Claudia Writes

Viper journalists compete, learn at FSPA

To compete in an area one is passionate about and active in is a wonderful thing, especially when one can meet people and learn new things in the process. On Saturday, Oct. 16, Varela’s Communications students were able to do just that at the 38th Annual Florida Scholastic Press Association Journalism Day for District 6. With several middle and high schools in attendance, it was a wonderful opportunity for Viper journalists to interact with their peers, as well as exhibit their skills.
    The day began with an early-morning bus ride to Florida International University’s south campus, where student journalists made a beeline for the Graham Center. After some inter-school mingling, formalities took place and the day officially started.
    Ms. Mary Kay Sullivan provided a foreword, stressing the importance of including all mediums of journalism in the career. As the theme of the event was “Making Connections,” another aspect of the journalistic world that was stressed was that of using new technologies to get news to audiences, be it iPhone or podcasts. Sullivan then introduced CBS4 reporter Gio Benitez as the keynote speaker.
    Benitez, enthused and visibly passionate towards his field of work, told the attendees of how he started where they sat at that very moment - as a student journalist. Benitez was the Editor-in-Chief for Coral Park Senior High’s newspaper, ‘The Rampage.’ Another focal point of his speech touched upon how he, a young journalist, had made history. In 2009, Benitez covered the release of Apple’s iPhone 3G S, as did hundreds of journalists worldwide. The catch? Benitez shot the story entirely on the iPhone he bought on the same day. Thus, the first news feature to be recorded on a mobile device was aired and received international recognition.
    Benitez’s success as a keynote speaker lay not in his anecdotes alone, however. The sheer passion for his trade impacted students, encouraging them to pursue equal goals as his.
    “I think Gio Benitez was inspiring in that he started where we are right now,” said Felix Varela junior and student journalist Liliana Mora. “He was in our position not that long ago. It makes us think that we can get where he is - it makes us want to get there.”
    When Benitez’s speech concluded, students were sent off to attend workshops on subjects that would help them as journalists, from headline writing to layout techniques to broadcast production critique. Other students took on the challenge of competing in their respective fields: WVHS News produced an on-the-spot piece, senior Carlos Valdez and junior Victoria Castillo took on on-the-spot writing pieces about the keynote speaker, and the Viper Vibe, Vox Vipera and Crotalus submitted respective pieces to be critiqued by a panel of judges.
    Hours later, students met where they had started the day for a closing speech by Sullivan and to watch a re-cap video of the day, edited by a group of students. Closing the day as a whole was the much-anticipated presentation of awards.
    The Viper Vibe won third place for carry-in newspaper layout, Crotalus won second place for carry-in layout and design, the Vox Vipera won first place for carry-in layout and design, and WVHS News won first place for on-the-spot broadcast news production.
    “The entire day was very inspirational,” said junior Ashley Kearns, who anchored for WVHS News’ winning on-the-spot competition. “It made my passion for journalism increase. I’m more motivated to pursue journalism professionally.”
    Overall, students walked away satisfied and yearning for further competition. For the following months, journalism students across the state will be vigorously preparing for the FSPA statewide conference and competition, which will be held in Walt Disney World April 28-30, 2011. The day left students with much to think about and anticipate.
    “It was extremely exciting,” said senior Bill Davis. “We got to apply all that we have learned for Varela. I’m really looking forward to states.”

Harry Potter fandom maintains drive, devotion

Another article for The Viper Vibe, this focuses on the Harry Potter fandom and its recent developments. The electronically published piece can be found here.

The story of Harry Potter has been taking the world by storm for thirteen years and counting. From books to movies to unofficial musicals to theme parks and everything in between, the Harry Potter fandom is one unparalleled by any other. 
                    This summer saw many developments involving the series, and the coming year holds many more in store.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
                    The Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened on June 18, 2010. After months of incessant advertising of this ‘theme park within a theme park,’ opening day saw an onslaught of eager fans. Many camped out overnight, while more arrived several hours prior to the park’s opening and still more arrived throughout the day. 
                    Park staff reported waits of over eight hours just to enter Islands of Adventure, let alone the Wizarding World. To this day, wait times to get into the sub-theme park exceed several hours at peak times and merchandise has already run out many a time.

