The film thriller "The Source Code" explores the idea of an unbalanced hero in his quest to prevent more lives from being lost. Now before viewing the trailer, I analyzed what archetypal connection the title Source Code has. When first thinking of the Source Code, I thought of how it is usually an idea that penetrates through to the inner recesses of the human mind, making me think immediately of the Quest for Identity archetype. Upon watching the trailer, Captain Stevens embarks on a quest for enlightenment journey in which his job is to find the culprit who bombed the train. At first, Captain Stevens meets an unknown woman and goes to the washroom, only to find another man looking back at him in the mirror. The common archetype of a mirror is used to show reflection as well as uncertainty regarding identity. The fact that there was a different person looking back on Stevens makes the reader question the stability of the protagonist as well as his true character. The protagonist later finds out that he is part of the Source Code, which is actually a computer program designed to take over another mans identity in the last 8 minutes of life.
Throughout the trailer, a major archetype that is touched upon is the importance of time. The archetype of time is apparent because of the almost subliminal images of a watch as well as the idea of valuing the importance of time by “...making those seconds count.” This coincides with the fact that the protagonist only has 8 minutes to execute the mission and save another travesty from happening because despite the limited amount of time, history is dictated by those few seconds that matter. This cycle will continue until he completes his mission, contributing to the idea of Death and Rebirth and how that cycle influences the individual.
The viewer can also see a possible transition in the role of the hero in this trailer. The hero can be first indentified as an unbalanced hero because of the uncertainty regarding his own identity and his values. His goal was to save future people from falling victim towards the bomber and is a quest for knowledge. However, through the use of the source code, Stevens begins to become attached to those who have already died. He wishes to save the woman he has bonded with, despite the fact that she is going to die. The woman that appears in this trailer is a modern day adaptation of the damsel in distress character, her weakness being her naivety. She is unaware of the severity of the situation and the impending travesty that will occur. The limited amount of time spent together coincides with the idea of how a human being would make every second count even knowing death is upon them. The actions of Stevens later on in the trailer goes against his original intentions, again calling into question the identity of the character and the mirror scene in which he doesn't know who he truly is.
This character analysis reveals the bigger idea of the conflict of the protagonist fighting against fate and divine intervention. The hero attempts to change the impossible by risking everything for the woman he encounters. The idea of asking if someone has "...the decency to let him try" to save her shows the characters conflict with going against what fate had originally intended. This brings up the impact of human nature on the hero's journey taking the traditional archetype to a new level and how it influences the outcome. It can be inferred that this struggle against those above us, reveals the resiliency that humans truly have in the direst of circumstances. In the actual movie, I expect several unforeseen circumstances to arise as well as the archetype of devil figure in the form of the bomber to interfere with Captain Stevens plans. I also think that the past of Stevens will be revealed and affect his identity.
In what ways does the struggle to break free from fate reveal aspects of human nature?
Friday, April 8, 2011
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Mythology in Other Instances and its Connection to Human Nature
While searching for possible topics relating to mythology, I came across an interesting concept that really strikes at the heart of what I've been talking about on this blog. Upon researching this topic, I realized that they're many parallels between the beliefs and values of different cultures. The Creation myths of Japan are quite similar in aspects such as the symbols and meaning of the divine beings of Greek Mythology. The roles and personalities of these gods and goddesses are also closely linked in these cultures.
The creation myth of Japan explains how everything came into being in the world, especially how the Japanese islands were created. Of course with technology today, everyone realizes that the formation of these islands is not unlike Hawaii, in that the movement of tectonic plates as well as volcanic activity created these Japanese islands. The way this myth starts is that the two divine beings; Izanagi and Izanami were summoned to clear the void state that the earth was in at that time. As a gift, the rest of the dieties residing in what would be deemed "Heaven" gave these two divine beings a golden spear. Standing on the bridge between earth and heaven, Izanagi touched the spear against the chaotic realm, to find several great drops form. These drops fell to the swirling masses, creating the original islands of Japan. These divine rulers then gave birth to several deities, such as Kagutsuchi-no-Kami, the deity of fire, as well as Kukunochi-no-Kami, the deity of trees. The fact that these deities embody certain aspects; either elemental or societal closely aligns with Greek Mythology in that they believed their society was controlled by divine beings. As an interesting side note, the gods were also thought to have certain personality characteristics such as compassion or tolerance and anger or vengeance depending on the deity.
Now, the similarities between the two are more than just mere coincidence. The reason why this can be despite the vast difference in geographic location is that it’s simply an aspect of human nature. Throughout history, people have always made up theories of something that they really didn't understand at the time. People tend to do this because people are drawn towards a definitive answer even when there isn't one. This is also a generally accepted practice, because society today is built on trial and error. There are many things yet to be understood, and ideals that are modified and changed based on these predictions. This poses the bigger question of "what really defines human nature?"
