The Writer’s Red Balloon
Greetings!
To all of the readers who are writers- this one is for you.
Love,
Dara
THE WRITER’S RED BALLOON
One of my favorite short films, THE RED BALLOON (fr. Le Ballon rouge, directed by Albert Lamorisse), was recently re-released in the United States and if you have Comcast cable, you might be able to catch it ON DEMAND. (Not to be confused with FLIGHT OF THE RED BALLOON (fr. Le Voyage du ballon rouge), currently showing in Indy theaters and directed by the visionary artist Hou Hsiao-hsien. Hailed as an adaptation of the original film, FOTRB is, in my opinion, a sharp departure from the original.)
For those of you not familiar with THE RED BALLOON, the story unfolds as little Pascal journeys to school and along the way comes across a red balloon caught up in a lamppost. From the very first scene of this classic, we get to know this boy as he lovingly bends down to pet a mewing, stray cat in the war-ravaged streets of Paris. We are not surprised when Pascal climbs the post to free the balloon.
Of its own accord, the red balloon begins to follow the boy through the streets of post World War II Paris and the magical adventure that unfolds is breath-taking as the two companions, boy and balloon, traverse the cityscape. As beautiful as ever, this masterpiece still speaks eloquently to the higher self, to our dreams, to love, to friendship, to hope, to imagination, and to the power of faith.
Not bad for a thirty-four minute film with barely any dialogue.
In the years since I’ve last seen THE RED BALLOON, I have become a professional writer. Writers often live (and die) by dialogue. Entranced by a different perspective this go-around, I began to view the film as an allegory for the writer.
After all, as writers, we all have our red balloons, don’t we?
That special idea. That wisp of a tale that teases us along the edges of cognition and won’t let go. . . That playful balloon, laughing, coercing– a companion that follows us everywhere. (If you are a writer, your red balloon continually taunts you to come out and play, giving you no peace until you give in and “do” it.)
All of the sweet stories that writers hold dear become as alive and vibrant to them as the red balloon does for Pascal.
In the film, the boy and the balloon visit a flea market, viewing odd items (although none could be as odd as the pair). The balloon floats in front of a gilded mirror as if posing and laughing at itself all at once. A few adults smile, or ignore them; but the surrounding children watch the pair with envy. Throughout the course of the film, these children will eventually become a mob.
When the balloon tries to follow Pascal into his classroom, the stiff-necked teacher firmly puts it outside, ignoring its wonders and impossible potential. To a writer, this scene is a clear allusion to establishment rejection. (The notion that if it is outside the box, it will be put outside.) The person who should be inspiring Pascal, is, instead, sadly doing his best to strip away any sense of wonder. His grandmother also refuses to let the balloon in her house, promptly tossing it outside as it tries to follow Pascal in. Clearly, no family support for Pascal’s dream, either.
On the street, the red balloon becomes attracted to a little girl’s balloon and for a while all four hit it off famously. (Another truism: it takes a writer to grok another writer.)
Eventually, the mob of children catches Pascal and his balloon. Like a confederacy of dunces, the miniature pundits beat the balloon to death before Pascal’s horrified eyes. Caveat scriptor. Let the writer beware.
But all is not lost.
Even as Pascal mourns the terrible treatment and death of his red balloon, hundreds of balloons from all over the city come to him, lovingly surround him, and in one of the most magnificent, soul-stirring scenes on film, lift him into the air and carry him off.
Oh, yes.
So to every writer struggling to hold on to a vision–
Remember Pascal and his red balloon.
June 18th, 2008 at 9:10 am
I remember watching the Red Balloon! And to think they did it without computers!
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Dara reply on June 18th, 2008:
I know; it is amazing. The original actually looked better!
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Brandy reply on June 23rd, 2008:
Agree, no one could beat the original.
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June 18th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
Dara, I love the Red Balloon! Thanks for the inspiration, I am writing my first manuscript and I’ve been feeling kind of stuck forever on one chapter. Pascal, come quickly!!!! LOL
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Dara reply on June 18th, 2008:
Joanne,
use the jpg as a screen-saver. Best of luck on your book.
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June 18th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
Great analogy and most inspiring for all writers. I enjoyed reading your interpretation very much!
all the best from Julie and Apollo the cat.
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June 18th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
I love that picture of the kid floating up in the air, very inspiring. Thanks for the great post, Dara!
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June 18th, 2008 at 5:41 pm
The original movie was simply amazing. Seen it years ago, and it struck me how much emotion could be shown without a word said. To care for something like a balloon seemed not likely, before watching this movie. After seeing it, makes one think what really is needed to create a bond with someone or something.
Lynne
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June 18th, 2008 at 9:02 pm
That was really inspiring, especially after the fact I get what I call the Writer’s Flood. I swear there are days where I get so many ideas I can’t write them down fast enough and others when my characters won’t shut up. I have no idea if I’ll ever be published but I always love a advice. I’ll post a link in my group so my friends can read this. And I’ll definitly have to see it. Heather
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Dara reply on June 18th, 2008:
Writer’s Flood- I love it! Thanks, Heather; you have a treat in store for you when you see it. Let us know how you like it?
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June 18th, 2008 at 10:50 pm
Saw this for the first time five years ago and fell in love. I didn’t know about the rerelease did they remaster it, Dara?
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Dara reply on June 18th, 2008:
They did remaster, but there have been some isolated gumblings on the quality of the dvd. I caught it on cable and thought it looked pretty clean.
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June 19th, 2008 at 5:22 pm
That was an exceptional post, Ms Joy. Kudos.
