A sexually assaulted woman was forced to carry the
child of her psychopath rapist whom murdered her partner as well as countless
other women. They all shared the same fate--flesh taken from their naked bodies
as they breathed their last breaths, screamed their last screams. However, Lana
differentiated herself from the others. Many of you may recognize this
scenario, as the images of the demented and insane Dr. Oliver Thredson emerge
within your mind. Lana Winters carried that child as an everyday reminder of
what had happened to her and to those women. Oh, how he desired her warm flesh
to himself. Lana succumbed to the
authority of no man. No man acquired the capability to win any war against her.
Even when life drained from her body and soul and weakness took over, she stood
right back up. "I am tough. But I'm no cookie." she would say as men
accused her of acquiring the title of a "tough cookie" as she held
the child within her womb and attained satisfaction of killing its father.
Another Lana, a beautiful and sophisticated poet of
great elegance, proved as the paradox to the original Lana. They both share
similar traits, such as not conforming to the ideas or standards of society, they
even shared a 60's bouffant hairstyle. Yet this Lana depicted her entire life
within her songs and videos. Although originally born with a silver spoon in her
mouth, she worked endlessly to achieve her dreams. From being addicted to
alcohol at a young age, to living on the streets and singing at New York
nightclubs, she fell into many deadly relationships with drugs, alcohol, and
men. No one obtains the ability to fully understand Lana, yet we all find a way
to relate. From acting as Jackie Kennedy to depicting her death within multiple
videos, she always manages to impact her audience with such images of
ambiguity. Lana's dependence upon men and love, is her greatest flaw, yet her
greatest treasure. Her shared memories and moments, her internal and emotional
struggles within her artwork are what causes her work to be so meaningful.
There are obvious similarities between these two
women. Both faced wars which altered their lives completely. After the
experiences they faced, they could never
perceive life the same way again. Their greatest contrast is their relationship
with men and love--one truly drove herself against the need for one, while the
other succumbs to the power which they acquire.
You may ask why I mention such women, yet I would not
take the effort to write of them if they weren't significant to me. "It's
a man's world out there" my mother would constantly tell me. From the
inception of time and even till now, women have faced challenges to achieve
their deepest desires and dreams. As an aspiring filmmaker and a dreamer, I
desire to construct a person of myself which incorporates both characteristics
of these ladies. I desire to be the hero the original Lana is to me, to rise
against a male dominated society and assert my willingness to compete, to fight
until I achieve my dreams. The second Lana grants me inspiration to construct
films based upon my own personal life experiences and rise to success in doing
so. There is no plan B to where I'm headed, and if there was I would only be
setting myself up for failure.
Sam, you're truly inspiring. I loved this piece because it not only added a controversial topic, but expanded into the topic of Feminism and what it means to you as an individual. When I first started reading I thought that this piece was touching upon the very controversial topic of rape, but as I read I saw how you allude to the story of Lana and how you have learned from her. Your strength is encouraging, I sincerely hope that you become a filmmaker and you take part in changing the spectrum for women everywhere. Great job!
ReplyDeleteVery unique piece! I liked how you compare two very different people, but at the same time, went through similar scenarios that ruined their life and compared and contrasted the two.
ReplyDeleteI really liked how your two "Lanas" affected your point, using a comparison between the two shows how strong they are but in different ways.
ReplyDeleteI truly enjoyed this read because I could see you putting yourself into the characters. I think this shows your creative side because you made two very separate characters come from two distinct parts of you. I think you deserve so much for the hard work you put into your dreams, and this piece gives credit to your thoughtfulness, I know you'll do great things! Keep up the good work :)
ReplyDeleteThis was interesting the beginning grabbed my attention, Great Job!
ReplyDeleteWith the motivation and drive that you described in this piece you are definitely capable of achieving any dream and goal you go after. I found it very interesting how you were able to explicitly describe both Lanas and turn thier pain and suffering and experiences in general into developing your own character. This piece does an excellent job reviving what it means to truly be an independent and strong women and with an attitude like that, nothing can hold you back. Great job!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely loved your concluding sentence. This is so motivating! I was captivated from the beginning to the end, good job!
ReplyDeleteI can truly see you in this piece. I loved how you connected the two very different characters. Great job!
ReplyDeleteMy goodness. Both you and Aaron make wonderful, inspirational, mind-opening works. I really admire both of your perseverance.
ReplyDeleteSam, you're brilliant. I always love hearing what you have to say because you write (and speak) so eloquently. You see the world through a frame of mind that is quite admirable. I have no doubt that you will go out in the world and make your mark, and I hope you never stop moving toward the person you aspire to be. Amazing job!
ReplyDeleteYour confidence and fiery nature is brought out in this piece. I like how your not only describe two inspiring women, but three, including yourself. From your tone to your diction, it showed your determination and unwavering will. women tend to be overlooked by society whenever it comes to activities beyond domestic activities. Your work contradicts this notion and I love it. I wish you the best in your dreams and future.
ReplyDeleteSam, I LOVED this! I love how you incorporated two extremely well-known identities into your own life. You brought the Lanas past the screen and exposed them for what they truly stand for. This piece is an extraordinary example of endless possibilities, a concept demonstrated by Lana Winters, Lana Del Rey, and of course, Samantha Trinidad. This piece was extremely compelling and you wrote it fantastically. Well done!
ReplyDeleteHonestly grabbed my attention, when I started reading the beginning it made me want to read it till the end and wanted to know more information. Really enjoyed it (: Good job
ReplyDelete- Ian Mendoza
This was an interesting and unique piece I liked how there were similarities and differences between two different people.Great job!
ReplyDelete(I'm not sure if my last one posted.)
ReplyDeleteThat is inspiration in its purest form. Wow, that's the real "You go Girl!" I really loved how you pulled together these women and empowered yourself and inspire others to have such resolve to change that "man's world". Great piece and I hope to see more of such in your films!
Samantha, this was such an interesting read. I like how you used two characters that are very different but connected them using their names, and then connected these characters to yourself. I really enjoyed this. It was beautifully written.
ReplyDeleteThe beginning is really intense, I mean is pretty shocking, is a pretty good technique to grab attention but I think is too depressing to have in the beginning.
ReplyDeleteI could see these two scenarios/stories being turned into a movie, and I would gladly say I would love to watch it. You did a great job Sam!
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