RUM DIARIES

Rum diaries:

 The film “The Rum Diary” was directed by Bruce Robinson, and was filmed in Puerto Rico.  The film is the story of a journalist called Paul Kemp (Johnny Deep), who works in the San Juan Star newspaper in Puerto Rico during the 1960s.  Kemp was assigned to find out what the tourist love about Puerto Rico.  Many Americans were traveling to Puerto Rico during this time, because there was economic potential in tourism.  Journalist such as Paul Kemp, had a duty to report what was going on in the tourism in the island. 

Paul Kemp experiences a transition from tourist to traveler in the sense that he needs to become one to stay in the island, he get more and more curious about the locals.  At the beginning he is asked by the taxi driver: “ ¿Primera vez en Puerto Rico?” and he replied: “I don’t speak Spanish, keep the change”.  This example reflects the tourist side of Kemp.  His transformation during the movie can be seen in diferente dialogues such as when,  Kemp asks Walt: “Mr. Paul Kemp: What you like most of Puerto Rico?  Walt( tourist) responds: “The bowling alley and the casinos” Kemp:” Have you seen a lot of the island?.  Walt’s wife replied:  “We never leave the hotel. It is not safe”.  Kemp: “But you are having fun right? Walt’s wife: “Oh yeah, lots of fun! “.  This exemplifies the ignorance of the common tourist which is represented by Walt and his wife.  They come here to another location just stay in their resort during their vacation. 

In this quote: Lotterman states: “This is America” , and Kemp replied: “This is Puerto Rico”. Here Kemp shows a complete transformation from a tourist to a traveler.

Sanderson can be classified as a tourist; he is just in it for the business, or for a piece of the Puerto Rican paradise.  He shows some disgust toward the locals.

Sala is also considered to be a tourist.  She thought that by speaking English she would have some sort of special treatment. 

Kemp says to Sanderson “ I will need a place to stay” and Sanderson responds: “That is easy.  I will find you something with a view”.  Just like the movie “A Room with a view” it is generalized that the idea of a tourist comes with a view in your room.