Deathly Hallows Parts 1 and 2
                    Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was the final book in the seven-part series.  To do the finale justice, Warner Brothers decided to split the movie in two parts. Part 1 will hit theaters on November 19, 2010 while Part 2 will get its turn on July 15, 2011. 
                    These events, particularly the latter, are being hyped immensely due to the fact that they are the last official parts of the series that shaped a generation. New actors this time around include Jamie Campbell Bower and Bill Nighy. Look for in-depth coverage of Deathly Hallows Pt. 1 soon.

A Very Potter Musical and A Very Potter Sequel
                    In April 2009, a University of Michigan-based student theater group, Team StarKid, produced and performed a fan-made parody of the Harry Potter series in musical form. It was originally entitled Harry Potter: The Musical and the entrance were free to students.  
                    Everything really started when the three-hour musical was posted on YouTube. Of course, Warner Brothers, who hold the rights to the franchise, caught wind and ordered them to take the videos down. After a few legal technicalities taken care of, such as changing the name to A Very Potter Musical and cutting out direct book quotes, they were able to return the videos to YouTube and garner a whole new type of popularity. 
                    Team StarKid in no way expected their sudden and immense success, today having millions of views in total. The success of this musical led to them making a sequel, which was posted on YouTube on July 22.

The Harry Potter Alliance
                    The Harry Potter Alliance is a charity based on ideals and morals expressed in the series. Fans of the series might be familiar with Dumbledore’s Army, a student group that Harry and co. illicitly start when the Defense Against the Dark Arts class takes a turn for the worse.  Aside from teaching his peers how to effectively combat the Dark Arts, Harry instills in the members senses of equal rights, compassion, bravery and similar causes.  
                    The Harry Potter Alliance fights for similar values, but through charity. So far, they’ve accomplished amazing feats such as donating over 14,000 books to children worldwide in order to promote literacy, registered over 900 first-time voters with the Wizard Rock the Vote campaign in 2008, raised funds to protect thousands of civilians in Darfur and Burma, and much more. 
                    All those acts of charity take a lot of money, though, and the charity was running low on it. In the summer of 2010, they entered the Chase Challenge on Facebook, which would give $250,000 to the most voted-for charity. 
                    Through an enormous rallying of Harry Potter fans worldwide and the help of numerous organizations and websites, the goal was achieved. The money is already helping others through this charity.

                    With a highly eventful summer behind it, and a busy year ahead, it’s safe to say that the Harry Potter phenomenon is still staying strong, years after the books have reached their conclusion.

‘The Social Network’ a generational film

This article was a movie review on Facebook creation film The Social Network for The Viper Vibe. My viewing of the film took place at a press screening prior to nationwide debut. The electronically published article can be found here.

                    For every generation, there is a film that captures its themes, issues and characteristics so impeccably that it is deemed, by many, a “generational film.” Such films inspire thought, nostalgia, not to mention that wonderful feeling of being part of something that matters. The rising Y Generation now has a film, and it premieres on Oct. 1: ‘The Social Network.’

                    Yes, our generation’s definitive film is about Facebook—its early days and the events surrounding them. I’ll be the first to admit that the long-ago whispers of a “Facebook movie,” received a scoff, a snide remark, and no further thought from me. But, as with many things, that all changed once I actually experienced the subject of my skepticism.

                    ‘The Social Network’ follows Facebook creator and co-founder Mark Zuckerberg (played by Jesse Eisenberg of ‘Zombieland’) through his journey, starting on a late 2003 night at Harvard. It may be a tad difficult to imagine that such a mammoth, intricate thing as Facebook as being the result of one college student’s inebriated late-night hacking, but that’s exactly how the phenomenon began. Beer in hand, sardonic and intellectually hilarious Zuckerberg types his way to sudden fame and infamy, receiving the occasional input from best friend and co-founder Eduardo Saverin (Andrew Garfield). This is mixed with quick shots of Harvard students partaking in the wildest of parties, establishing a stark contrast between the two scenarios.                    

                    Within hours, the site accumulates unfathomable popularity and prestige as it expands. However, as the film’s tagline so boldly states, “You don’t get to 500 friends without making a few enemies.”

