Joe Versus The Volcano

Away from the things of man.

I have been reading "Atlas Shrugged" by Ayn Rand. As I read this book with it’s pervasive atmosphere of hopelessness and futility, "Joe Versus the Volcano" keeps entering my thoughts. Specific elements are mirrored.
Sometimes I feel like a Joe Btfsplk , not the jinx part, but just unable to shake that relentless cloud. So naturally I identify with the Tom Hanks character: Joe Banks; Joe with his terminal “brain cloud”, not sick except for the symptoms.



Michael and Kathleen, 1951

Joe works for American Panascope, a subsidiary of ACHI.. Within it’s filthy, deteriorating walls “a new generation of surgical tools” are manufactured. Except for the stains and grime on those factory walls there would be no color. Joe seems to work in the rectal probe division where a continuously updated count of “satisfied costumers” is displayed above the factory floor. They also manufacture petroleum jelly as a side line. Hmm. You listen to “Sixteen Tons” as joe trudges with his fellow employees into this building. The music in this movie is not just background but compliments, adds another element.

From the bluntly obvious to things more subtle, this movie is rich with recurring elements of color, contrast, clothes, light, lightening, music; well it’s “like a box of chocolates”... Sorry Tom.
The plot briefly:
A Dr. tells Joe he has a terminal brain cloud. Believing his “days are numbered” Joe agrees to travel to an island that has an active volcano. In exchange he can go out in style: “Live like a king, die like a man” He is to be transported to that island by Patricia, the daughter of his employer. They spend some time together, weather a storm. Then, under a surreal moon, they suffer a sea change. Meg Ryan as Patricia was courageous, honorable, and direct without being vindictive. She has the character traits you might think of if you had to answer that old question: if you were marooned on a deserted island, who would you want as a companion?
The movie also suggests an answer to the related questions of what to bring to that island: good luggage!! the best you can afford. We are the sum total of our luggage, right?
And what books to bring? The movie answers that too: “Robinson Crusoe”, “Romeo and Juliet” and “The Odyssey”... Fun to ponder reasons to choose those particular books.

If you have ever been told “you are not paid to think” or wondered how many more ways you will have to learn to take it; you might enjoy this movie.