Student Blog: To Wes Anderson, with Love

I started off this semester by directing and acting in my senior project. Senior theatre majors here at Butler are required to take a senior capstone class, which involves building our resumes and websites etc. as well as one other aspect. For the other aspect, we can choose from taking an acting or portfolio capstone class, doing a theatre related internship, or doing a senior project.

From very early on my freshman year, I knew I wanted to direct my own senior project when it came time. For three years, I watched as the people in the classes above me put on their own senior projects, always so impressed with the unique and creative end results. I longed for it to be my turn.

When I began thinking about what I wanted to do for my senior project, I knew I wanted it to be the most me I could possibly make it. I went through play after play, combing through each and every one that was dear to me, but none of them felt right. I briefly considered writing my own play, but I knew I would never be satisfied seeing my own work on stage. I'd write and rewrite never reaching a final draft.

More and more I found myself drawn to the idea of bringing film to life on stage. Don't get me wrong. Theatre is a big part of me, but the films I love seem to leave more impact on me than plays I've seen or read, and no films have impacted me like Wes Anderson's.

You know that feeling you get when taking in something really, truly beautiful? It's not quite happiness, closer to awe. It feels like your insides are warming up and your heart races with excitement. Very similar to falling in love I imagine. That is how I feel every time I watch a Wes Anderson film.

My project quickly became a love letter to Anderson's films. Directed by Wes Anderson directed by Maddie Davies. I selected brief scenes from my four favorite movies of his and intermingled the scenes with tableaux from the rest of his films. The finished piece was quirky and weird and funny, and although it was all Wes Anderson, it was also somehow very much me.

It's so important to work on what you're passionate about. I could've just picked out a traditional script and directed it, but it wouldn't have been nearly as vibrant a work. My heart just wouldn't have been in it. So do yourself a favor and delve into what you love. Create that passion project you've always wanted to do. Trust me, it's worth it.

And if you'd like to, take a look at my senior project on YouTube! (So sorry for the shameless plug.)

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