                    Legal troubles, broken relationships and further drama ensues. It’s no action film, but it doesn’t need to be. Marvelous screenwriting on Aaron Sorkin’s part offers little time to blink, what with its incredibly fast pacing and indecently witty dialogue. The “that was then, this is now,” structure of switching back and forth from events to court hearings begins as disorienting, but it adds to the film’s unique and beautiful storytelling.

                    And while all actors involved delivered wonderful performances, this is truly Eisenberg’s film. We see our own insecurities, our own need for social acceptance and our own fallacies and flaws in the character he represents. He molds Zuckerberg into an unlikeable protagonist—amoral, rash, chaotic, but indisputably admirable and memorable.

                    Director David Fincher makes this film what it is—like his previous highly-acclaimed films (‘Fight Club,’ ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’), ‘The Social Network’ is tense, enthralling, even haunting. Leaving the theater, murmurs of “incredible,” and “I’ll never look at Facebook in the same way again,” resonated throughout the crowd. Elements of our generation shine through, from humorous references to our own fast-paced way of life.

                    ‘The Social Network’ is riveting, hilarious, relatable, and awe-inspiring. It’s no ‘Harry Potter’ or ‘Lord of the Rings’ – films that shaped a generation; it’s a film that defines a generation and captures it like photographs in a scrapbook. It is a film about decisions, about identity and social status. It is a film about Facebook. Above all, ‘The Social Network’ is a film about our generation, our society, the world we live in. It’s not about wizards, rock stars or warriors. It’s about us.

Charities should be for the benefit of others

This was an opinion piece written for The Viper Vibe. The originally published piece can be found here.

    To Write Love on Her Arms - the name of this popular self-proclaimed charity can be seen on everything, from shirts to bags to all over celebrities’ bodies. Said to preach the message of loving oneself and preventing self-harm in any degree, it doesn’t sound like something one would be inclined to oppose.
            When I first heard of this organization and its message, I thought it was something to praise; something to be admired, and to be endorsed. This mindset did not waver in the least until I stumbled across some statistics.
            To Write Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA) has their “finances” section conveniently tucked in a corner at the very bottom of their web page. Clicking it will produce some very aesthetically pleasing graphs that are usually ignored. It was these charts and graphs that sparked the growing idea in my mind that this organization was not what it seemed.
            Of the $969,103 that TWLOHA spent in 2008, merely $446,996 went to actually helping teens in need of, well, help. Of that amount, $270,160 went to “organizations,” one of which being Mercy Ministries.
            Mercy Ministries is another charity, dedicated to helping women with an array of problems through highly Christianity-influenced methods. They treat conditions like alcoholism, chemical addiction, physical and mental abuse, etc., which is all fine and dandy until things like homosexuality and differing religious views are considered “diseases” that require treatment.
            That’s right—Mercy Ministries prides itself on ridding women of the “condition” of homosexuality through “God’s unconditional love, forgiveness, and life-transforming power.” Feel free to check that along with some more decidedly insensitive statements at their website, mercyministries.org. Some ex-patients of the organization also reported that they were required to partake in the activity of casting out demonic oppressions. In other words, Mercy Ministries also practiced exorcism to “cure” patients.
            While I respect all religions, I do not respect the fact that TWLOHA used revenue (most of which came from merchandise sales and donations) to donate to a very religious and opinionated organization. So, if you bought something from the TWLOHA rack at your local store or donated to the cause, some part of your money went to Mercy Ministries.
            An even bigger sum of money ($522,137) went to TWLOHA’s own benefit. This includes things like internships, salaries, administrative costs, and more. Isn’t it a bit concerning that more of the organization’s revenue went to itself than to actually “helping” people?
            Don’t get me wrong - TWLOHA has spread hope. It’s helped many people indirectly, and that’s a beautiful thing. As someone who’s dealt with self-harm and a lack of self-esteem, the fact that people are being helped is great to hear.
            However, certain decisions by the company are not ones I respect, much less support. Charities should solve problems, not add to them and hide behind a deceiving façade.

smile.