Craig Bronsky
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June 21st, 2008 at 5:07 pm
I needed to read that posting!I am stuck stuck stuck on my manuscript
Taking a deep breath and visualizing balloons… 
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June 22nd, 2008 at 11:53 am
What a wonderful movie. Studios do not make them like they used to.
Mary P.
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June 28th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
Watching the movie for the first time, I can see why so many love it. Subtle, but beautiful.
Casey
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August 2nd, 2008 at 11:25 pm
I am so happy your fight is over Dara! I anxiously await “you know who” story!
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August 2nd, 2008 at 11:26 pm
I love your books. I have all of them. I look forward to reading your next book. I hope the matrix of destiny is written again soon.
Loyal reader,
Jennifer
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August 2nd, 2008 at 11:26 pm
Dara,
I have enjoyed all of your Books,but have miss a couple.Will you have any of these release again?
I would love to add to my collection.
Thank you,
Patricia
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August 2nd, 2008 at 11:27 pm
Just read Mine To Take! I couldn’t put it down. Can’t believe I have never read you before. I certainly will be reading everything you have and will write.
Thanks,
Joanne
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August 2nd, 2008 at 11:27 pm
i would like to know when her matrix book will published…i have patiently waited for it for years.
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August 7th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
I love your books and I look forward to reading more of them. Thanks for the great reads!
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August 7th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
I was having problems with my computer and wasn’t able to read the Death by Ploot Ploot until yeaterday and I loved it all I can say is is that all there is I wanted more. Well when will there be another book in print or when will there be another one on the computer.
You know I have read some other books that are about space and romance, but I have not read any thing that to me comes close to Dara Joy. I will be ready to read when she is finished writing her next for print or for the computer. I love her work.
Judy
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August 16th, 2008 at 5:42 pm
I love Dara Joy!!! I’m waiting for Traed’s soul mate to appear. When will we have his story?
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August 16th, 2008 at 5:42 pm
i have fallen in love with your matrix of destiny books, knight of a trillion stars, rejar, and mine to talk. but i have so many questions of what happens to dariq and thraed. i have been unable to find any other books that go in this series.
but i would love to hear from you on any emails that you send out.
thank you,
mary
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August 16th, 2008 at 5:43 pm
What are the other titles that go along with your book’That Familiar Touch’? I found that book and am anxious to read more. Sharon
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August 16th, 2008 at 5:44 pm
Can’t wait for another series about the shape-shifter Kitties. That was by far the best series I have ever read and that is saying a mouth full from a lady that only reads Native American Romance Novels.Love Dara Joy;Keep them coming.
Vickie
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August 16th, 2008 at 5:46 pm
You know I have read some other books that are about space and romance, but I have not read any thing that to me comes close to Dara Joy. I will be ready to read when she is finished writing her next for print or for the computer. I love her work.
Judy
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August 22nd, 2008 at 12:11 am
Glad to see new things coming hope not only Traed’s story but more in Ritual of Proof’s world
alana
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August 22nd, 2008 at 12:11 am
I am so happy I could cry…cry because I am just now finding out about the good news. Aaaahhhhhgh!!!! I should have been paying more attention…but I had given up hope. I need to start the series all over again so that I can re-acquaint myself with my lost loved ones. What is the reading order again? Now, to quote one of your many fans ‘Waaaahoooooeeeee!!!!!!’
Tunya
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September 17th, 2008 at 6:07 pm
Any idea when some new books will be available. Everytime I hit the book store, I check under “Joy.” I can hardly wait.
Tavia
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September 18th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
Totally fell in love with your Matrix series and am anxiously awaiting any new books as they come out.
Annette
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September 28th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
i my name is Ayodele and I am a fan, I love your books, especially the matrix of destiny series. I have so many questions to ask you.
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September 28th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
Totally fell in love with your Matrix series and am anxiously awaiting any new books as they come out.
Annette
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September 28th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
Any idea when some new books will be available. Everytime I hit the book store, I check under “Joy.” I can hardly wait. Tavia
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September 30th, 2008 at 11:35 pm
I read the book on the computer. It was wonderful. I love Dara Joy,s books. She is a wonderful imaginative writer. Thank you for love stories that I can keep in my heart forever
Sincerely,
Joy
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Dara reply on October 21st, 2008:
Thanks Joy! (and to all the posters!)
BTW-love your name
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October 2nd, 2008 at 12:13 am
Have been a fan for years and can’t wait for MOD to continue.
Sue
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October 7th, 2008 at 11:11 pm
I have read all three of these books about Lorgin, rejar and gian ren I would like to know if there are books about lorgin and rejars father krue and if there is a book about their brother by blood traed. books are mine to take, knight of a trillion stars, and rejar. please let me know if there are books for I would love to here that traed also found happiness like his blood brothers and cousin.
Sincerely,
Amy
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Dara reply on October 21st, 2008:
Thanks, Amy. Yes, there will be more of the Matrix of Destiny series. The books THAT FAMILIAR TOUCH and DEATH BY PLOOT PLOOT are also stories that are in this realm. Hmmm, Traed does need some relief, doesn’t he?
Love, Dara
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October 15th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
I immediately devoured Death by Ploot Ploot and discovered I had been starving for one of my all time favorite writers. What a loss Dara Joy’s near decade long absence has been for us romance readers. Death by Ploot Ploot was a joyous reunion with beloved characters and I can’t wait for more.
Gayla
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Dara reply on October 21st, 2008:
Thanks, Gayla, that means a lot to me. I have been writing writing writing so stay tuned!!!
Love, Dara
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