When Coldplay's Chris Martin was looking for "an old person" to be in a video for the release of his song "All My Love," little did he realize that the video would be about him, too.
Today, legendary comedian Dick Van Dyke turns 99. That, in itself, is news worth celebrating, but the bow on that gift to all of us has been his appearance in a video with Chris Martin of the rock group Coldplay, who has composed a poignant, moving song, "All My Love."
Martin, 47, thought he was writing a paean to old age and the reflections on life this stage inspires. However, based on the fact that the video went viral (nearly 5.7 million YouTube views in seven days) and his own feelings about the opportunity to work with the esteemed entertainer, it's possible that he's realized he's unearthed a much deeper treasure: the rich experience of intergenerational relationship.
First, a little background:
Days before the song's video was launched, Martin and Van Dyke appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! to promote it. When Kimmel asked the duo about the origin of their collaboration, Martin replied jokingly, "I said, 'I've been looking for an old guy. Who's the oldest guy?'" Actually, Martin has long admired Van Dyke's work and is a big fan of his since the elder's appearance in the movie Mary Poppins. Their two families have even socialized together.
There are some wonderful lessons all of us can glean from the production, but before I get into them, I suggest you watch the director's cut of the video (to avoid the spoilers below).
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Lesson #1: The joys of aging with confidence and self-acceptance. The video begins with Van Dyke walking through his home to his backyard, where Martin is sitting at a piano. We get to see various photos and artifacts that illustrate the accomplishments of the comedian's long life, including a shelf full of Emmys. While Van Dyke has a lot to be proud of, he's not shaken by the changes his body has undergone and accepts his current physical self, dancing in more moderated ways compared with the flashbacks of his livelier movements. When he's asked to close his eyes and think about all of the people who have meant something to him in his life, he jokes about the inadvertent possibility of falling asleep. He also shares that he's quite comfortable with the reality of his impending death.
Lesson #2: The mutual respect for people of vastly different ages and appreciation of their gifts. The interaction between the two men is tender and full of admiration. In addition, they are co-mentors. Martin gently coaches Van Dyke as he struggles to reach for a note in the melody, and Van Dyke offers positive feedback on the beauty of a line in the song. The generational respect even extends to the video's co-director, Spike Jonze, 55, who seeks words of wisdom from Van Dyke asking him "What is love?"
Lesson #3: The potential richness of a multigenerational family. Shots of Van Dyke dancing with his wife, Arlene, 53, as well as joyfully gathering with his huge family of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, underscore the importance of connection reflected in the lyrics of "All My Love," which they sing together.
Lesson #4: The openness to and elation resulting from spontaneity. At the end of the video, Van Dyke's ad lib with the balloons triggers Martin's delightful reaction. The entertainer clearly shows that he's retained his imagination and wit. Likewise, Martin's on-the-spot composing of a song at Van Dyke's suggestion of the topic of old age renders the older artist in awe of the younger one. Both men project an energy that says "No matter how old you are, go with the flow and be open to whatever happens." Great advice for us all.
Intergenerational relationships are filled with unexpected gifts, as Chris Martin can testify. His comment to Jimmy Kimmel about making the video with his nonagenarian friend says it all:
"It's really maybe the most fun thing I've ever done, you know? It makes me so grateful. It's a big deal for me."
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