Is it just art?

Or there's more you're refusing to admit.

This is completely an out of character post but I sighed after letting this one out. Whew!

I almost didn't write this. For a moment, I thought about letting it go, but I decided to get the words out before that familiar ‘are you sure?’ question could convince me otherwise.

I love movies. If there’s anything I love as much as writing, it’s movies. Because at the root of it all is a deep love for stories. And when you love stories, you can’t help but appreciate the actors who bring them to life. You develop a kind of gratitude for them, for how well they play their roles.

But then there’s the part where you become a ‘fan’ of them in real life. That’s the part I want to talk about. Their real lives.

I’m writing this because of my favourite Nollywood male actors. I know their personal lives are not my business, and yet, I find myself feeling this persistent sense of concern.

A concern for their wives. A concern for their children.

Once again, I know this shouldn’t bother me, but it truly does. I don’t know if you’ve ever thought about it, but these are the questions that run through my mind;

Do they take roles based on their personal values and beliefs?

Do they take them simply because the pay is good?

Do they care if the overall storyline is meaningful?

Do they think about how the scenes they play might affect their spouse?

Do they consider the day their own children will be old enough to watch these movies?

These are the thoughts that occupy my mind, especially lately, as I've been disappointed by storylines I feel some of my favourites shouldn't be a part of. Even if they aren't the main character, does the movie as a whole make sense?

Can I trust that when I watch your movies, I won’t be left wondering about your real-life marriage because a scene feels so explicit it blurs the line?

Especially when you portray yourself in a certain way in the real world.

They say it’s just art, that there’s nothing more to it, but we know humans aren't that simple. People ‘catch’ feelings just by smiling at one another. How do you manage your emotions when a palpable chemistry forms between you and a co-actor? When you have to kiss another woman on screen, is that just a physical exercise? Don’t you share saliva?

Maybe I’m being naive. I apologize if I sound clueless, but these are the things that genuinely bother me.

And what about your kids who will one day be curious to see your movies? They’ll probably be grown by then, but won’t they wonder if some of your work had a negative effect on your marriage?

It makes me reflect on the work I do. I have to ask myself: Would I want my kids to read this one day? If my husband read this, how would he feel? Because my life isn't just about me anymore. Do you think like this too?

Just wondering out loud.