Peaceful Pleasantness: The Philosophy of "Harvey"

Years ago, in the Freshman year of my failed attempt at college, one of the best friends of my life, Pete Riley, introduced me to a movie that I have made a point to watch at least once a year, ever since. That movie is Harvey, starring James Stewart.

Throughout this piece are sections that are identified as (***Spoiler!!!*** and end with *******). If you plan to watch the movie, and don't want any major spoilers, then skip these sections.

At first I was skeptical. 'Black-and-White' movies weren't exactly what I was in to. At that time of my life, I was the Japanese Animation nerd you've heard so much about. Indeed -- at that exact moment -- American entertainment of any kind was suspect to me...much less old American entertainment.

But I consented. And (if I my wax poetic a moment), like all of the old Black-and-White classics (which I have come to love dearly), it has a magical effect. It casts a net that snares by the end of the first act, and continues to draw you closer and closer as the film progresses. The emphasis on faces and facial expressions allow one to connect to the characters in a far more 'organic' fashion. The light in their eyes, the cracks in their skin, the furrows of their brow. All of these things seem so much more present in the older films, and they are so critical to human interaction that I cannot help but wonder how they came to fall so far by the wayside.

The movie Harvey is the motion picture-rendition of a Pulitzer-Prize winning play by Mary Chase, who also wrote the screenplay. Virtually every member of the cast, and most of the crew as well, had just finished a Broadway run of the play, and so were very familiar with the story. The result is one of the most amazing, humorous, peaceful, and insightful bits of film I have ever had the pleasure to enjoy. Every time after, I am left with a glow that lasts for days.

I just watched it tonight, so I am still feeling that glow as I type. =)

It makes me want to strive that much harder to be a better human...and through the telling of the most endearing of tales.

Elwood P. Dowd, the protagonist, is...well, how to describe Elwood? He is the epitome of what I am pretty sure a fully self-actualized person would look like from the outside. Elwood P. Dowd is exactly what I want to be when I "grow up" =) (and which certain recent events informed me I was still farther away from than I would like =(, hence the watching of the movie as a reminder).

Pleasant and friendly to all he meets. Completely at the service of every individual that crosses his path. Lost, totally, in the moment unfolding before him.

To quote him from the movie:

"I always have a wonderful time; wherever I am, whomever I'm with. Why, I'm having a fine time right now, here, with you...."

....And yet, ever true to himself and his conception of Truth. Never giving an inch on what he sees to be true, however willing he is to be always there for others.

Elwood has an interesting quirk. He has an invisible friend, named Harvey, who is a bi-pedal rabbit that stands 6 1/4ft tall. This friend is very nearly ever present, and the most beloved thing in all of Elwood's life -- other than his sister.

Harvey is his most constant companion and friend, and Elwood tries to introduce him to everyone he meets.

To me, Harvey is symbolic of a deeper perception of reality. An understanding of underlying truth that allows one to see the beauty in every moment, and desire to be close to every individual. Elwood takes this level of perception with him into virtually every situtation. The only times he makes decisions that are questionable are when he himself cannot find Harvey.

(***Spoiler!!!***

This generally turns out to be exactly as Harvey planned it, however, and the frisky bunny was always working behind the scenes to ensure everything came out for the best.

*******)

Some people are immediately charmed by Elwood's pleasantness and easy-going nature, and accepting of his eccentricities due to his pleasant and inclusive attitude. Others are suddenly terrified by his unexplainable behavior. Those who cannot accept him he smiles at warmly, greets as a friend, and does whatever he can for. He is aware not everyone can see his pal, and is unperturbed; to again quote him:

"Well my dear, some people are blind. That is very often brought to my attention."

But he doesn't let that stand between him and seeking their friendship, trying always to help them, and loving them for everything they are.

Elwood is a barfly, and Harvey his drinking buddy. They go to various saloons, pubs, and bars day after day, night after night, and socialize.

"We enter as strangers. Soon, we have friends. Harvey and I, we warm ourselves on these moments."

As happens with humans, especially when alchohol is involved, they began to converse.

"And they tell me the big, terrible things they've done; and the big, wonderful things they'll do...all very large, you see, because no one ever brings anything small into a bar."

And then, after listening, Elwood shares his own story.

"And then I introduce them to Harvey. And he's bigger and grander than anything they've given me. And when they leave, they leave impressed. The same people seldom come back, and well...that's envy. There's a bit of envy in the best of us, I suppose...and that's too bad."

(***Spoiler!!!***

But Elwood doesn't let that keep him down. In the midst of all of the chaotic scenes throughout the movie, Elwood maintains his calm demeanor, save one: when his sister asks him, point-blank, to give up the rabbit, and accept psychiatric treatment.

And, in that moment, an encounter with a stranger reminds her of what kind of man her brother is, and that his unique personableness is inextrictably interwoven with his ability to see the Hare. She decides she would rather have him as he is, with Harvey, than as a 'perfectly normal human being'.

*******)

The philosophy is, obviously, best summed up by Elwood himself, when he is asked -- after having revealed to him the machinations of other characters in the plot -- why he doesn't feel any 'righteous indignation' over everything that has occurred.

The venerable Dowd replies joyfully, and with warmth and friendship in his voice:

"Oh, no. Oh, no. You see, my mother always used to say, "Elwood," ...she always called me Elwood... "Elwood, in this world, you can be Oh, so Smart -- or Oh, so Pleasant." Well, for years I was smart -- I recommend pleasant. And you may quote me."

Or, as my friend Pete put it: We can't ever know for certain virtually anything about our life and our world, much less the life and world of others; or the world that perhaps comes after. We may have certain ideas, and those ideas may even be true...but we can never know for absolutely certain.

So, in the face of that Eternal Question...can't we at least be nice about it?