There are some films that help with grieving after loss, but there are others that explore this deep subject from other angles.
Such is the case of “Bridge at Therabithia”, a film that deals with death from an unusual and even disturbing perspective for some: that of childhood.
Although the movie has become a classic for those who grew up watching it, there are those who don’t know that it was inspired by a tragic true story.
The Tragic True Story That Inspired ‘Bridge to Therabithia’
The story of the 2007 film ‘Bridge to Therabithia’ is based on the 1977 book of the same name (as well as other successful film adaptations). And this, in turn, is inspired by an experience lived by the family of its author, Kathryn Patterson.
The character of Jess (played by Josh Hutcherson, who can also be seen in ‘The Hunger Games’: Catching Fire’ on ViX+) is inspired by her son David.
In his childhood, the little boy was a lonely boy, who liked to run, draw and loved his music teacher.
But her loneliness ended when a new family moved to Takoma Park, where Catherine lived with her children. The new neighbors had a little girl named Lisa, who quickly became David’s best friend.
The two spent all their time together, mostly making games through their imaginations, as in “Bridge to Therabithia”.
The real misfortune behind the “Bridge at Therabithia”
Unfortunately, one summer day in 1974, Catherine discovered that her son’s best friend had died, because while on vacation with her family, she was struck by lightning and ended her life.
Although it was a complete accident, David was plunged into deep grief. Catherine was also affected by this tragic death and so decided to write a book to honor Lisa’s memory.
However, the editors of the book did not find it convincing that, for the sake of the story, Lisa (renamed Leslie) was killed by lightning, so Kathryn Patterson changed this part of his writing.
Conversely, it can be read in “Bridge to Therabithia” that Leslie drowns after falling from a broken rope.
At first it was difficult for David to connect with his mother’s book, but eventually he accepted it. Not only that, but he was commissioned to write the film version, since when he grew up he became a successful playwright and screenwriter.
Did you know this heartbreaking story behind ‘Bridge to Therabithia’? What do you think about the movie? Tell us in the comments.
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Source: univision
Camila Luna is a writer at Gossipify, where she covers the latest movies and television series. With a passion for all things entertainment, Camila brings her unique perspective to her writing and offers readers an inside look at the industry. Camila is a graduate from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) with a degree in English and is also a avid movie watcher.
