Tip#800: Believe In Synchronicity, Pt.4 - Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)

When I went to see Birdman at the one theatre it was playing at in Toronto it became a special event as I encountered an old illustrator colleague of mine just moments after I sat down. I decided to join him and his wife and we all discovered we were very passionate about movies and later saw a second film. Then we walked through the beautiful, sunny autumn weather and colourful falling leaves towards dinner in Chinatown.

Our lively conversations along the way were special for me because I feel I am at a nexus in my motivational career and have exciting ideas I was bursting to share with others. In fact I’d been visualizing and praying for this in the past few days! As I was discussing some ideas a woman in a green jacket walked by and joined in our conversation because she was intrigued with what I was saying. This second magical, synchronistic, coincidental moment felt like another message from the universe that I am onto something big to reinvent my career.

Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014)

The dark comedy drama film, Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) is about a washed-up Hollywood actor Riggan Thomson (Michael Keaton) once famous for playing the superhero Birdman setting out to reinvent his career. He directs and stars in a Broadway play and what unfolds is a surreal story filmed as if the entire movie is shot in one take. With outstanding performances by Keaton and co-stars Edward Norton, Emma Stone, Naomi Watts and Zach Galifianakis, this film felt like a special cinematic achievement! See: movie trailer

There are beautiful ironies about the real life actors and characters they play mirroring real life. Keaton played Batman in the Tim Burton film series while Norton played Bruce Banner in The Incredible Hulk movie. Stone also starred in superhero films as Gwen Stacy in The Amazing Spider-Man re-boot.

Throughout the production of Riggan’s play he faces multiple adversities in making his dream come true including an inner voice that is his Birdman persona. And yet you see his passion, perseverance and resilience with each challenge. At the same time there is something magical and mystical occurring throughout that is up to you to decide what is real or not.

These cinematic themes mirrored my afternoon adventure reconnecting with my illustrator colleague, his wife and the woman in the green jacket. I chose to see our time together as magical because if you think of all the factors it took for all our paths that day to align for us to encounter one another at the time it happened it feels very special and even divine.

And so on celebrating this 800th blog post I am expressing my heartfelt gratitude to how movies can mirror real life and how real life can mirror movies. The chance encounters that make a meaningful difference and even alter the coarse of a person’s life or career in films can also happen for you!

Related Tips:
Tip#13: Believe In Synchronicity, Pt.1 - 4 Movie Tips
Tip#554: Believe in Synchronicity, Pt.2 – Jeff, Who Lives at Home – Touch TV Series
Tip#639: Believe in Synchronicity, Pt. 3 – Grand Canyon
Tip#800: Believe In Synchronicity, Pt.4 - Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)


SEE NEW SOCIAL MEDIA PROJECT:
“INSPIRING FILM RECOMMENDATIONS FROM MOVIE LOVERS AROUND THE WORLD” Click here

UPDATED:
SEE MOVIES THAT MOTIVATE A to Z
Check out your favourite movies listed alphabetical order: Click here 

Remember How Movies Can Help You: 
A) Entertain & Escape 
B) Re-energize & Release 
C) Insights, Epiphanies & AHA moments 

EMMANUEL’S FIRST BOOK AVAILABLE ON AMAZON KINDLE:
“Movies for Motivation: How To Stay Strong in Your Life & Career”
Read the Introduction and 1st Chapter now: Click here 



Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker & Resilience Expert
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience in Your Work & Life!
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2014

Tip#799: Replay a Happy Memory, Part 2 - Danny Deckchair

Just the other day I had a dream where I was driving in a small vehicle and then the sky and world around me transformed into a ceiling and walls as they slowly closed in on me. The vehicle disappeared and soon I was inching forward on my stomach feeling the ceiling right above me with the walls next to my shoulders. Whatever I did I could not get out.

I woke up feeling anxious and while in a semi-conscious state I could still feel trapped from the dream. For a long time I lay in my bed trying to figure out how to break free of those walls and ceiling. I then decided to do a meditation to clear my mind and let my inner voice give me the answer. The answer I heard was "think of a happy thought”.

Though it sounded so simple, I started to think of my favourite foods like French fries, roast lamb, sausages and eggs breakfast. I remembered the classy dress shirts I got recently at an awesome deal. I remembered specific friends I was so happy that were in my life. And, without realizing it, all my anxiety and stress disappeared. I fell asleep and when I awoke I had one of the best days in weeks!

