Pat Martino: Martino Unstrung

AAJ: Any number of people who see the new film will have undergone their own personal traumas, whether medical, divorce, natural disaster, and so on. What would you like those people to learn from the film? I know you've given talks at hospitals on this subject, what would you like to say to those who have suffered memory loss?

PM: Something very simple. Definition. How we define what we like or dislike. If we could see like and dislike from a distance, we'd no longer be subject to either of them. And that allows us to consider our suffering in a different light. Try to remember a time when you wanted to change the color of your complexion, and you went to the beach, and you prepared to put on suntan lotion, lie down on your blanket or towel, and consciously suffer to become what you wanted to be, namely get a tan. If you could suffer like that to reach any of your goals in recovery, you will achieve them.

AAJ: You don't see a difference between intentional suffering to achieve an end and the suffering that is brought on by traumatic events?

PM: No suffering should be intentional. If you are brought into a situation that requires professional or medical assistance, get another opinion as to alternatives. But any way that you go is going to be difficult.

AAJ: In other words, part of meeting the challenge is to accept the difficulty, not fight the difficulty.

PM: Exactly. And do it from the bottom of your heart. That's called courage. And there's something healing about it. Self-esteem is healing. To do the best you can and be proud of yourself in the process.

AAJ: That's such a beautiful statement. The way you phrased it is so eloquent.

PM: Plant, plant seeds, let them grow, and move forward.

Visit the movie website for Martino Unstrung here and watch the film trailer here.