bugs v. daffy

daffy_bugs.jpgThe late, great Chuck Jones, principal creator of the Warner cartoons as you remember them, once wrote something about character that stuck with me. Bugs, he said, is how he likes to see himself: in control at all times, quick with a witty rejoinder, peaceful until provoked, cool. Daffy, in contrast, is how Jones probably actually is: impulsive, inept, emotional, woefully uncool but he thinks he's cool.

Invariably, this has seeped into my consciousness. I can't watch Casablanca without thinking

How I like to see myself: Rick
How I probably really am: Louie

Or in Saving Private Ryan:

How I like to see myself: Sarge (Tom Sizemore)
How I probably really am: Caparzo (Vin Diesel)
How I really hope to god I'm not: Upham (Jeremy Davies)

Or across all film characters:

How I like to see myself: still Rick
How I probably actually am: Aaron Altman (Albert Brooks' character in Broadcast News)

Your turn.