I wrote this poem while I was in eighth grade, a thirteen-year-old. While my writing style has evolved since that time, I remain proud of the poem mainly because it was published in TeenInk. TeenInk is a monthly literary magazine, comprised solely of submissions from teen authors such as myself. It was published in its online magazine, and later in print. At the time of this writing, it has accumulated over 750 views and has a cumulative rating of 4.5 stars out of 5 from a total of 45 ratings.

limp bodies strewn
across frigid, barren floors
as we look on
from the comfort
of leather couches
and we complain
over simple matters
as across oceans
children die
drowning in their own
silence
and all we do
is wear hypocritical shirts
devoted to false causes
as we pretend to care
but do nothing at all.
every second
a life is lost.
and all we care to do is
smile.

DreamWorks Reinvents Dragon Mythology: The makers of ‘Shrek’ create coming of age story in ‘How to Train Your Dragon’

Yet another piece published in my school’s newspaper, this is one of my favorite writings. I interviewed Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois, co-directors, writers, and artists of the film as part of the article, and in doing so had an unforgettable experience. It was my first taste of the journalism world, and this article was its product. The originally published piece can be found here.

    There comes a time in every person’s life when they must jump into the age-old tradition of fighting dragons alongside fellow Vikings in order to defend their village. Or, at least that’s how it happens in DreamWorks Animation’s latest piece, ‘How to Train Your Dragon.’ Set to make its movie theater debut on March 26, this is a film that viewers will not want to miss.
    Flawlessly incorporating a captivating storyline, great characters and awe-inspiring graphics, it’s not the cookie-cutter film that most have come to expect from DreamWorks Animation. The movie truly breaks barriers, and it’s all thanks to the masterminds behind it. Co-directors and writers Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois, whose most notable work is the Disney film ‘Lilo & Stitch,’ are the textbook definition of a “dynamic duo.” They first met while working on Disney’s ‘Mulan,’ and had a creative chemistry that could not be ignored.
    Even off the job, their chemistry shines through. While in an interview with the two directors, I found it completely evident that Sanders and DeBlois were a great team. They’d crack jokes, goof around, and even finish each other’s sentences once or twice. Amidst the fun and laughter, they provided tremendous insight into the vigor and thought that went into the picture.
    “This is a really unusual thing for Dean and I because the project was already underway when they asked us to come on to it,” said Sanders. “It had been in production for about three years, and it was in its last fourteen months of production when they asked us to come on to it. They wanted us to change the direction of the story, so we had a really short amount of time. We rewrote the film and did the animation in fourteen months, which at DreamWorks, it’s a record.”
    Graphically, ‘How to Train Your Dragon,’ could pass for a Pixar production. This is especially surprising due to the fact that it’s the duo’s first computer-animated and 3D piece. The effects are done fantastically, even as a new concept for Sanders and DeBlois.
    “Coming from classical animation, everything was sort of drawing-based and watercolors, and paint and the digital media that we worked with was always about embellishing that,” said Sanders. “But coming into CG (Computer Graphic) animation, we were just suddenly given a whole new toolbox, which was amazing. We were just sort of blown away from all the texture and detail, and really just the details that used to cost us so much money to do.”
    Given these new tools, it proved somewhat of a challenge for them not to make it seem unrealistic. Unlike classic animation methods, CG allows for more liberal motion and perspective. Neither of the directors wanted to stray from what real cameras would be capable of, though.
    “The freedom that we had to move the camera [with CG animation] was gigantic,” said Sanders. “It was one of the things we were most excited about when we started this movie. And, having said that, we also had to exercise a lot of restraint. One of the big things was that we had to make people believe that this thing was being filmed. We tried not to do anything with the camera in this film that we couldn’t do with a regular camera on a regular live-action set.”
    That devotion to realistic effects even earned them recognition from world renowned director Steven Spielberg.
    “It was the first thing he mentioned when he saw it,” explained DeBlois. “He was a fan of that.”
    The true focal point, however, doesn’t lie in the graphics or stunning effects, neither of which the picture lacks. When it comes down to it, the story is what grasps everybody’s attention.
    While the film does feature some very mythological creatures, the protagonist this time around is no hygienically-impaired ogre (‘Shrek’), nor is it a talking lion (‘Madagascar’). In this film, the main character is awkward teenager Hiccup (voiced by Jay Baruchel), the least Viking-like Viking to ever exist. To heighten this factor, he just so happens to be the son of Stoick (Gerard Butler), burly and admired chief of the Viking clan located in the mythical Isle of Berk.
    Said Vikings fight dragons, the Berkian equivalent of rats, who try to steal the village’s food. As long as Vikings have existed, dragons have been detested and looked upon as thoroughly malicious creatures. Hiccup feels the same way, and longs to combat dragons, until he meets an injured one. Toothless, as Hiccup eventually names him, is of the most elusive and feared dragon species: the Night Fury. After some initial turbulence, the two enter a friendship like none other.
    What happens as a result is an unexpected chain of events that will keep everybody enthralled, and maybe even induce a few tears. The storyline was done beautifully, but it is one you’ll have to witness for yourself.
    As a warning for young audiences, this film touches upon some subjects that are sometimes considered taboo in children-targeted films. However, it does so in an eloquent and understandable manner.
    “You can do almost anything you want, it’s just in how you do it,” said Sanders, when asked about the subject. “The really cool thing about that is that we put it into the film and we wanted to be very tasteful about it. It was always the thing that we were quietly concerned about. The very first comment from the very first person was about that. It was neat because they rushed to its defense, and that’s when we knew we had it right.”
    ‘How to Train Your Dragon,’ will be released in the three major mediums: conventional, 3D, and IMAX. I personally recommend opting for IMAX, or at the least 3D, to witness the graphics in all their glory. This film truly has something for everyone, and I would not hesitate to recommend it.