The connections between the past and the present reveal that humans have also been inquisitive beings searching for answers in a world which we sometimes don't understand. Mythology can be seen as many as an outlet for explanations of things that confuse us or simply a belief system centered on the world. The parallels between the Greek and Japanese cultures within their belief system can be used to prove how we all come together on a common aspect. Regardless of the purpose of its creation, mythology not only highlights the similarities between us, but more importantly the differences. Is it true that individual goes against human nature, or that being an individual is actually what makes up human nature? It is these forms of media that make us question what our true purpose is, and what the meaning is of our lives. The importance of mythology and archetypes of the past is the relevance and implications it has towards our own worldview. That’s what I think makes mythology great. The symbols used not only connect people with the past, but also give insight of important aspects of society. What do you think are the effects of mythology and archetypes towards our daily lives?
The creation myth of Japan explains how everything came into being in the world, especially how the Japanese islands were created. Of course with technology today, everyone realizes that the formation of these islands is not unlike Hawaii, in that the movement of tectonic plates as well as volcanic activity created these Japanese islands. The way this myth starts is that the two divine beings; Izanagi and Izanami were summoned to clear the void state that the earth was in at that time. As a gift, the rest of the dieties residing in what would be deemed "Heaven" gave these two divine beings a golden spear. Standing on the bridge between earth and heaven, Izanagi touched the spear against the chaotic realm, to find several great drops form. These drops fell to the swirling masses, creating the original islands of Japan. These divine rulers then gave birth to several deities, such as Kagutsuchi-no-Kami, the deity of fire, as well as Kukunochi-no-Kami, the deity of trees. The fact that these deities embody certain aspects; either elemental or societal closely aligns with Greek Mythology in that they believed their society was controlled by divine beings. As an interesting side note, the gods were also thought to have certain personality characteristics such as compassion or tolerance and anger or vengeance depending on the deity.
Now, the similarities between the two are more than just mere coincidence. The reason why this can be despite the vast difference in geographic location is that it’s simply an aspect of human nature. Throughout history, people have always made up theories of something that they really didn't understand at the time. People tend to do this because people are drawn towards a definitive answer even when there isn't one. This is also a generally accepted practice, because society today is built on trial and error. There are many things yet to be understood, and ideals that are modified and changed based on these predictions. This poses the bigger question of "what really defines human nature?"
The connections between the past and the present reveal that humans have also been inquisitive beings searching for answers in a world which we sometimes don't understand. Mythology can be seen as many as an outlet for explanations of things that confuse us or simply a belief system centered on the world. The parallels between the Greek and Japanese cultures within their belief system can be used to prove how we all come together on a common aspect. Regardless of the purpose of its creation, mythology not only highlights the similarities between us, but more importantly the differences. Is it true that individual goes against human nature, or that being an individual is actually what makes up human nature? It is these forms of media that make us question what our true purpose is, and what the meaning is of our lives. The importance of mythology and archetypes of the past is the relevance and implications it has towards our own worldview. That’s what I think makes mythology great. The symbols used not only connect people with the past, but also give insight of important aspects of society. What do you think are the effects of mythology and archetypes towards our daily lives?
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Bobby Boucher and the Outcast Archetype
Ever since the film industry began, the archetype of a social outcast turned hero has been one known to instil hope in viewers. One movie that has been particularly effective in adapting this archetype is the 1998 movie The Waterboy with main protagonist Bobby Boucher; a waterboy for a college football team. Although this film is not widely recognized, it serves its purpose in delivering the message about the transition of an outcast. The main character gains the viewers empathy from the start because of his lack of interpersonal skills with others, making him the ideal target for the archetype of an outcast.
Before viewing the film, the viewer can assume the main character is an outcast just from looking at the title "waterboy." Defined as someone who caters to the team, as opposed to playing for the team; the waterboy is someone we can all relate to as someone who struggles socially and is perceived as different from the rest of the crowd. Thus, this person is usually mocked because of this position and exists outside the societal norm, always longing for a sense of belonging. Immediately, this character gains sympathy from the audience because of his position that is looked down upon by others. The fact that he is automatically deemed as inferior is why he is a perfect example of the outcast archetype.
Near the beginning of the movie, it is revealed that his desire to become a waterboy came from his father’s death from dehydration. To add to his troubled past, the protagonist also has hidden anger issues from the constant teasing he has suffered throughout his life. These elements are all major components of what makes a suitable and isolated outcast, as other characters are not easily prone to associate themselves with the outcast. After becoming the official waterboy for the University of Louisiana Cougars, the players constantly torment him and he is eventually fired by the head coach for "disrupting practices" due to his presence on the team. The constant stuttering of this character when talked to other only fuels the argument of the stereotypical outcast. Boucher lacks confidence and therefore is easily susceptible to being a scapegoat; meaning he takes the blame for things that weren't really his fault. This character also lacks the courage to fight back against his oppressors, which makes him the appropriate underdog in this story.
As the film continues, the audience begins to truly feel for the waterboy and wishes for his success. Like other outcasts, there is always a breaking point to which the character can withstand no more pressure from the peers around him. This occurs in the waterboy, when Boucher stands up for himself and channels his anger into football. Upon doing this, this makes him a fierce competitor in the football league, as he crushes anyone that stands in his way with lethal force. The common thing with outcasts is that people tend to underestimate the power they hold which can often result in undesirable consequences. Bobby Boucher also exhibits a deal of instability throughout this portion of the movie, as the viewer is uncertain what he will do next. That is part of the power of the social outcasts, as it puts everyone on edge as they are afraid of the unpredictability of that outcast unleashing the built up rage.
