e-mail to a friend in needGetting over him in 8 songs or less
This Valentine’s Day, TOMORROW, PEOPLE, February 14th, at 7:30pm, HBO 2 will premier Debra J. Solomon’s animated short film Getting Over Him in 8 Songs or Less. The film chronicles the period in Solomon’s life just after her husband of 17 years — 17 years! — leaves her. Nearly paralyzed with loss and loneliness, she found herself writing songs. That process became this film: directed, written, sung, narrated, and generally made wonderful by Debra J. Solomon, of whom I am now a huge fan.
While I’m not going currently going through a rough breakup, I’ve been through some so cataclysmic and life-altering I probably still need therapy, and that’s just what Debra’s film gave me. Her songs aren’t so much steps to recovery as earnest expressions of all the painful questions, doubts, and disappointments that one experiences when someone they’ve built their life around suddenly walks away. Solomon doesn’t dwell on her own details, but we certainly feel like we get to know her — and root for her. Her songs are personal and poignant, but their universal themes will speak to any aching heart.
I would like to make a comment directly to Debra Solomon. Thank you so much for making this film. I was married for 26 years, then had a sudden inexplicable heart attack that allmost killed me. I suffered sever brain damage, and could no longer work at our family business. After my heart attack, my “Eric” just couldn’t handle the stress anymore, so he divorced me. Irononic, isn’t it?!
I was channel surfing when I glanced at “Getting over Him”, and I had to watch. What timing!
It’s probably my new favorite film! My daughter bought the video and gave it to me, and I made my X sit down and watch it with me. He said the film made him sad. Mission accomplished!
Your film reminded made me that he’s not going to come ringing my bell or beg me to come back, like in my dillusional dreams! It reminds me that it was not my fault, and that I probably will find love and trust again.
I have watched “Getting over Him” many times. It cheers me up when I’m feeling down, and your last song is my favorite ” There’s nothing the matter with me!’ I believe in that.
Your film is priceless, and I have told a dozen people about it.
Thank you so much.
Sincerely, Cheryl K
Comment by Cheryl — April 5, 2010 @ 7:17 pm