nostalgia

Film, in a sense, is a form of magic. It has the power to transport us to new destinations, different time periods, and various situations—all from our seats. It’s no wonder that as humans we want a little more of this magic in our lives, so we travel to locations appearing in our favorite films. But what is the motivation behind the desire to travel to these places?

Leah Barton and her family bask in the sun near their white minivan. (Leah Barton)My husband, Jeff, and I recently had to get rid of our 1998 Toyota minivan. While driving away from the dealership in a newer Corolla, our hearts wrenched a little as our burgundy van disappeared from sight. I put a comforting hand on Jeff’s arm as he reminisced about the adventures he and his friends had had with that minivan during their high school years. I thought fondly of its cracked windshield and taped-together taillight, just a few of the flaws that seemed more like lovable quirks as we drove further away.