Up until this point, Bobby Boucher in the waterboy exhibits traits directly like any other outcast in any other given form of media. After the energy kept inside has exploded the majority of outcasts then become wanderers; destined to roam the earth because of the regret that still exists inside. Instead, following the logical path of most underdog stories, the character of Bobby Boucher overcomes obstacles such as his mothers’ protective nature as well as the odds against him to achieve continued success. This is not like other outcasts in films and media because normal outcasts don't have the confidence to achieve their true dreams.
This classic take on an ancient idea is effective because it takes this traditional archetype and relates it the real world and the audience. The outcast has relevance to the audience because they had experienced people like that in their everyday lives, adding meaning to the purpose of this film. The message I got from viewing this film was that an individual must learn to value what is different about them to truly find success in life. The outcast is usually a character that is pitied and mocked by others, but in this instance, the outcast inspires hope by speaking directly to the feelings of the audience. Although the plot wasn't the greatest, what I truly found inspirational was the personal connections that added validity to this form of media. In what ways does this archetype make an individual reflect on their own lives? Also, what does this change show about human nature?
Before viewing the film, the viewer can assume the main character is an outcast just from looking at the title "waterboy." Defined as someone who caters to the team, as opposed to playing for the team; the waterboy is someone we can all relate to as someone who struggles socially and is perceived as different from the rest of the crowd. Thus, this person is usually mocked because of this position and exists outside the societal norm, always longing for a sense of belonging. Immediately, this character gains sympathy from the audience because of his position that is looked down upon by others. The fact that he is automatically deemed as inferior is why he is a perfect example of the outcast archetype.
Near the beginning of the movie, it is revealed that his desire to become a waterboy came from his father’s death from dehydration. To add to his troubled past, the protagonist also has hidden anger issues from the constant teasing he has suffered throughout his life. These elements are all major components of what makes a suitable and isolated outcast, as other characters are not easily prone to associate themselves with the outcast. After becoming the official waterboy for the University of Louisiana Cougars, the players constantly torment him and he is eventually fired by the head coach for "disrupting practices" due to his presence on the team. The constant stuttering of this character when talked to other only fuels the argument of the stereotypical outcast. Boucher lacks confidence and therefore is easily susceptible to being a scapegoat; meaning he takes the blame for things that weren't really his fault. This character also lacks the courage to fight back against his oppressors, which makes him the appropriate underdog in this story.
As the film continues, the audience begins to truly feel for the waterboy and wishes for his success. Like other outcasts, there is always a breaking point to which the character can withstand no more pressure from the peers around him. This occurs in the waterboy, when Boucher stands up for himself and channels his anger into football. Upon doing this, this makes him a fierce competitor in the football league, as he crushes anyone that stands in his way with lethal force. The common thing with outcasts is that people tend to underestimate the power they hold which can often result in undesirable consequences. Bobby Boucher also exhibits a deal of instability throughout this portion of the movie, as the viewer is uncertain what he will do next. That is part of the power of the social outcasts, as it puts everyone on edge as they are afraid of the unpredictability of that outcast unleashing the built up rage.
Up until this point, Bobby Boucher in the waterboy exhibits traits directly like any other outcast in any other given form of media. After the energy kept inside has exploded the majority of outcasts then become wanderers; destined to roam the earth because of the regret that still exists inside. Instead, following the logical path of most underdog stories, the character of Bobby Boucher overcomes obstacles such as his mothers’ protective nature as well as the odds against him to achieve continued success. This is not like other outcasts in films and media because normal outcasts don't have the confidence to achieve their true dreams.
This classic take on an ancient idea is effective because it takes this traditional archetype and relates it the real world and the audience. The outcast has relevance to the audience because they had experienced people like that in their everyday lives, adding meaning to the purpose of this film. The message I got from viewing this film was that an individual must learn to value what is different about them to truly find success in life. The outcast is usually a character that is pitied and mocked by others, but in this instance, the outcast inspires hope by speaking directly to the feelings of the audience. Although the plot wasn't the greatest, what I truly found inspirational was the personal connections that added validity to this form of media. In what ways does this archetype make an individual reflect on their own lives? Also, what does this change show about human nature?
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Analyzing the Idea of Divine Intervention
Dating back to the beginning of the Greek empire, people have always believed in divine intervention by their gods or their deity. This intervention is usually characterized as beneficial if not essential in the hero's journey. What people tend to forget is that throughout mythology, the gods are also seen as spiteful and unstable towards the people that revere them. Homer depicted the gods as powerful beings, with definite negative attributes that harm people if they do not appease these higher beings. This has caused be to question whether people look up to their spiritual leaders for power and strength, or if they simply appease them to avoid harm and repercussions because of the instability of these leaders. A prime example of the instability of the gods and divine intervention would be the Legend of Prometheus in Edith Hamilton's book of mythology.
