CHARACTER TRANSFORMATIONS IN FILM STORIES - Essay Example

CHARACTER TRANSFORMATION: THE LONG KISS GOODNIGHT by [Insert Here] [Insert and Number Here] [Insert Here] [Insert Institution’s Name Here][Insert City and State of Institution Here]December 10, 2011Character Transformation: The Long Kiss Goodnight Over the years, many films have been produced centring on character transformations. Generally, the character is overly nerdy, unattractive, or some other undesirable trait. As the film progresses, the character transforms into what is considered to be his or her “true identity” (‘Transformation movies 2002).

Geena Davis’ character in The Long Kiss Goodnight (1996) falls directly into this genre. In the beginning, she lacks confidence and is uncertain of who she truly is, or was meant to be. While most character transformation films revolve around a specific event such as graduation, reunion, wedding, etc. The Long Kiss Goodnight does not really involve an occasion or event; rather it is just a positive change in this character’s life. "Back when we first met you were all like oh phooey I burned the darn muffins.

Now, you go into a bar and ten minutes later sailors come running out" (The long kiss goodnight). This line from the film, The Long Kiss Goodnight, spoken by Samuel L. Jackson’s character, Mitch Henessey, perfectly summarizes the character transformation made by Geena Davis’ character from Samantha Caine back to Charly Baltimore. As Charly Baltimore, Davis’ character was originally a top-secret agent working for the United States’ Government. After suffering from Amnesia, she transforms into Samantha Caine, a suburban housewife, and beloved member of the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) at her eight-year-old daughter, Caitlin’s school.

However, her memories slowly begin to return to her while chopping vegetables during preparation of her family’s dinner one night. At first she thinks she may have been a chef, due to her above average knife skills. She is forced to learn that she was not a chef, but a lethal assassin, when characters from her past begin to seek her out to kill her.Character transformation films are an interesting genre. While generally somewhat predictable, the viewer has seen the “Ugly Duckling” story repeated in various forms throughout cinematic history, this film’s transformation did not wholly fit the typical mold.

References‘IMDb’ 1996, The long kiss goodnight, viewed 10 December 2011, http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116908/The long kiss goodnight 1996, motion picture, New Line Cinema, New York.‘Transformation movies’ 2005, Characteristics of transformation movies, viewed 10 December 2011, http://www.tc.umn.edu/~rbeach/linksteachingmedia/powerpoints/chapter7/studentGenreAnalysis/transformationfilmppt.pdf