When I was a senior in high school the television series MY SO- CALLED LIFE felt like the mirror of my adolescence. I identified with Angela Davis but I also recognized parts of the teenager's experience being what was missing in mine. I related but was also jealous. We both had dangerous crushes on Jordans. We both had a wildflower whimsical but also troubled best friend who had a difficult parent and home. And the grounded and solid friend who we were growing distant from. I thought and felt a lot in my head. I over-analyzed. 1994-1995.
Now, early 2014, I've finished watching three seasons of HOMELAND, where Claire plays the super-intelligent, intuitive CIA agent Carrie, who also copes with bipolar disorder. I see an occasional Angela in Carrie's emotionally distraught scenes, but Carrie is mature, fiercely independent, and can trust her guy when it comes to people, even when everyone else seems to believe otherwise. Claire has also grown up -- married and mother of one son -- and I still find myself relating to her television characters. I am not bipolar, but I do think if myself as independent, intuitive, intelligent though I falter and doubt myself when I shouldn't, and I am envious of Carrie's attire and city life. Claire plays the role of a strong woman, both feminists, and I feel that the adolescent Angela was looking forward to becoming a strong-willed respected individual.
Claire and I both are in our 30s, both looking forward to what it brings. She's already opened the marriage and motherhood doors; those May or may not be in my future. But there are many prospects ahead, and I hope to continue seeing Claire Danes portray characters I am drawn to and relate to in each phase of my life.
Thank you, Claire, for being such a fantastic actress and person.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