Danny Deckchair (2003)

The Australian romantic comedy film, Danny Deckchair, is inspired by the true story of “Lawnchair Larry” where construction worker Danny Morgan (Rhys Ifans) escapes his unhappy life in a lawn chair tied to dozens of giant balloons. He ends up floating into a beautiful small town where he finds an exciting new life, girlfriend (Miranda Otto) and people who appreciate him for who he is. This film is full of bright, fun moments, gorgeous scenery and quirky characters. See: movie trailer 

There are also wonderful inspirational messages like following your dream, doing what’s in your heart and the love in community. This movie is one of those hidden gems that is just a great feel good film! I may even think about it next time I feel anxious, stressed or have a bad dream. Thinking of this film is now a happy thought I could replay in my mind to lift me up when I’m feeling down!

So remember to think happy thoughts to send a cleansing wave of positive energy throughout your mind and body next time you feel stuck or trapped. Make a mental list of your favourite foods or happy memories of good times you’ve had. You’ll be amazed at how much better you feel!

Related tips:
Tip#576: Replay a Happy Memory, Part 1 - Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban 
Tip#799: Replay a Happy Memory, Part 2 - Danny Deckchair
Tip#792: The Key to Happiness, Part 2 - Hector and the Search for Happiness 

SEE NEW SOCIAL MEDIA PROJECT:
“INSPIRING FILM RECOMMENDATIONS FROM MOVIE LOVERS AROUND THE WORLD” Click here

UPDATED:
SEE MOVIES THAT MOTIVATE A to Z
Check out your favourite movies listed alphabetical order: Click here 

Remember How Movies Can Help You: 
A) Entertain & Escape 
B) Re-energize & Release 
C) Insights, Epiphanies & AHA moments 

EMMANUEL’S FIRST BOOK AVAILABLE ON AMAZON KINDLE:
“Movies for Motivation: How To Stay Strong in Your Life & Career”
Read the Introduction and 1st Chapter now: Click here 



Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker & Resilience Expert
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience in Your Work & Life!
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2014

Tip#798: Everything is Awesome! – The Lego Movie

I loved playing with Lego growing up! I loved making different kinds of flying vehicles and create exciting adventures. Sometimes I’d even have a John Williams motion picture soundtrack playing on my record player! I stopped playing with Lego when I entered my teens but today I have close friends in their 40’s that still collect Lego sets recreating detailed vehicles and characters from Star Wars or other major movie and TV franchises. Lego is a multi-billion dollar toy company!

In the mid 2000’s I remember being absolutely amazed at the thousands and even millions of views short clips of Lego videos would get on YouTube. My young nephew would make short stop-motion video clips and post them and no matter how crude his or other videos were they were getting astronomical amounts of views! It made me realize how globally vast a passion Lego was for young and old. It is really awesome!

The Lego Movie (2014)

The computer animated adventure comedy film, The Lego Movie, is about an ordinary Lego construction worker named Emmet (Chris Pratt) who is recruited by the wizard Vitruvius (Morgan Freeman) to stop evil tyrant, Lord Business (Will Ferrell) from gluing the Lego worlds into a frozen existence. No matter how that sounds to you just know that this film is super fun, hilarious, silly, creative, clever, brilliant and epic on so many levels! See: movie trailer

The film is visually stunning and incredibly cinematic despite the Lego characters still moving in the limited ways they were made in real life. Even explosions, smoke and water are depicted in hundreds of Lego pieces. Then the overflowing cast of Hollywood stars lending their voices is a delight especially hearing Morgan Freeman and Liam Neeson do silly voices! And get ready to have the catchy song “Everything is Awesome” get stuck in your head for a few days.

You will see multiple film and TV brands all sharing the same screen such as Batman, Superman, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, The Simpsons and Star Wars. This is part of the marketing brilliance which I plan to focus on in a future post. Just incredible to see!

Then there are the heartwarming messages of self-empowerment that pepper the entire movie. You will even recognize themes from The Matrix film about breaking free to be your true, original, special self and accomplish great things.

Inspiring Themes:
• Have a vision
• Creative Solutions
• Leadership
• Teamwork
• Confidence
• Perseverance
• Resilience

“Everything is awesome. Everything is cool when you're part of a team.” 

“All you have to do is believe. Then you will see everything.” 

“Don’t worry about what the others are doing. You must embrace what is special about you.” 

