APPLICATIONS -- 2010; 001

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Hatter [Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland]

[muchtoocrowded.livejournal.com]

Personality:

Hatter has a very unique personality, due mostly to the fact that he is literally insane. His own trade has caused him to become crazy, as hatters often used mercury to cure pelts. This resulted in his mercury poisoning, the symptoms apparent in Hatter being multiple personalities and also his bipolar nature.

He lives on what is essentially an emotional rollercoaster that he cannot control. The smallest thing can cause his mood and behavior to change dramatically. While his most common “default” mood is quite harmless, it doesn’t take much to set him off into a very dangerous and violent mindset. For example, in the movie Hatter first appears as adorably off his rocker, a very cheerful and friendly fellow. Upon the Chesire Cat making a small reference to Hoverendush Day, however, Hatter snaps, advancing on Ches menacingly.

These fits, though not uncommon, usually do not last terribly long. Hatter is aware of his abrupt mood swings and struggles to control them, which results in him needing very little to recall him to himself. All it takes is someone yelling “Hatter”, which immediately calms him down.

Hatter has moments where his insanity can either be a curse or a blessing. His most common cover of blissful madness presents an escape from the terror of the world he lives in. Hatter is all too aware of what is going on around him, but when he’s on one of his high points he can afford to react with seeming indifference. It helps him deal with the suffocating loneliness of being the last of his Clan and keeps him amused.

On the other hand, however, there are times when he really struggles with his mental handicaps. His multiple personalities can make him feel crowded and confused. Often times he is frightened by who he is and suffers through something of an identity crisis. After being tortured for information by Stayne, the Knave of Hearts, and therefore enduring a very serious blow to what’s left of his sanity, Hatter loses it completely. When Alice manages to calm him down, he admits how scared he is. Inside, he is truly terrified, not only for the future of Underland, but also for himself and what he has become.

Hatter’s alternate personality is a violent, vengeful creature in agony over what the Red Queen has done. He is easily recognizable by his thick Scottish accent and burning reddish gold eyes. This side of him deals with his immense loss through anger and violence rather than allowing himself to laugh it all off with a manic giggle fit. He very nearly attacks Ches for abandoning the Hightopp Clan in a time of need, and gets agonizingly close to killing Stayne. Both times he is called out of it just in time and with obvious gratitude to whoever distracted him.

Hatter’s usual personality is a man who has lost so much in a short time. He finds comfort and solace in his friends, whom he relies on rather strongly to help him deal with his emotions. He’s particularly attached to Alice, to whom he is extremely loyal. He’s willing to do just about anything for her, not just because of what she means to Underland as a whole, but what she means to Hatter personally. He is eager to please her and quite honestly needs her influence in his life as a support and a friend.

I’d like to play him just at the beginning of the movie, where he has been waiting for thirteen years for Alice to join him for tea.