The Greatest Life Lesson We Can All Learn from "Funny Girl"
Start writing a post
Entertainment

The Greatest Life Lesson We Can All Learn from 'Funny Girl'

In honor of the 50th anniversary of the 1968 dramedy musical starring Barbara Streisand, as the incomparable Fanny Brice, here is the biggest life lesson we can all take away from the film.

578
The Greatest Life Lesson We Can All Learn from 'Funny Girl'
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Peck_Streisand_1969.jpg

Fifty years ago the dramedy musical starring Barbara Streisand as Fanny Brice, the supposedly "not" pretty but immensely talented and funny girl, was released. Some may have seen the actual film or a Broadway play rendition or know about it due to Rachel from "Glee" (yes, a major blast from the past) and her deep admiration for both the Babs and Fanny Brice herself. Well, whether you have seen, heard of, never watched, or want to watch this great film there is one major life lesson we can all learn from Fanny Brice herself.

For context, I am just going to give a little background on the musical so if you haven't seen it you are not completely and utterly lost and confused. Yes, a major plot of this musical is a (surprise!) love story between Fanny and a suave, troubled businessman Nick Arnstein. However, as much as I am a true sucker for romance and all that jazz, I really want to focus on the parts of the musical when Fanny finds strength from herself without a man. Chant with me sisters!

Anyway, before meeting the handsome, yet dubious businessman Fanny is just a young, starry-eyed bit player on the New York City vaudeville stage (sorry this play starts right before World War I) which is basically a small show with comedic acts that have nothing to do with each other placed together. Getting back to the main point, through her hard work, talent, and relentless dedication Fanny works herself up to stardom on Broadway by impressing the renowned Florenz Ziegfeld. She thrives. Difficult decisions, heartache, pain, amazing singing, more pain, more difficult decisions, love, loss, and the whole shebang follow. If you are not enthralled yet I do not know what will capture your attention.

By now, you're are probably wondering why I haven't stated what said piece of advice is. And if you calm down and keep reading for just a little bit longer, I will get to it. I like to build suspense, what can I say. But, more than anything I feel like this one piece of advice needs a building up to, a few words spoken beforehand so it isn't just tossed aside and labeled as cheesy, cliched, and overstated. This is a life lesson I think we all need reminding of from time to time, no matter what walk of life or job you want or type of existence you want to lead. Fanny Brice, more than anything, teaches the greatest life lesson to never give up on your dreams.

OKAY, I know I just stated how I didn't want the advice to be classified as cheesy and cliched, but it really does sound like that. It's something we've all seen written on a motivational poster pasted on the walls of our fifth grade classroom with an astronaut giving a thumbs-up as he heads into space. However, it is something I think we all need reminding of, especially in the tender years of college when it seems everyone else around you knows exactly what their dreams are and how to achieve them.

It is so easy to get lost in feelings of doubt and pity; however, as Fanny Brice faces rejection after rejection and never gives up one cannot help but draw inner-strength from seeing this courageous woman never for a moment doubt her dreams. She may at times doubt the actions and decisions of those around her (namely, the decision to not hire her) but she never doubts her own abilities and talents. To quote an amazing musical number from the musical "I'm the greatest star, I am by far! But no one knows it!" So, the next time you doubt yourself, stop and think about what could have not been for Fanny had she given up on her dreams and what could not be for you.

Fanny gives it to us simple and up-front, she doesn't think she's pretty but she doesn't care. In fact, she lets her mother and her mother's goofy friends sing a whole song called "If A Girl Isn't Pretty", aimed unashamedly at her, right after she sings about being the greatest star. She just brushes them off, cuts into their songs with her own fierce feedback asking "Is a nose with deviation such a crime against the nation?" and gets back to doing her thing. A true inspiration. She is not going to let anyone or anything bring her down. Go Fanny!

The true testament to Fanny reminding us to never give up on our dream comes and she struts through a pre-war train station in fine, dazzling, and grand clothes singing, nay belting, "Don't Rain On My Parade." Fanny announces she's going to live and she's going to live now. And that is exactly what she does. Follows her dreams and follows her heart without great, without doubt. And that is something we can all draw strength from and something we should all remind ourselves to do a little more often.

If you haven't already seen "Funny Girl", I couldn't recommend it any higher than I already have. Happy 50th anniversary to a film that brings to life one of the boldest female characters of the mid-20th century. And thank you to the incomparable Barbara Streisand for giving a voice to a great women and story.

Related Articles Around the Web
Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

71052
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132620
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments