Read a great quote on fatherhood the other day in the L.A. Times. It was near the tail-end of a fascinating interview with the freakishly-good Oscar-nominated actor, Michael Shannon (“Revolutionary Road”, “Boardwalk Empire”, etc.). Shannon was discussing his new role as a father to a young girl in the post-apocalyptic, “Take Shelter”, and mentioned how his real-life role as a father to a three-year-old girl prepared him for the challenges of the part.
On the subject of real-life fatherhood, Shannon had this to say: “You don’t understand until it actually happens. Your imagination can’t prepare you for what a powerful experience it is. It’s literally like a new nerve is inserted into your body and it runs straight into your heart, and it’s directly related to this other person.”
Wow, I don’t think I’ve ever heard it described so well. Especially the part about how your imagination “can’t prepare you for” it. That is seriously, the truest thing I’ve ever heard. Nothing can prepare you for this job, no movie, book, song or inspiring fireside chat with an elder can even begin to prepare you for what lies ahead.
Thanks for putting it so beautifully, Mr. Shannon. Can’t wait to see your new movie!
Stay-at-home-Yeti 