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An Ode to Jimmy Stewart

In those quiet moments on the subway where we tend to hangout in our heads a little too much, I’ve been existentially diving into the significance of human empathy. Seems like a lot. But, the ability to act on and display empathy can be a rare, precious gift.

My context for this has been those unavoidable observations made in the modern workplace. An atmosphere where the computer is worshipped, and data spreadsheets speak more to one’s character than what lies beneath his or her heart. Heavy thoughts, but with a question; is there room for a smile?

If and when I am ever faced with those moments of gloominess, my mind always wanders fondly to, specifically, Jimmy Stewart — playing any character. Who else but he better showcases the warmth of kindness of our human heart?

A fan of the Capra-esque and all tales delightful of the black-and-white kind, I feel

these stories do a little more than entertain. I discover time and time again that when reality plays out sans empathy, reminders of humanity’s simple expression of warmth and heart still exist in great classic film. The hero, you might say, who crowns this category is Stewart.

I think of him hauling around that huge suitcase and he waves high to friends across the street in Bedford Falls. A minor scene, but this small gesture displays his sheer eagerness and gratitude for hi soon-to-be embarkment on his dream voyage (that never becomes). The bittersweet pain of hopes never reached; we see it all over his face. How sad. How beautiful.

To no surprise, the young actress Annie Murphy, of Schitt’s Creek, also recently gave a nod to that positively infectious charm of Stewart. I mean, who doesn’t love this man?Back to 2020 — On a regular Tuesday evening (post-subway-trip) I opened up a Criterion Channel tab and saw “The Shop Around the Corner,” which I was magnetically drawn to. In all of those soft-lit early workplace comedies of earnest employee hoping to do right by boss — this one had me simply smiling. Stewart, leading man and official Hollywood gem of the 20th century by this time, contributing to too many moments of joy.

The dialogue, the comedy, the candor — you simply want the best for this character. Maybe I just love an underdog, but who wouldn’t? Stewart’s ability to charm any scrooge with pure, genuine curiosity is palpable until the last scene fades. His connections are honest; the empathy, true.

Also please tell me we haven’t forgotten about that one time he read a poem about his dog Beau for Johnny Carson.

So, this brings me to the larger question of how one actor can wear his heart on his sleeve with such sincerity. My overall thesis is that; it’s hardly a performance at all.

Whichever it may be, I’ll never know. I’m just happy this man and his characters exist. And that, via our endless movie streaming platforms, anyone has access to uncover these hidden gems. So much to discover.

Regardless of where technology takes us, how many processes it can automate for us, nothing can replace empathy — the most essential human expression. This is the goal of cinema in my experience. Tell a story with heart, share it, make it true, and you may touch lives across time and place.