"My belief is that no movie, nothing in life, leaves people neutral. You either leave them up or you leave them down"

David Puttnam's quote, "My belief is that no film, absolutely nothing in life, leaves people neutral. You either leave them up or you leave them down", talks to the inherent psychological engagement and impact that art, particularly films, and life experiences have on individuals. At its core, Puttnam's assertion underscores the power of storytelling and the human capability for empathy and emotional reaction.

In the world of cinema, a film is a lot more than a series of moving images; it is a crafted narrative that use the audience's emotions, ideas, and imaginations. Movies have the potential to uplift viewers, leaving them motivated, enthusiastic, or joyous, or, alternatively, to provoke self-questioning, sadness, or perhaps anger. This dichotomy reflects the spectrum of human feelings and the director's intent, as movies can mirror life's complexities, victories, and tribulations. The psychological reaction generated is testimony to the movie's effectiveness and its ability to resonate with individual experiences and societal values.

Likewise, Puttnam's statement can be encompassed life itself, where day-to-day encounters, decisions, and situations leave enduring impressions, shaping our mood and outlook. Each experience, no matter how ordinary, can tip the psychological balance one method or the other. This reflects the vibrant nature of human life-- constantly moving, changing, and evoking reactions, whether through individual interactions, obstacles, or successes.

The inability to leave people feeling neutral signifies the inevitability of psychological engagement in our experiences. It highlights the importance of awareness and reflection on these emotional actions, understanding them as a course to personal growth, empathy, and durability. The quote acts as an invite to welcome these emotions as significant contributions to our understanding of art and life, encouraging a deeper reflection of how experiences form our inner worlds and influence our interactions with the world around us.