The Real-life Implications of Our Favorite TV Show and Movie Characters

Have you ever picked up a new hobby or interest just because a favorite character from a movie or TV show made it look so glamorous? This curiosity-driven approach often translates to our everyday lives, creating new habits and passions based on our favorite personas on screen.

Origami and Watching Prison Break

For instance, I recently rekindled my passion for origami, fueled by the intricate paper folding techniques in the TV series Prison Break. While I remember my high school days when I diligently folded paper cranes for peace alongside my art teacher, I found myself inspired to do the more challenging paper swans after watching Michael Scofield meticulously fold paper money in his iconic scene in Prison Break.

The episode that truly sparked this interest is the one where Michael uses his knowledge of so-called 'listening language interference' (LLI) to tune out conversations in the firing range. I couldn't believe that such a technique exists in real life! It's fascinating that one can focus so intently that all external sounds are filtered out. This newfound fascination prompted me to research more about LLI, which, in reality, involves using noise-cancelling headphones to block out ambient sounds.

Ironing Money for Calmness

Watching the 1940s film His Kind of Woman, starring Robert Mitchum, where the main character irons his money to calm himself, made me curious about whether ironing could have similar benefits.

I discovered that ironing money, while unusual, does have its perks. Crinkly, wrinkly bills can be stiffened and made crisp by ironing, and the process can indeed be calming. Others report that the ritualistic act of ironing not only makes cash look neat and tidy but also has a meditative effect, helping to clear the mind.

Motivated by this, I experimented with ironing some money, and to my surprise, it did help me de-stress. While I don't perform this ritual daily, it remains a calming activity whenever I feel overwhelmed.

Deepening Interests and Research

Viewing shows and movies inspired by real-life practices often leads me to delve deeper into the subject matter. For example, after watching The OA, I became interested in near-death experiences and began researching the topic thoroughly. Today, I continue to read non-fiction books on near-death experiences and have learned a great deal. My love for the show sparked my interest in parallel universes, which I explored in my own novel, and later in many other shows and books.

Spy shows such as Alias with Jennifer Garner further piqued my curiosity about espionage. This interest manifested in my daughter’s dream of becoming a CIA agent. My fascination with the technique of cellular memory led me to explore related topics and recommend the Unwind dystology series.

Memory manipulation is another aspect that has influenced my reading and research. After reading the Suzann Young series The Program, I became interested in similar themes in movies and books.

Writing and Professional Fulfillment

Despite my deep dives into various fields of interest, my ultimate passion remains writing. The thrill of creativity and storytelling is unmatched, even if it means frustrating moments of being unable to make a living from it. In these times of despair, I fall back on my free Quora answers as a way to share knowledge and engage with the community.

While I may not become a spy or a doctor, these interests enrich my life and provide a sense of fulfillment. Unlike some characters, I haven't taken the drastic step of quitting my job to pursue these dreams, but I continue to explore them through reading, writing, and a bit of novel hobbying.

So, the next time you watch your favorite movie or TV show, consider if any of the habits or practices inspired by the characters have a place in your real life. It might just make your everyday routine a little more interesting and enriching.