THE BIG NIGHT

 

THREE STARS – Thought-provoking

 

 

       Men often define their worth by their work.  Unlike women who most often define their worth by their relationships, men tend to see themselves as persons whose value is calculated by their financial worth or professional position.

       There are many pitfalls to such a superficial evaluation.   Not only does it limit the vision most men have of themselves and their existence, it is dangerously vulnerable to both business failure and sacrificing integrity.   This fact is dramatically clear as both threats menace the lives of two brothers in the film “The Big Night.”

       Set within the 1950’s in New Jersey, the story revolves around two brothers who immigrated from Italy.  The older brother, Primo, is a master chef.  Primo’s ability to create a feast into an elegant work of art is masterful and rare.  The younger brother, Secondo, is his ambitious business partner in a small Italian restaurant.

       Having been here for two years, and being faced with foreclosure on their business loan, the younger brother decides to bank their future on one big night in which a celebrity comes to a special dinner.  The plan is that this celebrity will then spread the word about their excellent food and the media will hype their restaurant.

       Using every connection and the last of their money, Secondo manipulates his brother and the evening.  Although we won’t spoil the film by telling the outcome of the night, the theme is an intriguing one.

       Most men when asked, “Who are you?”, will answer the question by saying, “I am a chef, restaurateur, businessman, teacher, engineer, lawyer, pastor, doctor,” or whatever describes his work.  But if a man’s personhood is defined by his business or profession and both are failing, then who is he?  Is he, himself, a failure?  Has his value as a human being decreased?

       In a corollary problem, if a man’s profession is his definition, then can he sacrifice professional and personal standards when the public is not buying his services?  Is he required to sell his soul in order to make a living selling his services?

       In a wonderful scene with which every person who takes pride in their work can identify, Primo has created a special dish which is his trademark.  As most people experience when they put out their work for public consumption, it is not just his cuisine which is on the line but his very soul as well.

         So when this special dish is ordered by a rather provincial and complaining couple, their summary rejection of its unique presentation is irritatingly painful.   But what is Primo to do, stick to his creative and professional standards, or modify his work to suit a public whose tastes are narrow and unimaginative?   And if he keeps to his professional integrity, yet no one buys his creations, then how will he live?

       The solution that Secondo suggests is that they become businessmen who, as the owner of a nearby successful restaurant explains, are “People who do whatever it takes.” 

       Implying that the public’s tastes must define Primo’s creations, the struggle then reaches deep into Primo’s soul.  In a climactic struggle with Secondo he explains that he would rather die himself than let his work die.

       This is the spiritual struggle.  If we allow ourselves to be purchased by the economic system of our businesses or professions, then we become commodities to be acquired by a demanding public.  On the other hand, can we use our talents to meet the needs of the public in a way which elevates their appreciation?

       Purposeful work means far more to the human soul than economic security.  It involves our being true to a greater calling in our lives and a transcendent purpose.   Such purpose causes a person to find a life project which will not only fulfill the soul but enhance the lives of others as well.

       As we experience the ability of Primo to create an evening which will never be forgotten by either the guests at his feast or us as his audience, we begin to get in touch with the value of such creations.

       The Bible tells us we are all created with unique gifts to be used to benefit each other.  These gifts are the abilities to do work of  lasting significance that transcends the temporal systems of commerce.  Until we find that work for which we are specially suited, and do it with all our hearts, we will forever be prisoners of unsatisfied lives.

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