There is power in art, and no one knows that better than the people who make it. On Saturday, Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn posted a moving Facebook message as a reminder to himself and the fans of his movie franchise about a ragtag group of space heroes that you are never alone. The director revealed that during his young adulthood, he had trouble connecting with other people, and even thought about taking his own life. It was through music, books, and film that he began to see how much beauty was in the world.
Gunn wrote on Facebook,
"In the strongest moments — maybe through the words of Alice Cooper or Freddie Mercury, through Cronenberg films, or even in Chewbacca's growl, I experienced something deeper — the realization that I wasn't completely alone. Someone out there was as weird and strange and whacked out as I was."
He went on to say that while Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2 is doing amazing at the box office, creating the world where Star Lord, Groot, and Rocket reside is about so much more than money for him. Gunn is all too aware that art can save a person's life. It saved his, and he hopes that the Guardians will make fans feel less alone, less weird, and way more loved.
It's hard not to tear up as Gunn describes the sheer emotion of knowing the characters he brought to life on the big screen could have an impact on people around the world. The director even touched on the divisive language of politicians who may try to convince people they should be at odds. Gunn just wants Guardians of the Galaxy fans around the world to come together.
The Guardians are nothing if not a disparate group, but they made a family together. It's a beautiful message for a superhero movie to have at its core, and Gunn shared with fans why they should embrace the feeling of seeing themselves reflected back in the characters. He wrote,
"They're a group of heartbroken misfits whose lives have been bereft of tenderness and connection and who have a nearly impossible time trusting themselves or others. But they're learning, one step at a time.
They are me. They are you. We are Groot."
It's OK if you're crying. I suspect there are plenty of other Guardians fans crying right along with you.