This fantastic film is filled with so much awesomeness and I know if just a little of that positive energy rubs off on you then you’ll have a brighter day. And if the empowering messages helps you see how special you are then that is truly awesome!

SEE NEW SOCIAL MEDIA PROJECT:
“INSPIRING FILM RECOMMENDATIONS FROM MOVIE LOVERS AROUND THE WORLD” Click here

UPDATED:
SEE MOVIES THAT MOTIVATE A to Z
Check out your favourite movies listed alphabetical order: Click here 

Remember How Movies Can Help You: 
A) Entertain & Escape 
B) Re-energize & Release 
C) Insights, Epiphanies & AHA moments 

EMMANUEL’S FIRST BOOK AVAILABLE ON AMAZON KINDLE:
“Movies for Motivation: How To Stay Strong in Your Life & Career”
Read the Introduction and 1st Chapter now: Click here 



Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker & Resilience Expert
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience in Your Work & Life!
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2014

Tip#797: The Mirror Technique – Children Full of Life Documentary

I recently did a two-part interview with Emmanuel Gallant, the Founder of Intercultural Connection, The Educational Website on Diversity and Inclusion. It was a fun interview especially with someone who had the same name as me!

Part 1 - Meet Motivational Speaker, Emmanuel Lopez, Motivatorman
Part 2 - Emmanuel Lopez: Movies About Diversity and Inclusion

It was a bit surreal because we both have the exact spelling of our names and when we messaged each other we'd say “Hello Emmanuel” it was like I was talking to myself! This reminded me of The Mirror Technique by Claude M. Bristol from his 1948 book The Magic of Believing. He talks about how empowering it is to look into a mirror and have your reflected self encourage you to do or be better. Or to remind you that you can accomplish anything you desire. See: excerpt on Mirror Technique

There is a powerful, emotional mirror scene in the French film. Angel-A and shows how powerful the mirror technique can be (read more on tip#630). See: movie clip

Children Full of Life (2003)

The award-winning documentary, Children Full of Life, is about Mr. Toshiro Kanamori, a teacher of a 4th grade class in Japan, teaching his students not only how to be students, but key lessons for a happy life by being more compassionate and supportive of one another. This is a deeply heartfelt film and ultimately uplifting in seeing these students release locked up feelings or demonstrate outstanding teamwork. See the full film: Click here

I was moved to tears watching this documentary because it mirrored myself in multiple ways. Through the children I saw myself when I was young both in my strengths and weaknesses. They also mirrored the personal development I did as an adult in workshops such as The Mastery of Self Expression (see tip#538). In the teacher I saw myself in the way I am making a positive difference for the audiences I speak to.

What I experienced was a key message of the film where we are all reflections of each other. We experience the same pain or wishes as one another. Many thanks to Emmanuel Gallant who recommended I see this documentary. It is a hidden gem that could mirror something profound for you!

SEE NEW SOCIAL MEDIA PROJECT:
“INSPIRING FILM RECOMMENDATIONS FROM MOVIE LOVERS AROUND THE WORLD” Click here

UPDATED: SEE MOVIES THAT MOTIVATE A to Z
Check out your favourite movies listed alphabetical order: Click here 

Remember How Movies Can Help You: 
A) Entertain & Escape 
B) Re-energize & Release 
C) Insights, Epiphanies & AHA moments 

EMMANUEL’S FIRST BOOK AVAILABLE ON AMAZON KINDLE:
“Movies for Motivation: How To Stay Strong in Your Life & Career”
Read the Introduction and 1st Chapter now: Click here 



Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker & Resilience Expert
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience in Your Work & Life!
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2014

Tip#796: Comfort Food for Your Cinematic Soul – Planes, Trains and Automobiles

It’s Thanksgiving weekend here in Toronto and I'm getting to spend time seeing old friends. For me it is a time to celebrate our friendships over good food and drink. I’ve made it a practice to be thankful each and everyday so actually seeing friends is just the cherry on top of the gratitude pie (or ice cream sundae!).

