Rebecca Wagman Film 104 Interview #2 Middletown Resident October 4, 2013 TITLE It was 5 oclock, and the illuminating

sunlight was reflecting off store windows across the street. Bouncing off tables/ in a mesmerizing fashion, I was forced to turn my head in order to avoid momentary blindness. It was then that I noticed her; a small, nervous, yet joyful, woman nestled comfortably into the corner. Whether burrowed out of fear of being noticed or out of comfort, this tight corner, situated perfectly between two yellowing walls and shrouded by the branches of a nearby planter, seemed to be her home. This peculiar woman seemed to be at ease surrounded by multiple half drunken cups of coffee, rummaged through newspapers, and a pad and pen with which she was writing fervently. Moments passed and still I had not relieved my fixation. Overcome with wonderment, curiosity, and confusion I flashed a small smile in her direction, unsure if I was looking for conversation or simply trying to be polite. However, my small gesture was met with an exuberant and joyous reaction. HELLLOOOOOOO she screeched across the bakery. I looked around the room, red with embarrassment and hoping that the other customers would feign oblivion at this strange occurrence. Trying to once again busy myself with my work, I put my headphones in and began to sift through the pages of my textbox. Yet moments after I became fully enveloped in my reading, I had a strange sensation of someone standing behind me. Cautiously, I turned my head, only to find myself face to face with Lara Daniels, the blue eyed and greying auburn haired lady who had only moments earlier hollowed a greeting across a public space. Not wanting to be seen as rude, I accepted this peculiar yet seemingly harmless womans invitation to join her in her corner. As I followed her through the maze of tightly crowded tables, I noticed that while her bizarre outfit. Donning a turtleneck speckled with bees, velvet pants covered in cars, and a hat fit for gardening, Ms. Daniels seemed to embrace, and even love, her outlandish garb. Noting the incredible comfort and confidence of my new acquaintance, I settled down into the available chair, giddy with excitement for the conversation to come. B: If you dont mind my asking, what do you write in that notebook? L: Oh THIS old thing? Well (giggling), they are my stories. I dont just waste my time making these up out of only this rusty thing of mine (points to her head), but I watch people! In fact, I was watching you Where was IOh yes! I watch them and then I get my characters, or my ideas of characters! Its like when you go into a restaurant or see people on the street. I like making up stories about them and their relationships with one another. For example, if I see a couple, I imagine various scenarios; is this a first date, a failing marriage, the mistress (laughs) the usual!

This is where I get my stories! Well I guess I cant say this because its not one thing, but everything! B: You seem very passionate, how long have you been doing this? L: Since I can remember! I used to draw pictures of what I saw and would turn those into stories Did you know that I won most artistic in high school? Well one day I had a realization that while drawing is fun, there are two things that make words better. The first is that there is a word for everything, as when I draw I have to try and convey emotions and thats more difficult. The second is, that I like to have the reader come up with their own images I say reader. Only me and my cat ever hear these silly things, but every time I flip through the pages, I come up with a new image as opposed to seeing the same one every time! I hope I can continue to do this, but the arthritis is starting to get to me (tries to fold fingers, but winces in pain), oh and I cant use what do you call them Iphones. Yes that thing right there (points to my phone.) I dont get it. Some call me crazy, for other reasons too. But I cant, just cant. Too many buttons, and numbers, and symbols... My mind goes BAHHHHHHH!!! B: Thats totally understandable. I am one of the most technologically challenged people you will ever meet. Speaking of your childhood, can you describe it for me? L: I was born in 1950 in the suburbs of industrial St. Louis, MO. We lived in an affluent idyllic community, although you wouldnt think it looking at me now. The focus in our household was on school, community, sports, and the weather. Since St. Louis is where the Mississippi meets Missouri, we were prone to severe weather. Tornadoes were a frequent occurrence and trips to the basement, while listening to weathercasts on the radio were a regular ritual. On another note. I was the fourth of hmmm how many of us are there? Oh yes, five! As a kid, not only did I love to draw, but I was obsessed with TV and movies! B: So when you were growing up, what was the influence of media and technology? L: In our family we were all avid readers. This is where some of my love of stories came from! While our parents had us focus on our school responsibilities, it was TV, primarily black and white, that was the focus of our evening and especially the weekends. Being the fourth of five, yes, yes, I often had to entertain myself, and this is where TV was my savior! I became obsessed with Disney and after school movies on TV. I would rush home from school, make myself my Peanut Butter, Tuna Fish, and Banana sandwich YUMMAE YUMMAE YUMMAE, and watch TV. As a family, we would always watch the 6pm news right before dinner, the Ed Sullivan Show, and various other game shows. On hot summer nights, we regularly drove in our station wagon with the wooden sides to the closest drive-in movie theatre. This

