Movies are what keep me sane. When the world seems depressing and unchanging I slip a DVD into its player and escape into the mystery that comes with a new story. This ability to leave our world and travel into cinema is a luxury I have become so dependent on. Romance, action, horror, mystery it all grabs my attention and pulls me in no matter if I really do have time to watch or not. As much as movies are an escape, I cannot stop myself from transforming my friends into each of the characters. It makes watching the movie that much more exciting, because it brings in a personal connection.
One of my favorite movies to do this with is The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. I can quote the script word for word, and am not surprised by twists in the plot but still get a kick out of seeing the characters as each of my friends. The league of Extraordinary Gentlemen is about a group of literary characters brought together to fight the phantom, a man who like the league has many secrets to hide.
The personality of Captain Nemo shines through Jordana in the best way possible. She is steadfast in her beliefs, knowing what she holds dear, and not allowing others to use it against her or put her down for them. She is one of the most welcoming people I know; engaging, and is always trying to make you feel comfortable. Nemo puts the comfort of his guest high on his priority list, and allows everyone to feel at home in his many vessels of transportation. Sharing is something both Jordana and Nemo do with those who they love. At the end of the movie, Captain Nemo asks the league to join him to explore the world. Wanting to be surrounded by those who he loves, is so strongly seen through Jordana. She has a beautiful outlook on life, with a hearty laugh that cannot help but make you smile. Nemo is shown as a great friend, someone who would risk himself for someone he cared about. Just like when Nemo went back to save Mr. Hyde from the Phantom’s evil minions, Jordana would be there for any of her friends. Friendly, loving and always fun, Jordana is wonderful to be around with so much going for her in the years to come.
The character(s) of Dr. Jeckel and Mr. Hyde are so complex due to the drastic difference between the two. Dr. Jeckel is the kind, sensitive and brilliant doctor while Mr. Hyde is his out of control, uncaring and strong counterpart. Heather is one of the most caring individuals I know. She would do anything for anyone, and that is one of the qualities shown through Dr. Jeckel. He is however, overcome by his alter ego in certain circumstances. Heather is a baller. There is no other term to describe her field hockey abilities. She is a beast on the field, and though she gets knocked around a little bit, she never gives up. She will take on girl after girl, just like Mr. Hyde when the league has infiltrated the phantoms secret hideout. He throws himself in front of bullets to save others in the league, a team player. Heather embodies all of these characteristics. One scene in particular reminds me of Heather when she is on the field. Heather likes to make this creepy, in your face, I just made a ridiculous save and you didn’t score, laugh at least once a game. The first time it came out she saved a goal with her knee. In the movie, Quartermaine and Tom Sawyer are trying to catch Mr. Hyde to convince him to join The League. While jumping from roof top to roof top Mr. Hyde is dodging bullets left and right. At one point, while Quartermaine and Tom think they are hiding, he knocks a boulder sized rock down at them. Standing on the roof he lets out this creepy laugh that Heather could have done the voice over for. She exemplifies all of the characteristics and more, she is a strong, hardworking, lovable person who knows how to let out her IB.
Quartermaine is a wise older man with a keen eye for trouble, and an amazing shot from over 100 yards away. Rachel fits the role of Quartermaine very well. She is very smart, a great mentor, and will have your back at any moment. He takes care of those he cares about, and I know Rachel does the same. His character has many layers, and the more time you spend with him the more layers you can pull away. Rachel, who is very quiet at times, but what lies beneath the quiet exterior is what makes her the amazing girl that she is. Rachel is strong, and at times pushes her own emotions aside to deal with someone else who comes to her with a problem. She is a hard worker, which is one of quartermaine’s most prominent characteristic. Naturally talented, both Rachel and Quartermaine do not sit back and allow others to do things for them that they know they can do on their own. They do however depend on those around them, even though they may not be aware of it at all times. Rachel, no matter what you throw at her, will come out victorious. She is a fun-loving, resilient, beautiful girl, capable of achieving anything she wants in her life.
Mina, a beautiful and seductive vampire, reminds me of Michelle. She is not only beautiful though, she is strong and can take care of herself. Michelle takes all of these characteristics and makes them her own. Her open heart and untainted love is what is “seductive” about Michelle. You cannot help but be drawn to her personality. Michelle is strong, yet allows herself to be dependent on those around her for support. Her smile is something that warms your heart, and just like Mina, her dedication to those she cares warms your soul. She has a vibrant personality that though can be kept under wraps when need be, explodes with color and energy when she is around friends and family. Although there are parts of Mina’s personality that at first sight may not seem to be part of Michelle one would be surprised at just how similar these two women are. Mina may be more unorthodox, but Michelle shows her heart and soul in everything she does. She can do what she wants, and will succeed in anything she tries, purely because she whole-heartedly wants to be successful.
Lauren, hands down, is Rodney Skinner aka the invisible man. You may not know she is there right away, but she will always make her presence known. While in a discussion, she will sit back until it is time to say her piece, but when she does decide to speak she does it with meaning and passion. Skinner will sacrifice himself for any person in the league, and that is exactly what Lauren will do for any of her friends. She never puts herself first and she is always willing to do anything she is asked to by a friend. That is not to say that she cannot hold her own, or that she is a doormat either; she is a strong individual that is able to stand for her beliefs. Skinner, when backed up against the wall, being accused of treachery, he turns around and becomes the hero of the League. Lauren takes criticism the same way. Not only will she prove you wrong, but she will out do herself while trying to do so. Field hockey is a great example of this, tell her she isn’t doing something well, she will go out and practice every day, 10 times a day to make sure she has perfected it. Lauren is a funny, reliable, tough girl, and on top of all of that, one of the most amazing friends anyone could ask for.
My league of extraordinary ladies is the best group anyone could choose from. These girls are my family, my home away from home. I carry them in my heart, and they each take a part of me with them. I never knew I would find such a wonderful group of friends when I came to school, but I have found them and it brings me so much joy. I love these girls more than anything, and through them I have grown stronger.
