Review of Youth Without Youth (2007) by Cary C — 28 Feb 2009

This is no ordinary movie. I was astounded by the artistry at every level from sumptuous imagery that weaves layer upon layer to a soundtrack which perfectly captures the mood and storyline which manages to expose the incredible as something utterly vivid and real.

It begins with an elderly professor's 'enlightenment' - he literally is struck by lightning and suffers incredible burns. Something unusual is happening . . . his teeth fall out, but new ones grow through, and the burned skin is replaced by new youth.

'Enlightened', he perceives beyond time and normal consciousness, accompanied by a wiser part of himself, and with this come a series of events which further his professional ambition to trace the origins of language itself.

Coincidence leads him to a vivacious young woman, a 'stranger' who is actually known to him as a former love. Their consciousnesses are linked and the journey transcends any one life or language.

Time unrolls as a concept that has little to do with a greater reality which holds profound beauty and wisdom but also comes back to the fact that one is the creator of one's own destiny. A truly stunning film, but you have to have depth to really understand it, particularly since it is so rich with symbolism.

Having done this myself for my own artistry and personal growth, it feels totally fresh and instinctive. Without that, you might not fully comprehend what is going on. Thus, this will not be grasped fully by all, but my goodness it is a gem that reflect and stir consciousness to new heights if you are ready for it.

In truth, the quest for the origins of language is the quest for comprehension of our relationship with the whole of life. It is a journey to the very essence of consciousness. It might therefore be worth noting that one critic's rave of the original novella stated that the author had gone out on a limb and was far ahead with this kind of novel.

The phrase was not accidental - Shirley MacLaine wrote a truly fascinating book exploring the meaning of life from various angles, and it was indeed called, 'Out on a Limb'. Well worth getting if you can as it asks some very fascinating and meaningful questions in a very engaging way.