The Razor’s Edge

“The sharp edge of a razor is difficult to pass over; ..The path to Salvation is hard”

What’s the greatest band name of all time? I think “Yes,” and “The Who” are up there for the sheer sarcasm. The Rolling Stones, cool. But “No Doubt.” I mean, c’mon..

You know what’s not a great band name? “The Beatles”… Like the bug? “Beatles” just screams get these guys some acid. And the funky Maharishi did just that. The greatest band with the worst name – “The Beatles” were razor’s edge.

I recently watched The Razor’s Edge (1946), per my dad’s recommendation. The novel was late Jeopardy host, Alex Trebek’s favorite. It is about a clean-cut American WW1 veteran who becomes disillusioned with high society and drops out to become a spiritual seeker. The lead actor, Tyrone Power is from my hometown.

Per the quote from the book/film, Razor’s edge describes the barrier to spiritual enlightenment. What that barrier is depends on the hero. Razor’s edge is becoming initiated, experienced. Like smallz in The Sandlot or Sandy in Grease. It’s the Jawbreaker makeover montage. The awkward fawn learning to hunt like a tiger. It’s Colonel Kurtz realizing the war is a racket. All examples of characters crossing their respective threshold. “You’re a wizard, Harry!”

Something I did not expect from writing and art is that over time you start to see these long-term patterns emerge. The Razor’s Edge motif is perhaps the most prominent pattern to emerge from my own art. Crouching Tigers, Hidden Dragons; Dark Knights, Screaming Lambs… Each of these identities stands in relationship to the razor. Some have passed over. Some slither along the top. Some are waiting for something– “your next life maybe, who knows.” Where are you now, hero? What hinders your journey? Prevents your wellbeing? What separates you from God? Before you go and rack your brain for answers to these tricky questions just remember our water is poisoned.

-Experience Film