by Annette Basile
Worth: $13.50
FilmInk rates movies out of $20 — the score indicates the amount we believe a ticket to the movie to be worth
Cast:
Tim Elwin, Bryce Hastings, Felice Jacka, Tom Nash
Intro:
… fun, upbeat ...
“Happiness is a shifty little sucker … yet, I think I found it. But it was right on death’s door, which, unfortunately, I’ve been too many times. And it’s a journey I don’t wish upon anyone. So I thought I’d go and see if there was an easier path for you to take.”
And so begins The Definition of Happiness, written, directed and presented by Tim Elwin, a self-described “privileged middle-aged white guy from sunny Australia.” He acknowledges that the audience may wonder “what the hell does he know about adversity, but it turns out that he’s faced major health battles.
This doco isn’t so much about Elwin, it’s about providing tools that deliver a better state of mind. Most of the interviews here are with psychologists, but the stand-out interview is with Tom Nash, a DJ, author and speaker who lost all his limbs to a meningococcal infection. Tom’s humour and attitude are an inspiration, as he talks about savouring every moment of life.
Gabriel Oettigen, a Professor of Psychology, is the wisest of the psychologists that Elwin speaks with. She discusses the WOOP formula (Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, Plan), a useful strategy that can be applied to anything, she says.
Much of what’s covered here is fairly standard happiness stuff – exercise, self-compassion and social connection. There’s quite a bit of talk about spending time in and near the ocean, a little bit about music as a cheap, easy mood enhancer, as well as nutrition.
Viewers should walk away from this with something to hang on to that will make life better. And the fun, upbeat ending will leave you feeling, well, pretty happy.