Described as one of the earliest hero's within Mythology, Prometheus is predominantly known for stealing fire from the gods and giving it to man. He is often revered as one of the greatest hero's for aiding the human race within Greek mythology. As the story goes, Zeus ultimately punished Prometheus for this, by imprisoning him on the high piercing cliff of Caucasus where eagles came every day to peck out his liver. Prometheus was immortal so the suffering was eternal. The attitude of Zeus towards someone he once considered an ally shows how the gods were thought to be revengeful towards those who displeased them. This is where humanity god the foundation for the idea of praising the gods to avoid repercussions in their own lives.
The reason why this unforeseen pressure of divine intervention is so effective is because the actions of the gods instilled fear within the hearts of many. These tales told of merciless acts by the gods on mortals because of something the other gods had done. An example of this would be how Hera, queen of the gods always took spite in the many mortal women Zeus came into contact with, and how these mortals were punished for meddling in these affairs. Although the idea of divine intervention is supposed to aid the hero in the hero's journey, it also plays the role as the archetype of the devil figure which interferes with and tries to destroy the actions of that hero depending on the situation. People were afraid of the immense power of the gods and more focussed on not ticking them off then on the path of their lives. They believed that if they appeased the gods, the gods would reward them by giving them a prosperous life.
This idea of proactively living to avoid repercussions has spread to the modern world in ways which we really don't consider. Take the idea of karma for example. The basic principle that the actions that you do influence the events that will occur. If a person does something good, then good things will happen, whereas if a person does something morally wrong, bad events will occur. Although this principle is widely used in society, people don't think where it originated from. It has been engrained in our minds, that in order to succeed, one must exhibit good and positive attributes in order to do so, partly because the gods or the spiritual being of your religion will aid you because of it. This archetype of divine intervention has been so effective, that we use it without recognizing it, because it seems like common sense.
I think that Homer and the poets who are credited with coming up with these myths thought that the gods were revengeful because of experiences that happened such as famine and drought occurring when no praise to the gods existed. Without knowing it, this simple concept of divine intervention negatively impacting the hero because of actions done by the hero, has helped society in unimaginable ways. Society has accepted this idea and people recognize that the path to success is easiest when a person does good actions, because divine intervention will willingly help that person along the way. What other examples of archetypes that have extended into society exist today? Also, what other examples of divine intervention in media show this concept of actively affecting peoples' moral decisions?
Described as one of the earliest hero's within Mythology, Prometheus is predominantly known for stealing fire from the gods and giving it to man. He is often revered as one of the greatest hero's for aiding the human race within Greek mythology. As the story goes, Zeus ultimately punished Prometheus for this, by imprisoning him on the high piercing cliff of Caucasus where eagles came every day to peck out his liver. Prometheus was immortal so the suffering was eternal. The attitude of Zeus towards someone he once considered an ally shows how the gods were thought to be revengeful towards those who displeased them. This is where humanity god the foundation for the idea of praising the gods to avoid repercussions in their own lives.
The reason why this unforeseen pressure of divine intervention is so effective is because the actions of the gods instilled fear within the hearts of many. These tales told of merciless acts by the gods on mortals because of something the other gods had done. An example of this would be how Hera, queen of the gods always took spite in the many mortal women Zeus came into contact with, and how these mortals were punished for meddling in these affairs. Although the idea of divine intervention is supposed to aid the hero in the hero's journey, it also plays the role as the archetype of the devil figure which interferes with and tries to destroy the actions of that hero depending on the situation. People were afraid of the immense power of the gods and more focussed on not ticking them off then on the path of their lives. They believed that if they appeased the gods, the gods would reward them by giving them a prosperous life.
This idea of proactively living to avoid repercussions has spread to the modern world in ways which we really don't consider. Take the idea of karma for example. The basic principle that the actions that you do influence the events that will occur. If a person does something good, then good things will happen, whereas if a person does something morally wrong, bad events will occur. Although this principle is widely used in society, people don't think where it originated from. It has been engrained in our minds, that in order to succeed, one must exhibit good and positive attributes in order to do so, partly because the gods or the spiritual being of your religion will aid you because of it. This archetype of divine intervention has been so effective, that we use it without recognizing it, because it seems like common sense.
I think that Homer and the poets who are credited with coming up with these myths thought that the gods were revengeful because of experiences that happened such as famine and drought occurring when no praise to the gods existed. Without knowing it, this simple concept of divine intervention negatively impacting the hero because of actions done by the hero, has helped society in unimaginable ways. Society has accepted this idea and people recognize that the path to success is easiest when a person does good actions, because divine intervention will willingly help that person along the way. What other examples of archetypes that have extended into society exist today? Also, what other examples of divine intervention in media show this concept of actively affecting peoples' moral decisions?
Friday, March 18, 2011
Who's really in control?
