"Have you ever wished you could become somebody else... Have you dreamed that you could somehow change your face and name... Pretend just for a moment. Who would you become? Or would you still be yourself... with a different face and personality?"
http://classiclit.about.com/library/weekly/aa101700a.htm
The idea of a "two sided personality" or "Duality of Nature" has been discussed all throughout classic literature, probably the most famous example is the classic novel "Dr. Jekyll and Mr, Hyde" written by Robert Louis Stevenson (See the above web address for more info on Jekyll & Hyde).
- One of My favorite character examples of this idea is Selina Kyle/Catwoman as portrayed by Michelle Phiefer in the 1992 film Batman Returns.
At the start of the film we are introduced to Selina Kyle, the quiet, timid personal assistant to devious millionaire Max Shrek. We soon see that Miss Kyle is frustrated by her life and the way she feels intimidated by people. After her boss attempts to kill her to keep her quiet about his illegal activity that she discovers, she suddenly caves and in a way "goes mad" and evolves into the character of Catwoman: Fearless, sexy, strong, and willful.
However, is this a change brought on by a traumatic event? OR was there something lurking there Just under the surface all the time?
For a better understanding of this, let's take a look at a couple hints hidden within the Design of the film. It's hard to catch unless you're looking for it, however, if you take a critical look at the design of Selina's apartment you'll notice that it's a pretty rough, edgy style which is merely painted over in a Very Bright Pink. The first of my two examples is this metal studded beam right in the middle of her celling. Here I have it highlighted in B&W spectrum -
Changes the feel doesn't it?
Second note on her apartment is the widely loved gimmick with the neon sign.. Wait. What? Now I might be going out on a limb here but, having a neon sign in your bedroom is probably Not what most girls who just adore pink and stuffed animals would choose when decorating. (As we've established Selina as being pretty shy when it comes to men) Not only is there a neon sign but reads the provocative statement of "Hello There".
Perhaps it's just my take but I'd like to think that those are just some little hints from Tim Burton that add to this Duality idea.
Here's some of the better clips from the movie that illustrate this idea through Michelle Phiefer's Amazing acting.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3hl3hSa1lc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lalexosgwUk&feature=related
So by now I've taken a Very long time to illustrate the idea of people/characters who have distinctly different sides to them. As you've probably guessed I relate to these characters on this level (Not saying I suffer from Multiple Personality Disorder. Which in fact these people don't either, well in the case of Dr. Jekyll, not to begin with). But I do know what it's like to have personality that differs with itself on certain levels. At times I'm shy, at other times I'm Extremely outgoing, half of me is a planner the other half completely spontaneous etc.. However I do often feel as though the slightly Wilder side is hiding beneath it's counter just wishing to be free, but there's something holding it back. I'm not sure always what it is that causes that, but I'd like to. I feel as though I often miss out on opportunities because I'm holding back for some reason.
I'm not Quite sure where I was going with this, other than to share a little bit about myself, and elaborate on some contemporary literature.
So those are my thoughts. I'd love to hear yours, so be sure to comment back!
PUMA
