Alright Alright Alright - Matthew McConaughey is now looking to add “writer” to his impressive resume with the publishing of his first two books, “Greenlights”, a memoir and “Just Because” a children’s book. His recent literary achievements have shown a different side of the decorated actor - the person, father, son, and philanthropist.
While reading captivating celebrity memoirs is a hobby of many, questions regarding the truth value of the stories written in these books is a conversation that has always surrounded the topic. It is common understanding that any book written by a person about themselves would paint their image in the best possible light. However, this fact has not made autobiographers, like McConaughey, any stranger to telling the story of their own shortcomings. But how do we know, as readers, that the flaws that authors are choosing to share aren’t the least harmful ones in relation to the public’s perception of them? While skepticism is important when reading any celebrity memoir like “Greenlights”, too much skepticism would make reading these books exhausting.
As it turns out, this concept of nuance, questioning, and healthy amounts of skepticism is the theme of “Just Because”. McConaughey’s children’s book is focused on showing its young readers the nuances that life has to offer. The book teaches that some elements of life aren’t plain good or bad - sometimes the truth lies in between. Readers come away with the understanding that seemingly conflicting values such as luckiness and hard work are able to go hand-and-hand. So, in a way, is McConaughey encouraging his readers to find the “gray space” in the stories of his memoir?
For McConaughey, childhood was defined by chaos. His parents, Jim and Kay, had a love that was tumultuous, strong, and, in some ways, beautiful. The couple was divorced twice and married three times - to each other. Their fights were violent. Blood, sweat, tears, curses, and anguish filled the space in their home. Quick to forgive and forget, going to bed angry was not an option in the McConaughey household.
“Greenlights” is a lesson in paradoxes. In the beginning of my time reading the book, I found it hard to believe that people who fought each other with such rage could quickly find it in them to love each other with such affection. McConaughey consistently referred to his parents as “outlaws'' and would then proceed to tell a story about their firm disciplinary style. On the surface level, a world where “outlaws” governed their household with strict values would never make sense. However, on a deeper level it makes complete sense. McCongaughey’s parents knew exactly what their children were thinking. If the McConaughey children could think it, their parents had already done it.
Unbeknownst to many, McConaughey did not begin his academic career at The University Of Texas at Austin by studying film. Pre - Law and English were his first (and intended) units of study. Coming from a family who struggled from the constantly changing world that was the Texas oil industry, going for a steady career like law made much sense. McCongauhey’s stellar grades and frequent spot on the “Dean’s list” proved, for a long while, that law was the profession for him. However, it was when he realized that, for him, fulfillment came in the form of a script and not a legal textbook that he made the switch.
Before McConaughey made the switch, there was one task he had left to do: to call his father. The nerves felt before making this call stemmed from the societal pressure for people to pursue traditionally lucrative professions such as law. Finally braving up the courage to pick up the phone, McConaughey told his father the big news.
“That’s great, son. Just don’t mess it up.” His father replied.
Shocked at such a positive outlook on the new development, McConaughey thanked his father and promised him that he wouldn't mess it up.
Shortly after this phone call, the Moody College of Communication at The University of Texas at Austin would receive what turned out to be one of its greatest gifts: Matthew McConaughey.
Little did the 21 year old newly minted film student know that this unconventional switch would lead him to some of the world’s most prestigious acting awards and the title of “Minister Of Culture” and Professor at the very university he graduated from over 25 years ago. Not to mention, the honor of becoming a household name across the globe.
I think it’s safe to say that Matthew McConaughey didn’t “mess it up”.
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