During this past weekend, I watched a truly inspirational movie with my friends called the Adjustment Bureau. This movie not only capitvated the audience by produced many symbols and aspects that directly coincide with the mythological aspects of traditional fables. This dramatic story includes the protagonist and electoral candidate David Norris. Now upon first contact, Norris seems to be one of the sterotypical love struck heroes when he instantly falls in love with Ballerina Elise in a washroom stall after blowing his lead in the senate eleciton in NYC. However this encounter leads to a inspirational speech that instantly makes him the frontrunner in the subsequent election, making the reader wonder the true impact of this relationship. A new twist is added to this inition within the typical hero's journey is impacted by the Adjustment Bureau.
Now to understand what really sets this story apart from the traditional texts, you must understand what the Adjustment Bureau is all about. The Adjustment Bureau is an organization that ensures that everybody follows a certain "plan" or guideline of how their life is supposed to be lived. The caseworkers or "angels" of this organization alter the decisions made by individuals to ensure that this plan is followed and supposedley act in the best interests of these people. Little is revealed to the audience who the creator of these plans, save for the fact that he is referred to as "The Chairman" and has mulitple different names. It is assumed that the chairman is some sort of god, and relates back to the idea of divine intervention apparent in greek mytholoy. The gods always meddled in the lives of ordinary people, because they thought they knew best. This also brings into question the morale of interferring with others lives as well as the idea of fate. One of the central topics revealed in this movie is the question of how much power we really hold over our own lives, and how much fate impacts those decisions.
The true power of the Adjustment Bureau is revealed when certain caseworkers change the opinion of Charlie; one of Norris' friends to better suit the interests and direction of his company. While all this is going on, the viewer is questioning whether the Adjustment Bureau has the authority or the right to do these actions. The ethics of meddling in peoples lives interferes with individual freedom of choice, without the people even knowing. This connects to the archetype of divine intervention, and how the gods or higher beings that make the decisions are not always in the interests of the common man or women. The godsThe Adjustment Bureau directly intervenes at this point and warns Mr. Norris that he is not meant to ever see his beloved Elise again, because the plan doesn't call for it. The protagonist is then warned to never reveal the existence of this secret organization, in fear of being "reset" a modern adaptation of lobotomy. People in Greece in earlier centuries also lived in fear of displeasing the gods, because of the power these gods had. Despite this precaution, Norris shows perseverance by scouring the city looking for Elise over the next couple years, showing both the determination and possibly the fatal flow of Norris' in ability to move on with his life.
This is the beginning of the road of trials for the protagonist as he eventually out maneuvers the adjustment bureau to find Elise. The viewer questions the luck that Norris has in his quest against the organization is all-powerful in teleporting instantly to any location through a series of doorways. The obvious archetype made by the director would be that the doors represent the opportunities in life, and with the caseworkers able to control this network, they also control the direction people go in life. The case eventually gets out of hand and is too difficult for the normal caseworkers to handle. A character of seemingly higher status enters, that goes by the name of Thompson, who is shown to have much more power over the fate of others. This higher official lists off a plethora of times when the organization stepped aside and let individual will happen in the world. The consequences of this action was shown to be tragedies such as Fascism and the two World wars, backing up his argument that humans are not yet mature enough to take control of their own destiny. The idea of being bound by fate is apparent here, in that Thompson indirectly states how impossible it is to fight the people who ensure the plan comes to fruition. He also states that the connection between the romantic relationship will not only affect the success of the politician but also the career of dancer Elise. To illustrate his point, he purposefully makes Elise fall and break her ankle. This represents the internal conflict often found in the protagonist as well as the fundamental decision that the hero must make that determines the end. This archetypal crosswords not only defines the character but all those around him as well.
The hero eventually decides to be with Elise and enacts the fundamental shift in the plot. A caseworker aids Norris in navigating their pathways that are used for instant travel. By using these pathways, it represents how the character is now in control of his own destiny and the decisions he makes are truly his. The story ends up with Elise and Norris being together and the Chairman altering the plan so that the fate is now dictated by his actions. The Innermost Cave reveals that building humanity up until it can support itself could be the true goal of the Chairman and the purpose of the adjustment bureau. A prominent and recurring symbol within this movie, would be the repetition of a picture of a bench. At the start of the film, the bench was always occupied by a member of the Adjustment Bureau, whereas towards the end it was vacated. This shows the progression of the power Norris had over his own life and his struggle against societal constrains. One of the fundamental themes involving fate can be determined as that people must take control over their decisions to truly control their lives and not fall into the typical category of people without free will. This film provides a modern adaptation of the typical archetype of fate in our everyday lives, by showing how Norris can change his destiny because of the actions he made.
Upon reflecting on this film, I began to wonder what ordinary people must do control their own destiny and own their fate. This really states that society is generally not ready for the responsibilities of the future, but are constantly growing towards that goal through the experiences and inter-personal contact. The typical archetype of fate is twisted in the sense that the main protagonist ends up controlling his own destiny by persevering and accomplishing his goal. In this quest for identity, he finds himself by finding what is important to him and acting proactively. How much power does fate really play in our lives and how much control do we have? The power lies in the individual and whether or not we have the will to succeed or the laziness of failure.
