion from dogs and bridges.

In Love and Fear,

-Marath