From Their Perspective: Student Assistant Discoveries in ASC, Part 2

Archives and Special Collections student assistants work with some of the most rare and unique materials on LMU’s campus. From Their Perspective: Student Assistant Discoveries in ASC, a 2013 exhibit curated by the students themselves, featured some of these objects and why the students found them interesting, compelling or, simply, fun.  This post is the second of four installments highlighting what the students uncovered. Below are some exhibit selections by Haig Ter-Ghevondian, Micaela McCauley and Lauren Gancayco:

History and Philosophy Major Haig Ter-Ghevondian chose Historia Naturae (1635), a remarkable work that records European perspectives of nature in the New World:

“The Pigritia Sive Haut is thought to be a sloth. At the time, illustrators often never saw the animals they drew; instead they relied on written descriptions as well as their imaginations.  I find it interesting how this animal was drawn with a human face whereas the rest of the body contains bestial characteristics such as claws and a tail.”

Naturally, Animation Major Micaela McCauley was drawn to ASC’s Film and Television Screenplay Collection:

“This revised plot synopsis of Star Wars Episode 6: Revenge of the Jedi is from the ‘Journal of the Whills’, one of George Lucas’ first attempts at setting down a story for his space epic. It’s really interesting to see how
much changed between this treatment of the story and the final film.  Revenge of the Jedi is just a bit darker than Return of the Jedi. This isn’t only due to the change in the title, it is also due to the fact that in Revenge of the Jedi Yoda dies in Luke’s arms and Lando flies the Millennium Falcon into the imperial force field, sacrificing himself to save the rebel alliance. It’s odd to think of how different the movie would be if these ideas were added in. Thank goodness for rewrites.”

Screenwriting Major Lauren Gancayco was equally fascinated by the Film and Television Screenplay Collection:

“When I came across [The Shrek Screenplay] in Special Collections, I knew I had to write about it not only because it’s a great movie but it’s also a piece of my childhood. For anyone that hasn’t seen it (whoever you are, GO SEE IT NOW), Shrek is a movie for all ages about a happily-ever-after fairy tale for misfits. Being a misfit myself, I really connected with its message. Shrek’s screenplay is just as enjoyable as its film counterpart. It’s clearly written and the words come to life before your eyes as though you’re watching the movie in your head. Reading over Shrek was like reliving my childhood but with a whole new spin on it.

Some of the same parts made me giggle but, being 22 now, the little comedic moments I never understood as a kid made me double over in laughter as an adult, like the Robin Hood scene –

              ROBIN HOOD: I like an honest fight
and a  saucy little maid

              MERRY
MEN: Pardon the French, but he likes to get—

And other moments, like the part in which Shrek tells Fiona she’s beautiful even when she’s an ogress, made me smile.  To anyone who is interested in movies and how they’re brought to life, reading Shrek’s screenplay is definitely something to look into.”