RACHEL SKOZA
Gargoyle staff reporter
Posted Thursday, Oct. 25, 2007

FOUR EYES, TWO mouths, eight sprawling legs … does it not sound like a monster?

It’s love! Two people in love. A couple, or people in a relationship … whatever words will describe numerous emotions and attachments two people can have toward each other.

I had never considered love as a monster before I watched "Four Eyed Monsters," an award- winning independent film produced by Susan Buice and Arin Crumley.

Can we become so consumed in a relationship that it becomes an ugly monster, always bursting out into arguments, in the midst of struggle, and not appreciative?

First off, I very strongly recommend "Four Eyed Monsters." It’s such a beautiful film, and I really enjoyed it. I loved how there was a meaningful collection of images that were used to make a statement, or exalt a specific emotion, instead of words. It’s so different from anything I’ve ever seen.

Watching this film, and finding out how the relationship of the couple unraveled, made me ponder the relationship I am in right now. It made me so much more appreciative of simple body language, gestures, and pretty much every way two people can communicate without using spoken words.

Can words corrupt? They are often used in the wrong way, at the wrong times. Some people talk so much that most of what they say isn’t important anymore. Possibly, by using too many words, other senses that project emotions are overlooked. Words are taken for granted all the time; if not chosen carefully, why speak them at all?

Of course, this film took into account many other aspects of a relationship, both good and bad. The main point I got from it, though, was communication within a relationship. So why is it called "Four Eyed Monsters"? In my opinion, this title was assigned for two reasons. People envy any good relationship they see if they aren’t in one themselves. Admit it, you singles out there, don’t you feel a little uncomfortable or disgusted around a couple who are all over each other?

Also, I thought the word “monster” was used to describe how confusing and hard a relationship can be. A relationship is really where two people intertwine with one another to create one unit, which coexists and relies on its two halves to hold it together. It has internal feuds that are difficult to overcome but impossible to result in a separation, because love is like super glue that nothing can break apart.

Relationships depend on a very sensitive balance of trust and appreciation. Both parties have the responsibility of upholding their end of the line. One problem I have found in many strong relationships is this: The two people are completely aware that they love each other, confessing it with true sincerity; thus, they think it's OK to not always do what is expected of them.

This is so annoying. Just because you have someone's love does not mean you shouldn't still go out of your way to let them know it. Because after all, isn't it also possible to fall out of love, too?

Watching this film allowed so many thoughts and emotions I never knew I had to come spewing forth — so many that I’ll still be trying to analyze for the next few days.

I know I’m young, but what I thought was love I can no longer define. I can only feel what I can’t seem to find the words to describe.

[Note: An earlier version of this column was published as an entry in the Gargoyle staff blog.]