One of the many times I feel like writing after watching a movie

Based on the book by Hunter S. Thompson, The Rum Diary is a fun but worrisome way to get to know Puerto Rico. Congruently, this is especially evident in the movie where it all comes alive. The way The Rum Diary is portrayed on the screen causes the audience comes in contact with lots of the aspects of Puerto Rico most people do not get to experience. The plot of the story takes place during the 1970’s which in my opinion makes it all the more interesting. One can easily see important factors like othering and in-group out-group throughout the entire movie.

 The movie is narrated by the main character, Paul Kemp played by Johnny Depp, who arrives in Puerto Rico after applying for a job as a writer for the local newspaper. He starts off with the position of the horoscope section and is reluctant to work on it. Afterwards, he is given a position where is supposed to write about silly topics like where to go as a tourist on the island. This job is given to him by Sanderson who constantly takes part in the othering concepts and in-group out-group concepts. He often emphasizes on the difference between himself and the natives of the island. Sanderson is the one character who exposes the ideals of many Americans living there, especially referring to looking at the island as an object to make money off. He ignores this and decides to write about the real issues like poverty and the crime rate. I think that this has a lot to do with his background in a professional sense.  Kemp is an alcoholic, who tends to wear sunglasses to hide it, or at least that’s how he coped with things in the beginning. I think none of the characters who aren’t natives try to make themselves feel better by intimidating those who surround them. Puerto Ricans are the one who experience this treatment most. On the other hand, there’s Chenault who is Sander’s mistress. She provides on of the few female perspective in the movie, which in my opinion is vital. She also depicts the idea of othering, something that she endures because of her fellow Americans.

 Any person can see the move and learn more about Puerto Rico’s roots and culture. I truly enjoy being able to take movies and stories to better understand the society I live in. Literature is one of the best ways to get to know virtually anything. I love seeing things from a more personal point of view because it feels more real versus history books for example.