Billy Crystal on Aging – His One Minute Wakeup Call Scene

March, 2015

One of my all time favorite movies is the 1991 classic, City Slickers. Just before his dude ranch sabbatical, the Billy Crystal character offers this hilarious one minute soliloquy on aging (click here to watch it.) Unfortunately, the advertisement that precedes it is unavoidable. Hang in there, it’s well worth the wait.

Notice the bewildered faces on the children and their teacher as Billy rambles through his speech. In the film, a construction worker dad precedes him in this “describe your work” classroom scene. By comparison, Billy’s job and life is a complete snoozer. This is the crucible moment when he realizes that something has to change. Prolonged dissatisfaction and a fatalistic view of the future can do that to a person.

Rent this movie and you’ll see how things turn out for Billy Crystal’s character. Watch it again if it’s been a while since you last saw it. It’s a very uplifting and funny film. Consider your own views on aging. What would your one minute speech on aging include? Is it time for a philosophical or career retake? Could this be your one minute wakeup call?