ESSAY #001:

‘HOW SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE WORLD TAUGHT ME SELF-RESPECT’

I was once an impressionable young child (duh), taking on the world every day, something new at every turn. I loved comics, video games, music, and all kinds of stuff. It didn't take a lot to pique my interest, but I was rarely ever impacted by much media-wise. This is why one of my favorite movies of all time, ‘Scott Pilgrim vs. the World,’ is so special to me. I vividly remember the day I saw the trailer, having no idea what or who Scott Pilgrim was. I was lying on the couch, staring at the ceiling, following a fly with my eyes, bored. The TV was on, begging for my attention, but nothing worth time on my weekend agenda - a nine year old’s time is important after all. Regardless, my focus was centered when I heard a spirit-lifting guitar melody, only to then peer at the screen and be met with the wonderful Michael Cera. Now, I probably shouldn't have known about Michael Cera at my young age, but a DVD copy of Superbad might have found its way into the Panasonic while no one was home. Anyway, Cera was cast alongside my first-ever celebrity crush, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, who’s color switching hair made my heart race. The trailer only got more interesting with cool music, video gamey stuff, and witty jokes, so I knew - I HAD TO SEE THIS MOVIE! I pleaded with my dad for days to take me to the Gateway Mall movie theater to see it, and my prayers were answered. I was pumped and excited walking in; going to the movies was a treat, and there was surely nothing to be calm about on such a special occasion.

We had the best seats in the theater, middle spots in the top row, anything less would have been unacceptable. 

From the first second, I was drawn in by an insanely smooth and eye-catching opening sequence like none other that I had seen. This was the first time I saw something that broke my mind a bit; it was different, it had elements I really liked, and it produced characters I fell in love with. Ramona’s past was coming to light, riddled with mistakes but showcasing her dynamic personality throughout the movie in the form of the ‘League of Evil Exes’, each with their own fascinating story to tell, vastly different from one another. Nonetheless, they were taken down one by one by Scott Pilgrim, clothed in band tees, loose jeans, and wristbands. I was on the edge of my seat the entire movie, literally - that’s probably why I have back problems at the age of 23. Scott struggled and prevailed only to be faced in the last hour by himself, questioning his purpose and earning a second chance to finally come to the realization that the journey was not just for love, but for his own self-respect. By the end, I was punching and kicking the air, pretending to be Scott. My father... had choice words about the film, but this is my story, not his. 

I went on to beg for wristbands, finding myself fixated on the way Scott wore them, almost believing they’d allow me to wield a similar power to him. I went to school proudly wearing my dollar store wristbands in a different color each day. Those wristbands got me through some of my worst days. I was bullied a lot, and on days when I felt like I was nothing I wiped my tears with those wristbands. Like Scott, I was somewhat a misguided outcast, or at least treated badly enough to feel that way. My wristbands gave me hope that I could learn self-respect and beat the odds against me, same as Scott did. I hadn't formed ideas of love or relationships then, but I understood the concept of the film overall, and it helped me understand my personal value. I felt seen - for probably the first time. That feeling gave me permission to step outside each day and accept myself.

Today, I'm quite careless of the thoughts of others and welcome challenges as they come. I was often fighting for a reason to belong and battling with my self-worth from an early age, but I owe credit to Mr. Pilgrim for a bit of help, as ridiculous as it may seem to others. I’d like to note, I wasn’t so introspective as a child, I definitely couldn’t have articulated this at that time, but I know now what I felt then. I hope this letter not only reflects my writing skill, but also sheds light on my personality a bit too.

Thanks & Best,

Tristan Dodson 

P.S - Shout Edgar Wright, a truly inspiring director.