Big (1988) A Review: A Life

It wasn't until recently that I realized that all loft/studio apartments were not like (big) Josh Baskin's - especially in New York. I can trace my love for lofts directly to this movie, as a child I watched and dreamed myself.

As a child I identified with (young) Josh and his friend. I thought of how nice it would be to play with toys and get paid for it, who couldn't do that, right? I recreated the FAO Schwartz scene in my local toy store (minus the piano playing mat). And at the end I always had the same reaction "Why give that all up?" when he turned back into a child of 13. He had the job, the girl -  the life!

I just watched the movie again, after not seeing it for many years, recently. It struck me that this movie was a Littmans test of your position in age. I still love this movie. I still love that apartment, but now see by that purchase the money he was actually making. I see his sillyness in a new light, almost a cringe, instead of loving him for it. I notice the come on's of a desperate woman, when before I felt nervous for him in the situation. Sidenote: Is it weird that they slept together when he is actually 13? You see what I mean about it mattering where in life you are for this movie. What really drove the point home was my feeling at the end. I noticed for the first time my reversal of interests in his choice in the end. When I was a kid I thought he shouldn't leave that life, but this last time I watched it, even before he changed back, I couldn't help thinking about his mother and all the time as a child he would be missing. I still think he should have emptied his accounts and brought the money with him, but I digress.

Am I getting too old? I'm only 26, but this really threw me. My feelings were alligned more closely with the adults in the story; the mother, the girlfriend, etc... I could see the reasons for going back more clearly - was that me being nostalgic of my own childhood or the missing familiar feelings that this movie used to evoke - or both? This made me think that perhaps I am becoming one of those boardroom guys who is out of touch with the kids they make toys for. Do I need a playroom to test my feelings or can I do it myself anymore?

When I was younger I would always think that I never wanted to be one of "those" guys. I wanted to be able to have fun and live. Growing up sucks, as it turns out. But the point of the movie was to show that, isn't it? Or was it show that you shouldnt want to skip childhood? Maybe both - maybe it depends on your age?

If you grew up in the 80's, like me, and grew up on this movie, like me again, then I challenge you to revisit this film and see what you think. Keep what I said in mind and enjoy, it is still just as good as ever! But perhaps it will get you to wear that shirt you thought was silly again too. maybe you will feel the reversal that I did and you will second guess that adult attitude we have gained with living. You will remember the times you had as a child with your friends and give them a call, or call your mother and say you love them. Sentimentality is not as bad as you might think (don't listen to the movie snobs), with all the war and brutality in this world, we need a hell of a lot more of it if you ask me.