What other examples of the archetype of fate are there in modern day text that intertwine with the hero's journey?
Now to understand what really sets this story apart from the traditional texts, you must understand what the Adjustment Bureau is all about. The Adjustment Bureau is an organization that ensures that everybody follows a certain "plan" or guideline of how their life is supposed to be lived. The caseworkers or "angels" of this organization alter the decisions made by individuals to ensure that this plan is followed and supposedley act in the best interests of these people. Little is revealed to the audience who the creator of these plans, save for the fact that he is referred to as "The Chairman" and has mulitple different names. It is assumed that the chairman is some sort of god, and relates back to the idea of divine intervention apparent in greek mytholoy. The gods always meddled in the lives of ordinary people, because they thought they knew best. This also brings into question the morale of interferring with others lives as well as the idea of fate. One of the central topics revealed in this movie is the question of how much power we really hold over our own lives, and how much fate impacts those decisions.
The true power of the Adjustment Bureau is revealed when certain caseworkers change the opinion of Charlie; one of Norris' friends to better suit the interests and direction of his company. While all this is going on, the viewer is questioning whether the Adjustment Bureau has the authority or the right to do these actions. The ethics of meddling in peoples lives interferes with individual freedom of choice, without the people even knowing. This connects to the archetype of divine intervention, and how the gods or higher beings that make the decisions are not always in the interests of the common man or women. The godsThe Adjustment Bureau directly intervenes at this point and warns Mr. Norris that he is not meant to ever see his beloved Elise again, because the plan doesn't call for it. The protagonist is then warned to never reveal the existence of this secret organization, in fear of being "reset" a modern adaptation of lobotomy. People in Greece in earlier centuries also lived in fear of displeasing the gods, because of the power these gods had. Despite this precaution, Norris shows perseverance by scouring the city looking for Elise over the next couple years, showing both the determination and possibly the fatal flow of Norris' in ability to move on with his life.
This is the beginning of the road of trials for the protagonist as he eventually out maneuvers the adjustment bureau to find Elise. The viewer questions the luck that Norris has in his quest against the organization is all-powerful in teleporting instantly to any location through a series of doorways. The obvious archetype made by the director would be that the doors represent the opportunities in life, and with the caseworkers able to control this network, they also control the direction people go in life. The case eventually gets out of hand and is too difficult for the normal caseworkers to handle. A character of seemingly higher status enters, that goes by the name of Thompson, who is shown to have much more power over the fate of others. This higher official lists off a plethora of times when the organization stepped aside and let individual will happen in the world. The consequences of this action was shown to be tragedies such as Fascism and the two World wars, backing up his argument that humans are not yet mature enough to take control of their own destiny. The idea of being bound by fate is apparent here, in that Thompson indirectly states how impossible it is to fight the people who ensure the plan comes to fruition. He also states that the connection between the romantic relationship will not only affect the success of the politician but also the career of dancer Elise. To illustrate his point, he purposefully makes Elise fall and break her ankle. This represents the internal conflict often found in the protagonist as well as the fundamental decision that the hero must make that determines the end. This archetypal crosswords not only defines the character but all those around him as well.
The hero eventually decides to be with Elise and enacts the fundamental shift in the plot. A caseworker aids Norris in navigating their pathways that are used for instant travel. By using these pathways, it represents how the character is now in control of his own destiny and the decisions he makes are truly his. The story ends up with Elise and Norris being together and the Chairman altering the plan so that the fate is now dictated by his actions. The Innermost Cave reveals that building humanity up until it can support itself could be the true goal of the Chairman and the purpose of the adjustment bureau. A prominent and recurring symbol within this movie, would be the repetition of a picture of a bench. At the start of the film, the bench was always occupied by a member of the Adjustment Bureau, whereas towards the end it was vacated. This shows the progression of the power Norris had over his own life and his struggle against societal constrains. One of the fundamental themes involving fate can be determined as that people must take control over their decisions to truly control their lives and not fall into the typical category of people without free will. This film provides a modern adaptation of the typical archetype of fate in our everyday lives, by showing how Norris can change his destiny because of the actions he made.
Upon reflecting on this film, I began to wonder what ordinary people must do control their own destiny and own their fate. This really states that society is generally not ready for the responsibilities of the future, but are constantly growing towards that goal through the experiences and inter-personal contact. The typical archetype of fate is twisted in the sense that the main protagonist ends up controlling his own destiny by persevering and accomplishing his goal. In this quest for identity, he finds himself by finding what is important to him and acting proactively. How much power does fate really play in our lives and how much control do we have? The power lies in the individual and whether or not we have the will to succeed or the laziness of failure.
What other examples of the archetype of fate are there in modern day text that intertwine with the hero's journey?
Friday, March 11, 2011
Ingenious marketing or Fundamental idea?