For my current social media project (see tip#791, tip#787) I received an inspiring film recommendation from someone in Wales, United Kingdom that made me smile. He recommended Planes, Trains and Automobiles because it had “qualities that can make you laugh out loud and then tug at your heartstrings in an instant.” His comment immediately reminded me of how much I enjoyed this comedy and that it's like comfort food for my cinematic soul! See: movie tip submission

Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)

The comedy film, Planes, Trains and Automobiles, is about two strangers teaming up to travel back to their families for Thanksgiving in Chicago. Marketing executive Neal Page (Steve Martin) must endure the company of traveling salesman Del Griffith (John Candy) which leads to hilarious and memorable situations. See: “23 Reasons "Planes, Trains And Automobiles" Is The Best Thanksgiving Movie Ever”

Even though I haven’t see this comedy in years my memories of it does instantly make me laugh (Those aren’t pillows!) or tug on my heartstrings like the ending. For me the movie is comfort food for my cinematic soul and it may be for you too. I’ve you are celebrating Thanksgiving I hope you celebrate the gift of friendship and family in your life. Or I hope you celebrate each and every day all the good you have as well as those films that touch your heart!

SEE NEW SOCIAL MEDIA PROJECT:
“INSPIRING FILM RECOMMENDATIONS FROM MOVIE LOVERS AROUND THE WORLD” Click here

UPDATED: SEE MOVIES THAT MOTIVATE A to Z
Check out your favourite movies listed alphabetical order: Click here 

Remember How Movies Can Help You: 
A) Entertain & Escape 
B) Re-energize & Release 
C) Insights, Epiphanies & AHA moments 

EMMANUEL’S FIRST BOOK AVAILABLE ON AMAZON KINDLE:
“Movies for Motivation: How To Stay Strong in Your Life & Career”
Read the Introduction and 1st Chapter now: Click here 



Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker & Resilience Expert
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience in Your Work & Life!
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2014

Tip#795: What Does Family Mean to You? Part 5 – This Is Where I Leave You

I’ve been feeling a bit of the winter blues as we enter the darker days of Autumn and the approaching winter. So I’ve been re-energizing my spirit by re-watching movies like Million Dollar Arm and Moneyball where I am getting great marketing tips as well as fantastic characters demonstrating amazing resilience. I also saw Hector and the Search for Happiness a 2nd time and am definitely in love with the movie! So many life lessons to embrace and lift anyone up!

There have been powerful synchronicities since my last post Tip#794 on The Good Lie as I was recommended to see another family/siblings based movie. The magical timing is that I had a personal breakthrough with family having mended a close relationship. Life definitely has a sense of humour with the timing of movies I see!

This is Where I Leave You (2014)

The comedy drama, This Is Where I Leave You, is about four siblings of the Altman family reuniting at their childhood home after their father dies. What unfolds are hilarious and touching scenes of love and conflicts between brothers and sisters dealing with mid-life challenges. Great performances by Jason Bateman, Tina Fey, Adam Driver, Corey Stoll, Jane Fonda and many more. See: movie trailer

It was amazing and fun to see how universal sibling behavior was in this film. Ultimately I was moved by the affection and support they eventually demonstrated for one another as adults. I was inspired to always apply this in every way I can with my own siblings. I highly recommend this funny and heartfelt film as a movie prescription for mending your own family situations!

Related Tips:
Tip#660: What Does Family Mean to You? Part 1 – Fast & Furious 6 
Tip#712: What Does Family Mean to You? Part 2 - Love Actually 
Tip#773: What Does Family Mean to You? Part 3 - Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
Tip#794: What Does Family Mean to You? Part 4 - The Good Lie
Tip#795: What Does Family Mean to You? Part 5 – This is Where I Leave You 
Tip#948: What Does Family Mean to You? Part 6 – The Jungle Book
Tip#995: What Does Family Mean to You? Part 7 - Captain Fantastic
Tip#1073: What Does Family Mean to You? Part 8 - Office Christmas Party 
Tip#1093: What Does Family Mean to You? Part 9 - Grandma 

SEE NEW SOCIAL MEDIA PROJECT:
“INSPIRING FILM RECOMMENDATIONS FROM MOVIE LOVERS AROUND THE WORLD” Click here

UPDATED: SEE MOVIES THAT MOTIVATE A to Z
Check out your favourite movies listed alphabetical order: Click here 

Remember How Movies Can Help You: 
A) Entertain & Escape 
B) Re-energize & Release 
C) Insights, Epiphanies & AHA moments 

EMMANUEL’S FIRST BOOK AVAILABLE ON AMAZON KINDLE:
“Movies for Motivation: How To Stay Strong in Your Life & Career”
Read the Introduction and 1st Chapter now: Click here 



Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker & Resilience Expert
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience in Your Work & Life!
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2014