Winning

Last night I watched the NFB documentary Winning, written and directed by Catherine Annau. She presents the fascinating stories of six lottery winners, some of whom are newly rich, some of whom have had enough time to come to the end of their twenty-year payout period.

I've imagined many times what I'd do with a million dollars -- I would, of course, be the model of the responsible and caring millionaire and a six-figure bank account wouldn't change me one bit. It is tempting to judge the choices these winners have made, but I haven't been subjected to the whole other set of problems that comes with wealth. They are an eccentric bunch -- either before the money or perhaps because of it. Some become extravagantly wasteful with their money, others seem to clutch it more tightly; some seem to enjoy their newfound popularity, for others suspicion and isolation take hold; some fervently believe that God chose them to win (and that "if you pray hard enough, all this could be yours someday, too"), others are indifferent to the idea of divine influence, some even suspect the devil may have had a hand in their winning.

Both thoughtful and thought-provoking, the film provides a little more brain-fodder than Hollywood-generated summertime blockbusters. (Pardon my indulgence in a little cultural snobbery!) Admittedly, I am a biography nut, so this film may have extra appeal for me, but it most definitely is worth hunting down from the library or the National Film Board. I'd love to hear from you if you do watch it.