Everybody can relate to an influential advertisement they have seen; intended to sway the consumer into buying a product. These advertisements are one of the key forms or mass media that affect our daily lives, just because of their prominence and every day usage in society. But the power these corporations have in our lives, makes me question what makes this form of media so effective. The fact of the matter is, that what many people mistake as marketing genius, is actually just an integration of a classic concept. It is apparent in major companies such as Under Armour and Nike use aspects of the hero’s journey to persuade and convince the consumer why their product is superior to the rest of the field. This combination of marketing and an archetypal sequence has proven to be one of the more interesting adaptations of a classic idea.
The fact that these companies commercials are so closely aligned with the typical archetypes makes me wonder in what ways the classical examples inspired these modern concepts. It is apparent that these media transitional corporations not only included these aspects in their advertisements, but modernized them and adapted them to suit their needs. This was done in one such example, as the actual product replaced the role of the typical mentor, and was the source of inspiration for the athlete. The effectiveness of the use of this modern adaptation makes me wonder: What other modern applications of classic ideas exist in both the corporate and cultural aspects of the world? Why were their modified in these cases? The repetitive nature of archetypes also makes me wonder why we, as individuals, have the some reaction when it comes to the traditional hero’s journey. Why is it, that humans are attracted to this simple formula time and time again when they need to succeed? A further application could be “ What do the effectiveness of these modern applications reveal about the human condition.” It seems as though this borrowed formula from history is evolving with the people adapting it.
Nike is predominantly known for their outlandish and sometimes “off base” commercials that certainly get them attention. The commercials of Nike exemplify how their products enhance the life of the consumers by showing their effect on our daily lives, similar to the hero’s journey. There are many parts of their commercials that are very similar to that of the archetypal hero’s journey such as:
1. Nike uses a reference to the road of trials in a hero’s journey, by showing the reflection and growth necessary for success in athletes who use their products. They also do this by showing the training and effort that goes in to the completion of the objective as well as the obstacles they must overcome are showcased here.
2. These companies illustrate the final event that the athletes are training for (usually some type of major event i.e the Olympics). This can be directly compared to the Innermost Cave in which an individual must succeed to accomplish the goal.
3. The actual products of Nike are shown to have an immense affect on the athlete, by contributing to the overall determination and motivation in preparing them for obstacles to come. In this way, Nike effectively replaces the mentor archetype with their products to show the influence the product has.
4. The main obstacle and challenge that the athlete must overcome is shown to be themselves, shown in one such Nike commercial. This can be related to the fatal flaw the hero must fix in the typical hero’s journey.
5. The statement “I Will” is the slogan for Under Armour. In the hero’s journey, the fact that the characters grow through their experiences is captured by this slogan.
The fact that these companies commercials are so closely aligned with the typical archetypes makes me wonder in what ways the classical examples inspired these modern concepts. It is apparent that these media transitional corporations not only included these aspects in their advertisements, but modernized them and adapted them to suit their needs. This was done in one such example, as the actual product replaced the role of the typical mentor, and was the source of inspiration for the athlete. The effectiveness of the use of this modern adaptation makes me wonder: What other modern applications of classic ideas exist in both the corporate and cultural aspects of the world? Why were their modified in these cases? The repetitive nature of archetypes also makes me wonder why we, as individuals, have the some reaction when it comes to the traditional hero’s journey. Why is it, that humans are attracted to this simple formula time and time again when they need to succeed? A further application could be “ What do the effectiveness of these modern applications reveal about the human condition.” It seems as though this borrowed formula from history is evolving with the people adapting it.
Monday, February 7, 2011
The Transition of Ting and His Role in the Hero's Journey
In many forms of media today, the hero's journey is a prevalent influence in society. An example of this is the film Ong Bak, the Thai Warrior. When we are first introduced to the story of Ong Bak, the Thai Warrior, the character of Ting is portrayed as one of agility and strength, skilled in the deadly art of Muay Thai. Perhaps more important than the skills exhibited by Ting would be his exemplary character of honour and dignity. His role as the typical archetype of a hero in this movie is solidified when he is tasked with catching the thieves that stole Ong Bak's head, as the only hope for the village. It can be implied that Ting takes this role very seriously, as he realizes that the village is ultimately depending on them for their survival, and his actions will have serious repercussions as they will dictate the future for the ones he cares about the most. Ting is characterized as one to accept the responsibilities given to him and rise to the challenge This is prevalent in most films in which the hero must first prove himself and his skills and worthy of the title "hero" before he can proceed with the actual journey. His motive for success is to save his village from disaster, one of the typical reasons for the hero's journey.
The Initiation for Ting of him travelling to the big city, reveals his inexperience with the outside world. His lack of contact with others and real-world experiences raises the question if this will be a recurring topic later in the film. Ting later recognizes how different this life is, because of the actions of his "friend" Hunlae. Hunlae; a former member of Ting's village, immediately separates himself from Ting when he asks for help in locating Don's whereabouts. Once Hunlae realizes the money Ting has, he deceives Ting and steals the money in an effort to pay off his debts by gambling. The actions of Hunlae shows how the community can affect the individual because of his past experiences in the city. The character of Hunlae follows the typical archetype of a campion that changes as a result of contact with the hero. The transition of their freindship from apprenhension towards acceptance is noticed when the two characters are shown eating together, signifying the bond that their experiences have created. The simple aspect of eating shows how the two parties now accept each other and willing will work together and help each other to achieve their goal.
