Carter Chambers’ (played Morgan Freeman) modified quote from a letter written to his dear friend Edward Cole (played by Jack Nicholson) in the film The Bucket List
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Warning: spoilers ahead
The above quote was modified from its original script and while poignant in its updated construction, it pales to translate its true significance which can be experienced in its intended magnitude during what could be this film’s greatest moment. The Bucket List was surprising in not what the actors did from an acting point of view, but rather how the message was presented and evolved.
Yes, one could argue that it may be trite to see yet another “come-to-term” story, that it has been done already. But it is here where Freeman and Nicholson shine; they make it feel genuine. Their story becomes believable, their journey could be your journey, or that of a loved one. The movie, sad maybe in its ending, truly inspires you to find the joy in our lives. That it is indeed precious and short lived.
What I appreciated about The Bucket List, was not the list itself (which the trailer emphasized quite bit) but rather the result sof the list; two individuals, opposite in everything except in illness and a desire to reach fulfillment, end achieving a sense of peace with their humanity. For one that peace is based and influenced by faith and for the other is not. In the end however, they both end up in equal coffee tin cans, equally as ashes, one after the other, both reaching the end of their journeys and both witnessing something truly majestic.
The original dialogue:
“[Carter Chambers in his letter to Edward:] Dear Edward, I’ve gone back and forth the last few days trying to decide whether or not I should even write this. In the end, I realized I would regret it if I didn’t, so here it goes. I know the last time we saw each other, we weren’t exactly hitting the sweetest notes-certain wasn’t the way I wanted the trip to end. I suppose I’m responsible and for that, I’m sorry. But in all honestly, if I had the chance, I’d do it again. Virginia said I left a stranger and came back a husband; I owe that to you. There’s no way I can repay you for all you’ve done for me, so rather than try, I’m just going to ask you to do something else for me-find the joy in your life. You once said you’re not everyone. Well, that’s true-you’re certainly not everyone, but everyone is everyone. My pastor always says our lives are streams flowing into the same river towards whatever heaven lies in the mist beyond the falls. Find the joy in your life, Edward. My dear friend, close your eyes and let the waters take you home. ”
