DVD Review: Me, Myself, I
- Theatrical release date
- October 6, 1999
- DVD release date
- May 15, 2007
- Grade
- B
An independent film by Pip Karmel that is enticing and funny.
When people are sad or unhappy, they have a tendency to wonder what would have happened if they had made a different decision at some point in their lives. Would they be happier? Would they have achieved more? Would they have their every desire? Or is unhappiness to be found down every road? As the Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard wrote, “Marry, and you will regret it. Do not marry, and you will also regret it.”
Pamela(Rachel Griffiths), the main character in 1999’s Me, Myself, I, initially feels she has made a terrible mistake by turning down a marriage proposal from Robert (David Roberts). She is miserable, and wallows in her unhappiness. Instead of moving forward with her life, she drinks away her anxiety and continually focuses on the past.
However, one day her “what would have happened” question is answered when she is hit by a car, meets her alternative self (married to Mr. Right with three children), and swaps lives with her. Her alternate self also wants a taste of the life she could have had.
All things aren’t as sweet as Pamela hoped as she now has the responsibility of taking care of three kids and a household. She must deal with grocery shopping and cooking for more than just one person, as well as taking the youngest boy to the bathroom and cleaning up after him. The oldest child has puberty issues, and the middle child calls her “stupid.” As more issues rise to the surface, such as her relationship with Robert and his opinion of her, Pamela realizes that Mr. Right may not be Mr. Right after all. Is this what she really wants?
The life of a childless/childfree couple is also lightly explored in Pamela’s alternative life. This scores the movie an extra point for acknowledging the various lifestyles people may choose without choosing sides. Instead, you see the ups and downs of having a family, as well as the ups and downs of being single. Pamela eventually puts her past behind her; she begins a new relationship and takes control back over her own life.
Though the movie starts out rather dreary, the movie ends in a very uplifting and warm-hearted manner that is enjoyable for anybody. Pamela learns to make the most of her life she has, which is one of the main points of the film. No matter how it turns out, stop living in the past and make the present into what you want it to be.
The story is light and simple without being too simplistic. It explores relationships, the idea of having a family (or not having a family), and what is most important to people. Characters learn that even what may be bad choices are not always mistakes, and that it is possible to be happy with the life you now have. Watch this film if you want you need a little lift in your own life.
Copyright . Published 1 July 2007 in What’s New.
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