Change and Rollin Josh Brolin

Change. A new president. A first. The first black president in American history. As President Obama alluded to in his inauguration speech, his father (and him) would not have been served at many restaurants as little as 60 years ago because of their skin color. I lived in South Africa ten years ago, not that far removed from apartheid. Change came swiftly and quick, but after so long it was past due. A Pepsi commercial that ran repeatedly during the inauguration showcased The Berlin Wall coming down with a sledgehammer wielded by a youth ready, bursting with the energy of a bright new day. There is a certain force that creates the engine necessary for sweeping change to happen. Often times it's a perfect storm and more often than not the storm comes from the power of people, a critical mass that moves the needle past the breaking point.


Josh Brolin and Haitian women being photographed by Michael Stahl David

I have a nickname for Josh Brolin. Rollin Brolin. He lives it. Life. Full on. Even when I saw him relaxing it was like the guy was moving. And all while in Haiti he moved. I came off the plane, was dropped off at the hospital and right into the back of a Tap Tap off to Cite Soliel. Jimmy, Josh, Paul Haggis, Dianne Lane, Maria Bello and Bryan Mooser were in the back. "Welcome", "hey", "you ready for this"...so many open greetings. And off we went, Jimmy and Josh hanging off the back. Josh took it further. One leg hanging, rocks popping from tires, dust in face, dusk settling in, I couldn't have written a better narrative.


Jimmy Jean Louis, Josh Brolin

And when we landed off he went, straight into the waiting and anxious crowd of children. And there was embracing and love and smiles and joy.



That was everyone, but he was the first, off like a rocket. That was Josh the entire trip. Full throttle. Stories, and discovery and fun and lows and highs, it all resonated and registered easily by watching Rollin. Why do roles that range from cowboy, to sadistic megalomaniac, to two time loser, to President, to internally tortured politician ( not the same role, but...)come across with honesty and truth, delivered with clarity and passion, depth and compassion. Say what you want, he is one hell of an actor. And passionate yes, compassionate...he didn't hesitate when it came time to give a hand or hug or reach out to all who reached out to him and those that didn't as well.


photo courtesy of Stefano Guindani (incredible photographer, story later)

I spoke with a young documentary filmmaker that was on the plane with him on the way to Haiti. He was on the way to shoot his first documentary. Josh told him to show up at one of the functions we attended and gave him an incredible interview. At Father Rick's Josh was one of the first to move 100 pound bags of rice used to feed the hungry and one of the last. Full throttle. Say what you will, the proof is in the action. And congrats sir on your Oscar nomination.


photo courtesy of Stefano Guindani

Energy. Much has been directed. Change. It may come slowly, maybe slower than we want, but it can come. What it takes is action, not just talk. Energy, directed, focused and consistent. Passion, compassion, heart and soul.