Ting is shocked by this move, because he believed he could trust a person who he had history with at the village. Ting is unaccustomed to these types of actions and neglects to realize the effect of change on past experiences. This situation represents how Ting is naive too how other individuals act, and will have to overcome this personal obstacle in order to succeed. This scenario also signals the beginning of the initial road of Trials that the hero must overcome. The fatal weakness of the hero could also be hinted at here through foreshadowing, and would be Ting's over trust in people to exhibit the values he beleives in.
Ting manages to catch Hunlae at a fighting ring, in which he accidentally enters. Upon defeating the challenger with ease, Ting chooses to decline the vast amount of prize money in exchange for the village's money bet by Hunlae. The values of these two characters are contrasted here, as it is shown what is truly important to them. Hunlae is only concerned with gaining profit, whereas Ting sticks to his original values and beliefs and lives very modestly as his mind is set on his goal of helping the village. Ting is shown to care about the journey towards success as much as the actual accomplishment of success itself. Ting also gains perspective due to his experiences in the city which leads to internal reflections and growth of character. This is reminiscent of how the hero must grow throughout the Trials, before he reaches the Innermost Cave. The hero often gains perspective and endures many hardships during these trials, one of which ultimatley prepares the hero for the final battle to come.
It is yet to be seen what events will be caused due to his alliances and actions. The weakness of Ting, prevalent in the typical "hero's journey" has also yet to be revealed directly; although his naivety and his inexperience may end up leading to his demise. It is also yet to be determined which party has been affected more by contact: Ting or his allies, and how this will alter the course of the journey. The Innermost Cave as well as the Reintegration with Society also remain unknown,leaving out a critical part in the hero's journey. The future of Ting is still uncertain, and poses many unanswered questions integral to the overall theme of this film. Will Ting's disobedience of not to use the art of Muay Thai unless necessary, deemed by his master result in further complications in his journey? How will the allies of Ting aid him in his quest? How does this film relate to other texts or real life examples through archetypes? Despite the road that lies ahead, Ting seems prepared for the challenges to come.
The Initiation for Ting of him travelling to the big city, reveals his inexperience with the outside world. His lack of contact with others and real-world experiences raises the question if this will be a recurring topic later in the film. Ting later recognizes how different this life is, because of the actions of his "friend" Hunlae. Hunlae; a former member of Ting's village, immediately separates himself from Ting when he asks for help in locating Don's whereabouts. Once Hunlae realizes the money Ting has, he deceives Ting and steals the money in an effort to pay off his debts by gambling. The actions of Hunlae shows how the community can affect the individual because of his past experiences in the city. The character of Hunlae follows the typical archetype of a campion that changes as a result of contact with the hero. The transition of their freindship from apprenhension towards acceptance is noticed when the two characters are shown eating together, signifying the bond that their experiences have created. The simple aspect of eating shows how the two parties now accept each other and willing will work together and help each other to achieve their goal.
Ting is shocked by this move, because he believed he could trust a person who he had history with at the village. Ting is unaccustomed to these types of actions and neglects to realize the effect of change on past experiences. This situation represents how Ting is naive too how other individuals act, and will have to overcome this personal obstacle in order to succeed. This scenario also signals the beginning of the initial road of Trials that the hero must overcome. The fatal weakness of the hero could also be hinted at here through foreshadowing, and would be Ting's over trust in people to exhibit the values he beleives in.
Ting manages to catch Hunlae at a fighting ring, in which he accidentally enters. Upon defeating the challenger with ease, Ting chooses to decline the vast amount of prize money in exchange for the village's money bet by Hunlae. The values of these two characters are contrasted here, as it is shown what is truly important to them. Hunlae is only concerned with gaining profit, whereas Ting sticks to his original values and beliefs and lives very modestly as his mind is set on his goal of helping the village. Ting is shown to care about the journey towards success as much as the actual accomplishment of success itself. Ting also gains perspective due to his experiences in the city which leads to internal reflections and growth of character. This is reminiscent of how the hero must grow throughout the Trials, before he reaches the Innermost Cave. The hero often gains perspective and endures many hardships during these trials, one of which ultimatley prepares the hero for the final battle to come.
It is yet to be seen what events will be caused due to his alliances and actions. The weakness of Ting, prevalent in the typical "hero's journey" has also yet to be revealed directly; although his naivety and his inexperience may end up leading to his demise. It is also yet to be determined which party has been affected more by contact: Ting or his allies, and how this will alter the course of the journey. The Innermost Cave as well as the Reintegration with Society also remain unknown,leaving out a critical part in the hero's journey. The future of Ting is still uncertain, and poses many unanswered questions integral to the overall theme of this film. Will Ting's disobedience of not to use the art of Muay Thai unless necessary, deemed by his master result in further complications in his journey? How will the allies of Ting aid him in his quest? How does this film relate to other texts or real life examples through archetypes? Despite the road that lies ahead, Ting seems prepared for the challenges to come.
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