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Jenifer

Jenifer Morgan - United Kingdom

My name is Jenifer Morgan, and I've been appearing as Lara for the last three years, ever since I was inspired by playing The Last Revelation with a friend, and was looking for a fancy dress idea for a theme party - she said: why don't you go as Lara Croft? - you're so like her anyway...

Having learnt more about the character, there are indeed some surprising coincidences and similarities with my own background and outlook on life - and although she is fictitious, I think the people [Core Design] who created her 'biography' have successfully (if consciously or not) bestowed the character with the attributes and aspirational image of a modern self-sufficient woman. She is educated, well-mannered, polite, resourceful, intellectual, physically fit - all things that we should endeavour to uphold in ourselves; And perhaps most of all, she shows that a woman doesn't need a man to be complete, that she can survive, and that she is not afraid to be alone.

Ironically perhaps, I'm not actually a great fan of computer games to be honest - living vicariously through a TV set may result in fewer broken bones, but you'll never really feel alive (or get a suntan)... but I do think Tomb Raider is one of the best video games - it is far more intelligent than the usual (it's all death and destruction and driving-fast games these days). There is exploring, puzzle solving, a reasonably realistic storyline (Tyrannosaurus Rex's not withstanding!) - a more worthwhile sense of purpose if you like, and the appeal for me is that although Lara uses guns, fundamentally her weapons are only used in defense, not to score points - I think that is very important.

(As a concept) I would say 'Lara' is a role model for modern women - I don't mean the gun-toting action-woman actuality of the game character, but the essence - that a trust in your own self-worth, a confidence (gained through a broad, if somewhat privileged background in her case) - gives you an inner strength and an enhanced sense of self. You can be admired as attractive, but also respected for your independence.

I have an extensive collection of the 'previous generation' costumes covering the game series from 1996 - 2001, which I designed and made/assembled with certain aspects commissioned, so as to closely replicate (and in some aspects improve upon) the official modeling costumes. Personally, I prefer the more practical aspects of the cotton/lycra costumes - my favourite was always the Area 51/Nevada outfit - however, having put my Angel of Darkness costume together, I must say it is actually my favourite so far. While I love the 'cartoon' nature of the previous generation outfits, from a design point of view I much prefer the detailing (and practicality) of the latest look. As for the TR Movie outfits?, well, I'm going to leave those to others...

In 2001 I was featured in the "Lethal & Loaded" documentary, and also appeared in the BBC2 nostalgia series "I love the 90's" (1996 episode) providing live action sequences which were intercut with videogame footage to provide the links between the interviewees. Not only was I fortunate to drive the actual Land Rover Defender used in the Tomb Raider movie during a photo shoot that year, but early in 2002 also created my very own Tomb Raider Movie style 4x4 vehicle: "Tomb Raider too" - at the same time moving out of the studio to focus on more location based photography. Later that year I pulled off a bit of a coup by being the first person to appear on ITV's Blind Date as a character, appearing in costume as Lara in front of millions of viewers.

I guess as long as Lara keeps on adventuring, there'll always be an excuse to keep on collecting - but for me the fundamental aspect of the whole Tomb Raider experience has been the inspiration to get out there and actually do it... my considered motto for life would be: Better to live one day as a lion, than a lifetime as a lamb...

J Mo

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