After watching Tim Burton's version of the children's classic Alice in Wonderland by the lovely Lewis Carroll, I was delighted to be entertained by a film that was as engaging as it was deeply philosophical. The universal themes of our true identity and purpose, the question of waking up from the dream (of life) and the battle between good and evil (which ultimately reside in our heads) are as relevant today as they were when this gorgeous book was published way back in1865!
I was especially moved by the scenes where Alice finds herself either TOO TALL or TOO SMALL..never being the appropriate size until she is finally ready to take on her role as the champion destined to put an end to the evil Big Headed Queen wrecking havoc across the land! The scene with the vulnerable and high spirited Mad Hatter at the Tea Party was hilarious. The incessant chattering that cannot be stopped once it has been unleashed is a perfect reflection of our own inner mental noises..that feeling that you are going completely insane! It does take a little shaking up before the Mad Hatter is relatively brought under control for the time being. The completely ludicrous Queen and her knight in not-so-shining armour are perfect examples of our own irrational ego-based personality which is only driven by insecurity and further failing to realise the superficial and unreal elements that surround it. The delusion of grandeur and persecution is a constant backdrop to her every move and impulse. As she hollers,"Off with his head" at every intolerable insult imagined, it is the sheer darkness of her intentions that reign superior. Is it any surprise that at the end of the dream, when the Jabberwock is finally overcome the Big Headed Queen along with her unsuitable Knight is banished away forever..without a friend or owed any kindness whatsoever.
The line that Alice keeps repeating in the movie is," This is my dream and I will decide how it will end" is such a powerful affirmation, touching on the foundation of free will and the realisation of our own power to create our reality just the way we choose. From the world we want to inhabit to the characters and events we want to include in our canvas of Life.
Finally when one awakens from this deep sleep of unconsciousness and isolation, one is now ready to enter one's WONDERLAND. Go on and find yours!!
