by A.E.McGrath

Created on: September 07, 2009

Like days in the week and the direction of the westerly winds, I display many personality traits at given moments. A morning can begin hectically, like the famous last-minute marathon dash from editing into the production room. Broadcast News. Towards the middle, I can be retrospective and give lifelong advice of a Mr. Miaygi. If I can focus my attention to three favorite movies, their main characters perfectly intertwine to my personality.

Part 1. Mabel Madea Simmons: Now, I am torn between the character, because it is really a man dressed in women's clothing. Also, several of my high school students will call me Madea instead of my given name, Mrs. McGrath or Mrs. Mac. That's beside the point. In all of Tyler Perry's craziness on screen, there are important messages concerning family, perseverance, and spirituality. Never mind the character chases the world with a gun or has anger-management issues, Madea is the nurturer of the family. The character goes to extremes to protect family and instill family traditions. Outlandish ways to curb serious societal ills (Grit Ball for an abuser), serve as innovative ways to face the problem. On a personal note, I can appreciate Tyler Perry's personal journey from homelessness to successful playwright and producer. In a way, he is celebrating the differences within our own families. Though tough to admit, each family has a Madea like character, one who influences the family dynamic.

Part 2. Lt. Col Frank Slade: Woo-hah! He fulfills the Army-brat side of my persona, the take no prisoners, and don't take any crap lessons I learned from my daddy. He happened to serve in the Army as well. He is clever, articulate, but he is also a romantic at heart. His character is dark throughout the movie, tortured by mistakes from the past. Slade mentors a young man on women, duty, and most of all, honor. The dialogue is gritty, filled with colorful language one would hear from a soldier. Yes, I am known to say some very colorful remarks as well. The speech at the school is, by far, one of the most eloquent scenes in cinematic history. When the Colonel is told to stand down by Headmaster Trask, he quips the line, If I were the man I was five years ago, I'd take a FLAMETHROWER to this place! What makes me appreciative of Col. Slade is the bravado he has for life overall, despite personal trauma. He and Charlie, his young guide, demonstrate that life is hard but we must persevere. Scent of a Woman is not a movie about women but about

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