Puzzle Pieces

This scene provides a touching portrayal of the futility of achievement without purpose or contentment. Cam, a very successful commodities trader, has just quit his job, burnt out from the stress. As he rests on a park bench attempting to sort things out, he strikes up a conversation with Jake, an older and somewhat eccentric postal worker who is sitting close by at a card table attempting to put together a 1,000 piece jigsaw puzzle. During their exchange, we learn that Cam has achieved everything he has set out in life to do, yet is unfulfilled. Jake, on the other hand, works the midnight shift, lives from paycheck to paycheck, and has recently lost his wife. Yet Jake displays an unmistakable peace, wisdom, and dignity, compelling Cam to ask Jake what it is that is missing in his own life. Jake refuses to speculate, but instead invites Cam to help him with his jigsaw puzzle. Cam accepts, and, as the scene closes, we sense that Cam has found a friend and a mentor who can help him put the puzzle of his own life together.