Hogwarts comes to life in Orlando this spring

This article is another piece published in my school’s newspaper. The subject is that of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, set to open on June 18th, 2010. The originally published piece can be found here.

    The name ‘Harry Potter,’ may just ring a bell. It’s the world-renowned series about a boy wizard (Potter) and friends who manage to defeat the most maliciously powerful wizard in history, told over the course of seven best-selling books. Millions of people internationally are avid fans of the franchise, some even self-proclaimed as obsessive. What some don’t know, however, is that this widely famous series will make its theme park debut in a matter of months. That’s right: the ‘Wizarding World of Harry Potter,’ is coming to the Universal Orlando park, Islands of Adventure.
 Contrary to what some believe, this is not a theme park, but rather one of the eight islands of which Islands of Adventure is compromised. The entire “island,” will be roughly 20 square acres upon completion.
    Universal Orlando has been heavily advertising this new island, as of late, with commercials airing around the world. As far as an opening date goes, however, vague seems to be the name of the game, with only a “Spring 2010,” statement. Technically, Spring consists of every date from March 20th to June 30th. That’s roughly one hundred days, all of which could be the opening date.
    The island will consist of three rides: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Dragon Challenge, and Flight of the Hippogriff.
    Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is a completely new attraction that will make use of state-of-the-art, never-before-seen technology. Most information about the attraction has been, understandably, kept under lock and key. What is known so far is that it’ll be a dark ride set in Hogwarts, the iconic wizarding school from the series. The queue will include exact replicas of the most memorable rooms from the movies, and those who do not wish to ride the attraction will be able to see these rooms without waiting in line. Instead of traditional cars, a robot-arm system will be used, which will allow for ample movement on even the most limited of tracks. It is being billed as a “family-friendly thrill ride.” (universalorlando.com)
    The other two rides, Dragon Challenge and The Flight of the Hippogriff are the results of extensive re-theming being done on two previously existing Islands of Adventure attractions. The former was originally Dueling Dragons, an inverted, dueling coaster that has earned recognition as one of the best in the business. With the help of the “wizards,” behind this project, it will be converted to fit the premise of the first challenge of the Tri-Wizard Tournament featured in the fourth ‘Potter,’ installment. The Flight of the Hippogriff, was formerly The Flying Unicorn. It’s a “kiddie-coaster,” offering thrills for the little ones, and will take riders on a trip over Hagrid’s Hut.
    Rides aside, there will be a total of six shopping venues. All of them are based on actual shops from the series: Dervish and Banges, Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods, Honeydukes Homemade Sweets, Ollivander’s, Owl Post, and Zonko’s Joke Shop. Some, like Filch’s Emporium and Dervish and Banges will focus on merchandise based on the books and rides. Honeydukes offers an extensive variety of delectable sweets, from Bertie Bott’s Every-Flavor Beans, to chocolate frogs, so it’ll be the place to be if with a sweet tooth. The Owl Post will enable guests to send mail to friends and family as well as buy stationery, post stamps, and owl-related toys and gifts. It’s Ollivander’s Wand Shop, however, that will be the main draw for guests. It is being called a “unique interactive experience,” in which “a Wandkeeper can help the wand choose you.” (universalorlando.com)
    And, of course, there is food. The area’s sole restaurant, The Three Broomsticks, is a counter-service one. Food offered will be that of a traditional UK cuisine, such as fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, turkey legs, and more. Drinks range from your ordinary sodas to the first J.K. Rowling-approved recreation of the original drink featured in the series, Butterbeer.
    All these rides, shops and restaurant will be tied together by the superb theming people have come to expect from Universal Orlando. By the end of Spring 2010, Muggles (non-magical folk) and Wizards alike will be able to experience the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the magic it will bring to Orlando.

