Background on the film
The New Guy is a movie that came out in 2002, during my freshman year of College. Teenager Dizzy Harrison was the laughing stock of his high school, but his “loser” status changes when he lands a prison sentence and his inmate (Eddie Griffin) gives him a crash course in “coolness.” Basically he teaches him how to be tough and suave with the laddies. He enrolls in a new high school when he gets out of prison and starts a new as the new and improved Dizzy. He becomes an overnight sensation and the most popular guy in school, landing Eliza Dushku as his girlfriend! Towards the end of the movie, she discovers his past life, after her ex-boyfriend reveals his secret.
Before
After
Assessment and conclusion
If you view both pictures, you will notice the obvious change in the main character. From the way he dresses and the overall attitude he conveys. From straight to spiky hair, to a leather jack and motorcycle (not in the picture, but I’ve seen the movie). He has done anything in his power to change who he is, just to fit in and be noticed. At first, he is all excited and a high school superstar, as he snags the best looking cheerleader and isn’t picked on anymore. He becomes a crusader instead of a coward. In some ways you can connect with this character. People tend to worship celebrities and want their money and fame. He didn’t want to be picked on anymore and wanted to be treated right and Eddie Griffin was the cure.
As I’ve discussed in the past, if you aren’t authentic, people will uncover you and reveal your true personal brand. It doesn’t take Sherlock Holmes or even Watson to figure out if you are the real deal. By being dishonest, the main character was found out and reverted back to his old self, while still being with the girl of his dreams. When we start to lose touch with who we are to please others, we are doing ourselves an incredible disservice. I always remember hearing “I want you to like me for who I am.” That is so important! It brings more meaning to our lives and makes us feel wanted. Don’t like someone because they are a celebrity, or they comb their hair a certain way. The new guy was successful in the short-term because no one knew his prior existance and he had a boat load of confidence from prison. At the end of the movie, he is caught. Lucky for him, the “new him” was what he had inside himself all along.
Sometimes it takes events, such as this one, to bring out the real brand within us.
On Another Note
I spoke with my friend today and he shared a similar but different experience with me. He noted that someone he knew in high school is now selling books for a living and making millions doing so. Everyone that knew him in high school was shocked when the word got out about his success because he actually had no expertise and was a con-artist. My friend says that he has already been banned from certain speaking appearances and that he will be able to continue these endeavors for the rest of his life, without troubles. I personally think, what goes around comes around, what about you?
The New Guy Movie Trailer
[youtube=http://youtube.com/watch?v=_j3R3y5Q_XY]