was a huge treat! Oh Im excited thinking about it! We would bring pillows and blankets, wearing our pajamas, while all five of the kids would lie down and watch a movie on the big screen. I remember watching Some Like It Hot and laughing so hard we started to cry. (sigh). It was the most exciting activity! B: Do you have a movie from your youth that has had a significant impact on your life? L: Without a doubt, the most exciting film experience for me occurred when I was five, when I went to go see The Wizard of Oz. This was by far the most incredible film experience Ive ever had. Not only was the story magical and the characters appealing. During the course of this magical film the characters evolve to be such meaningful heroes that as a five year old I felt a strong bond with them. The movie allowed the viewer to share in their journey as they strove to find the meaning of life and happiness. Isnt that what life is about? Making the most of what you are given, working hard to succeed, confronting obstacles, never giving up, and attaining your level of happiness, whatever that may be for you. The will to live, the will to hope, and the will to succeed that is the heart of The Wizard of Oz. B: Describe the experience of seeing The Wizard of Oz. L: I was attending a small summer camp a few miles from my home. It was my first overnight, and we were to sleep in sleeping bags for the first time. We also shared a special dinner of sloppy joes YUMMM! But, the real adventure was our trip to the moves of Grand Avenue, in one of the really old movie houses. We took a bus downtown, and entered the theater. It was HUGE! We sat in curved boxes on the sides and up from the ground immediately beneath the stage was a light fixed on a huge gold organ. I was mesmerized by the beauty of the music. But the best was yet to come. The music receded as the organ started to lower and the lights dimmed. The huge red velvet drapes, started to part and the screen came alive in black and while. The films music started, the Lion roared from MGM and I waited with anticipation for The Wizard of Oz to begin. B: That sounds amazing! If only movie theaters were like that today! How do you think this monumental movie, represented the sentiments of the era? L: The Wizard of Oz is clearly the best movie I have ever seen. At the time, it was revolutionary! Made in 1939, before WW2, the film took on a different meaning, as the country was about to enter the next industrial age focused on the needs of war. But, when seeing the film after WW2, amidst the aftermath of Americas success, the glow of the countrys success was apparent in the faces of the soldiers returning home and the abundance of the baby boomers. Hope was in the air, and this movie seemed to feed on that positive fever, while embracing the American spirit of optimism and an appreciation for Americas heart where ever it may lead us. Wow, I have not sounded that intellectual in years!

B: Well, I think you described the sentiments exactly! How do you think the movie would have been different if it were all in color or black and white? L: Opening the movie in black and white with the focus on Americas agrarian society, and then turning to color in the Land of Oz, was brilliant. It emphasized the changes occurring in the United States, politically, culturally, industrially, and emotionally. It was a time for change and it was happening at breath taking speed. The symbol of the tornado, the contrast of the black and white to color, the characters, all emphasize the changes in America. B: You seem to almost get lost in your thoughts Are you an easily enchanted person? L: Im an incredibly visual person. I consider myself an amateur artist, and therefore am easily drawn into things. I will never forget each aspect of the film, where I saw it, what I had for dinner before we drove downtown to see the film nor how I felt nestled in my sleeping bag that evening while singing Somewhere Over the Rainbow and reliving the film! B: Do you have a favorite character, song, or scene? L: Its funny that you ask that! (Brings out her notebook and points). Look right here! Its the Lion! I would definitely say that he is my favorite character. I feel a camaraderie with him in the way that he over comes his fears and lack of confidence. Had I lived elsewhere or pursued a different path, granted, if this were another life, I would have wanted to pursue a career in film or have been a performer. I have always loved to sing and preform, but I did not have the confidence, nor was I encouraged to follow this love. I find it admirable how the Lion overcomes his cowardliness and achieves the greatest title, King of the Forest! My favorite song, obviously, is Somewhere Over the Rainbow. Not only does it always seem to be stuck in my head on constant repeat, but its message of another life full of unlimited possibilities is simply remarkable to me! B: How would your life have been different without The Wizard of Oz? L: To be honest, I dont think I would be a different person. While the movie has had an undeniable impact on me, I feel that the messages conveyed are ones that would have been translated, eventually, to me through life. I think that one of the more attractive and fun qualities of the film is its ability to impart the lessons of courage, dedication, love, family, hope, etc. in such a creative and enjoyable fashion. I also think that the imagination put into the cinematography have been part of my fascination with and love for the movie.

B: You said that you would not be a different person without ever having seen The Wizard of Oz. Have you however, ever called upon or needed to relate your life to the move? L: Hmmm. Not so much in the sense that I feel you are looking for. The Wizard of Oz has never provided me unlimited guidance. It has however, been used as a means which to relate my life to. When Im feeling down, or confused, or hopeless, it is easy to recall the words and journey of Dorothy and her friends and the perseverance they had when trying to achieve their goals. B: If you had the opportunity, what is one aspect of the film you would change? L: Thats a tough one. Ok. Let me think. I would probably change, how Dorothy kills the Wicked Witch. While I find it exciting that Dorothy is able to accidentally take down her, I would find it even more powerful if Dorothys murder was intentional. While it does add a bit more of a violent twist, it gives viewers an opportunity to see Dorothy come full circle; from the passive and clueless farm girl to the champion of evil. B: What are your lasting impressions of The Wizard of Oz? L: Seeing The Wizard of Oz, was an inspiration and stimulated part of my creative fervor. I try to watch the movie at least once a year, as it continues to hold the magic, the appeal, and the splendor that first captured my attention. I would not however, attempted to create a sequel or prequel as they have done. Such attempts, while somewhat entertaining, will never capture the magic, the brilliance, the perfection, and the overall wonder of the great and wonderful Wizard of Oz.