A movie is more than just moving pictures on a screen; in many cases it’s an emotional journey that we, the audience, embark on together and the experience often sticks with us. For Margaret Malandruccolo watching UP with her son and father bonded them together and she wanted to find a way to celebrate that story. She chose photography and managed to grow our hearts at least five sizes without any words at all. Take a look:
Elliott Roman Malandruccolo Nussbaum, Ellie the Dog
We were able to talk to Margaret about her inspiration and why she embarked on the project:
“When my son was two years old, he was obsessed with balloons, so it only seemed fitting to show him the movie UP — he was instantly hooked. He would stare in wonder as the balloons first lifted the house, while I would still be drying my eyes from the bittersweet prologue. From the breathtaking visuals to the heartwarming story, we both found something to appreciate with every repeat viewing (and there were many).
I immediately identified with Carl and Ellie Fredericksen, since my parents are elderly and forty years my senior. I am an only child, and my mother has been chronically ill for decades, so the thought of my father losing my mother has been a bitter reality for much of my life.
Like Carl, my father is fearless and has always instilled in me a love for travel and adventure. And when my son was three years old, a good friend pointed out to me that my father is the spitting image of Carl Fredericksen. The thick grey hair, the stocky build, the glasses, even the sometimes cranky demeanor, the resemblance is uncanny. With my son approaching Russell’s age, the project started to take shape and needed to be done.
The movie UP will always hold a special place in my heart, and photographing my son and father in these roles means a lot to me. This photo will always make me smile and reminds me that the most important things in life are often SQUIRREL!!!”
Adventure is truly out there, everyone. Thanks to Margaret for sharing her work and story with us!