The Saints come marching back into New Orleans as champions

This article was my first piece published in my school’s newspaper. It talks about the New Orleans Saints’ Super Bowl victory and its effects on the New Orleans economy. The originally published piece can be found here.   

     Sometime around the final hours of February 7, 2010, an entire city set aside any negative disposition and went absolutely and irrevocably wild. The reason for this sudden celebration was, of course, the victory of the New Orleans Saints over the Indianapolis Colts at the 44th Annual Super Bowl. Hosted right in our own backyard, the Super Bowl attracted the attention of numerous fans from both sides of the spectrum. In the end, however, it proved to be the Saints who would emerge victorious, contrary to most predictions, with a 31-17 score. This victory means more than just a shiny trophy or a general sense of pride. The fact that the Saints won will spawn a lift of both spirits and economy in New Orleans, something that the city has needed for years.
     Since Hurricane Katrina tore through the city in August 2005, New Orleans has been in a state of economic and social upheaval. The tourism that once thrived in the veins of the city became a weak, barely existent pulse. The economy shattered, with businesses destroyed and workers suffering from a lack of hope. What was once regarded as one of the friendliest cities on Earth became shrouded in the difficulty of their newfound obstacles. Even five years after the catastrophic event, New Orleans is still trying to recover.
    What does this have to do with the Saints? Well, the very night of the team’s victory, images of celebration in the heart of New Orleans plagued television screens everywhere, a testament to the immense rush of tourism the city has received. The local economy is already on the rise, with many small businesses receiving a tremendous flow of customers.
    “I’ve seen more interest in New Orleans over the last two months than I’d seen in the previous two years,” said Stephen Moret, head of Louisiana’s Economic Development Agency (imdiversity.com).
    A rising economy in New Orleans brought with it a lift of spirits. There is a new reason to be identified with New Orleans, and it has nothing to do with Katrina. Now, when New Orleans is mentioned, people will think “Saints.” They’ll think of the unexpected interception that turned the match around, and of the vital last minutes of the game that sealed the win. They’ll think of the team’s own “superstar,” Drew Brees, who has become perpetually associated with this newly thriving city, given nicknames like “Drew Orleans,” and “La-Brees-iana.” For the first time in years, New Orleans has had positive connotations associated with its name, and its citizens are once again filled with pride and a sense of unity.            
     Mere weeks ago, the city held its largest Mardi Gras parade in history as part of a Saints victory celebration. The streets were jam-packed, further proof of the attention the city is drawing. And the citizens? Just as happy as before Katrina, just as friendly, perhaps even more so. This place that was once known for its resonant party spirit is returning to that state of mind after a few years of sorrow and attempted repair. With this much needed boost, the city will soon be right back on track to being the place it once was, if not better. It’s safe to say that, with the help of a few Saints, New Orleans is back on the map.

Romeo and Juliet: The ‘Party Scene,’ As Portrayed in the 1996 Film

This essay was written for my English Honors class. The assignment was an AP-style analytical essay on Romeo and Juliet and how a particular scene from the famous play was portrayed in the movie.

