Ambitious

The Beautiful Mess of Ambition: More Than Just Climbing Ladders

Okay, so we're talking about ambition, huh? It’s a big one! And it’s so much more than just relentlessly chasing a corner office or a bigger paycheck. Think about it – ambition fuels artists, drives explorers, and even motivates us to bake the perfect sourdough loaf (seriously!). But film has always had a fascinating relationship with this drive; sometimes celebrating it, other times dissecting its potential pitfalls.

The word itself conjures up images of striving, reaching… but what happens when that reach becomes a struggle? Baby Boom, for example, is a delightful 80s romp, and while it’s undeniably funny – the fashion alone! – it also tackles a really interesting question: can you truly "have it all"? J.C. Wiatt's journey isn't just about proving she can be a successful lawyer and a mother; it's about redefining what success even means to her, and challenging the rigid expectations of a corporate world that wasn’t exactly built for women at the time. It reminds me a little bit of how we see female characters in shows like "Succession" today – complex, driven, often ruthless, but ultimately searching for something more than just power.

But ambition isn't always about career goals. A Promise, set against the backdrop of pre-WWI Germany, demonstrates how deeply personal ambitions—the desire for love and connection—can be crushed by larger historical forces. It’s a heartbreaking reminder that even the most carefully laid plans can be swept away by circumstances beyond our control. The film isn't about achieving something tangible; it's about clinging to hope and loyalty in the face of unimaginable loss, which is arguably an ambition in itself – the ambition to maintain one’s humanity.

Then you have films like When in Rome, which approaches ambition from a lighter angle. Beth’s initial “ambition” is simply to escape her predictable life, and she stumbles into this chaotic romantic situation through sheer chance. It's less about conquering something and more about opening yourself up to the possibility of something unexpected – a different kind of fulfillment. It's a playful reminder that sometimes, the most rewarding journeys aren’t planned at all.

Ultimately, I think what makes these films so compelling is their honesty. Ambition isn’t always pretty. It can lead to compromise, heartbreak, and even betrayal. But it also pushes us to grow, to challenge ourselves, and to redefine our own definitions of success. It's a messy, complicated emotion, and film – at its best – helps us understand that beautiful mess a little better.

What films come to your mind when you think about ambition? I’d love to hear them!