How To Be An Adult: Albert Brooks in 'Lost in America'

Part of being young is learning to be older, which is why this segment exists. We've covered how to attract women like an adult before, now- this post which is being read ending my sentence now.



How to be an adult? Be awesome at not taking shit. Albert Brook's David is a bit neurotic in this movie, then he this scene happens- and that neurosis turns into a stated fury. David knows he deserves a job, but upon hearing that he doesn't he gives reasons why he deserves that job, albeit punctuated with unprofessionalism. But the way David is unprofessional is justified. Sure its a big account, and yeah David is being a bit of a baby- but can I hear a little bit about dignity? David says it himself- he gave his youth to the company and he feels betrayed. David doesn't want to succumb to a company that has done wrong by him, and he rightfully gets defiant. Played calm it could've been different- but that's not the adult I don't think anyone wants to be. Not a go 'Roll with the punches, take the compliments when they come' type of guy- but the 'I know what I am worth, and I know who I am' type of guy. Plus, we want to be able to call people bald.

David goes off after being complimented. He's either wrong, or he can tell when he is being screwed by a company he committed 8 years to. Regardless- the adult thing to do is make a decision and stand by it. David stands by it and adds 2 'fuck you's for good measure. That's how to be an adult.

RECAP on how to be an adult (Lost in America):
-know your accomplishments
-know how to turn people's words back on them
-be of quick wit
-have dignity
-commit to your decision
-make sure to use 'fuck you' as the cherry on the sundae



SPOLIER:
I love this movie, but the ending is open to interpretation. He DOES go crawling back to the company- but he does so after seeing America. Seeing what else is out there and noticing he had a sweet gig. His wife also loses all their money in a casino which deftly places a burden on their circumstance. I guess the lesson of 'Lost in America' is that of 'fuck living- it's too crazy to make any sense out of'.

How to Be an Adult: Gene Wilder in Silver Streak

Look! A new segment for special segment Friday. "How to Be an Adult" owes its existence from noticing truly amazing characters who are completely grounded in reality. These characters offer a class and dignity in how to deal with certain everyday actions. They give us actions we as people need to try and emulate in order to make this world full of bounce and vigor. First up: the impeccable Gene Wilder in the beautifully shot, scored, and executed Silver Streak.

This is from the beginning of the movie. Before things get crazier. When we just know that he is a publisher. The everyday interaction this mild mannered man comes to face is how to talk to a beautiful women. It's a tough assignment. But Gene Wilder's George Caldwell is seemlessly calm and collected. He talks about himself. He asks about her. He shows that he is listening. It's not very churning cinema, but its real, and its charming. It hits a sweet note, without coming off as cute. The "I know what goes where"s. "I like this song, if I ever hear it again it will be hard not to think of you" is a line every man should have thought of but they aren't that debonair. Gene Wilder shows us how to get a girl by simply being himself and conscious. That's a great life lesson from a great person to get great things from. Recap:

How to Be an Adult (Silver Streak)

-Remember what a women you talk to says

-Jokes should be thought out and informative. Don't be coy, and add the appropriate amount of innuendo. Tip: Play jokes as bits, but not schtick.

-Read signals and go for them! Mask aggression with magnetism.

-If you're ganna drink- handle it! Drinking makes things easier, but you need to stay in control.

-Talking what you know about can turn a women on.