    Romeo and Juliet, a resonant literary piece, has had various adaptations throughout time in multiple mediums. From films, to plays, to books, there seems to be a new take on the classic coming out on a bi-daily basis. There is, however, a factor that has proven prominent in any incarnation of Romeo and Juliet: the ‘party scene.’ Famous for being the point at which Romeo and Juliet first set eyes on one another, it is the epitome of a vital plot point. It is inevitable, then, that the author or director of a Romeo and Juliet spin-off will interpret and emphasize the scene in their own unique manner. A prime example of this is found in the 1996 film version of Romeo and Juliet, directed by Baz Luhrman. The ‘party scene,’ in this version includes a plethora of archetypes that allow the viewer to more deeply comprehend the inner workings of the characters, situations, and the inevitable and instantaneous infatuation that occurs between our protagonists, which in turn efficiently elucidate Shakespeare’s presumably intended messages and goals for this particular scene.
    The first archetype presented to us comes in the form of water. Romeo, whose heart has been burdened with the sorrow of unrequited love, dips his head into a sink filled to the brim with water. He stands and leaves, abandoning the mask he had donned on his trip to the party. Water, as an archetype, is symbolic of redemption, rebirth, and cleansing. This is appropriate because Romeo was not only under the influence of drugs, he was under the influence of the aforementioned heartbreak he had been intoxicated with for quite some time. The water, which comes into play mere moments before his first encounter with Juliet, symbolizes the purification from any sin or sorrow that Juliet will offer him.
    Another significant aspect of this scene is the lighting and music. The lights are originally colorful and bright, reflecting off the faces of the guests. The music is lively and sets a feeling of freedom and fun. The fast paced song tells of young hearts running free, appropriate for the situation. All of these components contributed to a lively, free-spirited environment. When Romeo and Juliet first meet, the music and light softens to a point of romance and intrigue. As the two are running around, dodging the nurse and sneaking into elevators, the music is symphonic and plays up on the romance taking place. Finally, when Romeo and Juliet discover the unfortunate identities of one another, the music is low and dark, as is the lighting. The music and lighting of this scene moves with the emotions and occurrences taking place, and contributes to an efficient elucidation of the overall theme.
    Perhaps the most obvious and significant archetypal aspect of this scene, however, is that of the costumes and how they reflect the personalities of those who wear them. Juliet is dressed as an angel, in all white. A cross hangs from her neck. This provides a pure air about her. Romeo wears a knight’s costume, originally with a mask. The mask is left behind in the opening of the scene, showing how he is losing any façade he may put up. The knight costume is an allusion to the fact that Romeo is seen around town as a hero of sorts, and looked up to, as well as expected to always save the day. Mercutio, Romeo’s best friend, is dressed in drag. His outfit is white and shimmery, and he wears red lipstick. I believe this symbolizes his clownish and lighthearted façade that gives way to a possibly tortured, darker interior. Another notable costume is that of Tybalt, a villain in our tale, who is dressed as a devil. The red of his horns and clothing may represent his passion for the sanctity of his family’s name, or his lack of hesitance to spill the blood of another. His henchmen are dressed as skeletons, which is fitting seeing as how the restless dead are often portrayed as the henchmen of Satan. This could represent that they are bound to Tybalt, not necessarily at free will. Paris’s astronaut costume personifies the ideal of the ‘American hero.’ All of the costumes assigned to the major characters mirror their personalities and role in the story, as well as allows the audience a visual understanding of how Shakespeare meant the characters to act as well interact as interact with one another (i.e., Tybalt and Juliet are kin, but very different. This is portrayed in that he is the devil while she is an angel).
    All of the aforementioned archetypes, as well as many more, contributed to a portrayal of the party scene in which we, as the audience, are allowed insight to the intricate inner workings of innumerable aspects of the timeless play, Romeo and Juliet. Although it is common knowledge that nothing will surpass the original work, movies such as this one elucidate Shakespeare’s intended messages and goals in an efficient and contemporary manner. I believe that this film has done a superb job of offering a new  take on the universally famous ‘party scene,’ that stayed true to William Shakespeare’s original masterpiece.