The Power of the First Impression

I’m watching The Color Purple right now.  I can remember the first time I saw it.  I was in Middle school I think and I started crying the minute Celie’s step-father took her kids away at birth and didnt stop for the whole movie.

I wonder now if I really knew what was going on in this movie, as when I watch it as an adult it seems to hold so much more in the form of innuendo and meaning that I’m not sure my middle-school brain could comprehend.

I think this was one of the first movies I saw with Danny Glover – and to be honest – I’ve never liked him since.  I cant say its because of his acting – I think he’s pretty good.  I think I don’t like him because of the negative horrible character I first saw him play.  Although her politics and overall odd-ness puts some off – I’m a huge Whoopi Goldberg fan - and have liked ALL of her movies.  Is that because her protrayal of the heroine, Celie, who was so abused, but persistent and strong endeared herself to me from the beginning? 

Anyone who tells me Oprah cant act is full of crap – and hasnt seen this movie.  She plays the sassy then solemn Sophia – and does a great job.

I’m trying to think of other movies I’ve seen that shaped my opinion of an actor or actress.  The first Leonardo DiCaprio movie I saw was “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape” and I thought he was amazing as an actor – I still like him.  I loved Val Kilmer in Willow – and still like him – even though he’s the new voice of the horrible Knight Rider remake.  Even the best make a few wrong moves.

First impressions are everything.  Do you worry about the first impression you make on people?  I do – but not to the extent I fake who I am.  You can overcome a bad first impression – I’ve had to do it a few times.