The Way We Were
Originally published on social media on July 21st, 2024
I love Babs, and I’ve seen many of her films. I always wished I was a Yentl, but realistically I’m much more of a Katie. After all, we both are ambitious, have a variety of interests and skill sets, were well known but not popular in college, and can perhaps be a little too bold sometimes. Just as Katie shows, those can all be good qualities but can have their consequences too if untamed. I am my own person and don’t project some sort of weird image on my life that I am Katie, but I will say that “The Way We Were” is another example of a film that is a part of me.
It’s funny — like this isn’t the world’s best story, but there’s something about it that’s always stuck with me…it’s not just the sight of Robert Redford in that infamous sweater. Perhaps one of the things I love about it is the idea of how realistically complicated the relationship is, while also being a fantasy come true. As I said earlier, I relate to Katie and had a crush on a sort of Hubbell myself during college. We even shared a moment since where he jogged by me (also in a light grey sweat suit like Redford did) and we had a brief friendly exchange. Thankfully I didn’t call him a fascist under my breath afterwards like Katie did. The fact that to this day I still remember that moment and think of this movie is a sign of A). Just how weird I am B). How this film is a part of me.
Here’s where I hope I can learn from Katie: I think she always had a sense of insecurity about being with Hubbell…like she could never measure up because she wasn’t “popular enough” or “good enough for him.” I hate the lies we tell ourselves, and I hate the fact that whenever I think of the Hubbell I knew I still feel like I wouldn’t be good enough for him. WHY?! Qualifications do not belong in romance, yet how do they sneak their way in there? There are so many questions I don’t have the answers to, but you know, Katie would understand. KKKKATIE BE MY CCCCOMRADE.
I hope you watch “The Way We Were” because if for no other reasons A). I recommend it B). It’s a good movie and C). It’s Babs and Redford…does it get better?