I wouldn’t say this movie sits at the peak of my cinematic Mt. Rushmore, but it will always have a special place in my heart. Back in 2000, David Mamet wrote and directed a quirky little gem called State and Main. The story follows a small town in Vermont that gets completely upended by a Hollywood film crew shooting a movie titled The Old Mill.
The running joke is that the crew had to abandon their previous location because, well, the mill actually burned down.
Beyond Mamet’s sharp writing and direction, what makes State and Main memorable is its all-star ensemble cast. We’re talking about heavyweights like William H. Macy, Sarah Jessica Parker, Alec Baldwin, and Felicity Huffman.
Side note — am I wrong, or is Sarah Jessica Parker the only one of that group who hasn’t been involved in some scandal?
But let me get to my favorite part of the film: the dearly departed Philip Seymour Hoffman. He plays Joseph Turner White, a shy and socially awkward novelist-turned-screenwriter. His portrayal is vulnerable, honest, and completely relatable. In the movie, the only person who brings out White’s true self is Rebecca Pidgeon’s character, and their dynamic is understated but powerful.
As I’m reflecting on this, I can’t help but think of a scene in my current novel that echoes their relationship. I seriously cannot wait to share this book with you!
But back to State and Main.
William H. Macy’s character is the film’s director, and there’s a moment where he pushes Joseph Turner White (Hoffman’s character) to do something totally out of character — something White feels violates his integrity. He starts to question himself, wondering if he’s being forced to lie.
And then comes the line that cuts through the tension, a line that has stuck with me ever since. Macy’s character grabs him by the shoulders and says, “Listen! It’s not a lie. It’s a gift for fiction.”
I need to rewatch that movie. Seriously, I need to find it streaming somewhere.
Lately, I’ve been identifying with Joseph Turner White on a profound level. I’m standing at the edge of one of the biggest mindset shifts I’ve ever attempted — and honestly, I’m clueless about how to make it happen.
I’ve been dreading going back to work next week because I feel like it’s going to destroy all the momentum I’ve built with Royal Hearts Media. In my head, I’m convinced I can’t juggle both the new job and the forward motion I’ve got with my business.
And look, I’ve got big dreams for this business. I’ve had conversations this summer with people I’d love to eventually bring onto my team. But the cold, hard truth is, a business isn’t a business without revenue, and right now, I need an income.
It’s the same story in other areas of my life too. Have I had successful romantic relationships? Nope. Many of my closest friends are women, but I’ve been single longer than I’d care to admit. I’ve dated some incredible women, but when it comes to relationships, it’s been a barren desert.
But here’s the thing — I know I can create the partnership and companionship I want. I just haven’t been good at it yet.
There was a time I didn’t think I could ever write a novel in third person. Yet, here I am, writing my current book in third person, and it’s easily the best work I’ve done in my entire career.
So far.
My point is, I’ve been so afraid of lying to myself — and to the people I care about — that I sometimes forget that I’m the one holding the pen. This is my story and my pen!
Have I ever been held hostage in a Middle Eastern war zone? No.
Have I ever hosted a late-night talk show? No.
Am I a jazz and soul keyboard prodigy? Absolutely not.
But I’ve taken readers into those worlds and so many others. And the truth is, I’m damn good at it — and getting better every day.
So, what’s stopping me from living the life I dream of — the one with a thriving business, fulfilling relationships, and books that change the world?
Just because I haven’t done it yet doesn’t mean I can’t. It just means I haven’t done it yet.
It’s not a lie. It’s a gift for fiction.
