In the past few months, I've considered taking one of my earlier novels straight to the Kindle and eBook marketplace. It's not that I cannot find an agent; if I had the time apart from a full-time teaching job, I would invest it in just that. It's the subject matter of the novel that makes it a difficult sell, I think. It's not about vampires or an adventure full of harrowing events, nor is it a romance or a sci-fi survival story. And even though I have felt ready to tackle this new foray into publishing, I want to take a step back.
This is because my second novel, Redemption, is about a school shooting. I wrote it about four years ago, and it was inspired by the events of Columbine. I can still remember that day in April 1999 as I watched the television monitors of my college cafeteria, students streaming out of their school. When friends asked what would make other teens do such a heinous act, my first response was, "I'll be they were bullied, and this is how they were retaliating." It was the truth, as investigators would find out in the ensuing weeks and months. As a teacher, I know students are bullied. I also know that what happened at Columbine was wrong.
And so a few years later, I had the idea of writing a novel in which the protagonist meets a mysterious new student, one who seems to know a lot about others and who says that he is there to prevent a massacre from happening. The protagonist is doubtful until he is shown visions of what will happen. The book addresses the topics of cliques, bullies, and how teens react to it all. As the protagonist races to stop the event, he learns that it is more difficult than he intended. Hatred burrows deep, and once the seed is planted, it roots itself in the heart.
In an effort to capture an authentic teen voice and test it out, I had students read the manuscript and give advice. That's the great thing about teens... they're gut-wrenchingly honest. If they don't like something or it doesn't make sense, they will let you know. Fortunately, many of my readers loved Redemption, both males and females. I found that it was leading them to have conversations about the topic well after they read it, and parents told me that it affected their teens deeply. I think it's because it doesn't come with a happy ending. Just like in real life, we can't always stop the bad from happening. And like in real life, choices have consequences.
This year, my new students have asked to read it, having heard about it from their friends. But in the wake of the Aurora movie theater shooting, I declined. Eventually, I decided to let them read it, but only after having contacted their parents first. All of the parents have been supportive of their teens reading it, agreeing that it is an important and serious topic.
Yet with the recent events in Connecticut, I have realized that it's not the right time to release this novel. While the events in the book are not the same as what happened in Connecticut, it is too close to reality. Perhaps the time will be right eventually, and I will be able to share the story with a wider audience. But until that time, I must wait until the day when the plot will be closer to fiction than fact.
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Monday, November 5, 2012
The Hero's Journey: Wreck-It Ralph
When I first saw the trailer for Disney's Wreck-It Ralph, I was excited to see all the video game references. The story of a Bad Guy desiring to be the Good Guy was an interesting approach, especially since it was done through referencing classic video games. Ralph goes on a true Hero's Journey in the story; it demonstrates that beneath the computer animation and funny jokes, there is a deeper story breaking through. If you have seen the film, read on to see how his Journey unfolds. But remember, there are SPOILERS AHEAD. See the film first and experience the Journey with him.
1. Ordinary World: Ralph's Ordinary World is inside his game, Fix-It Felix, Jr. For the past 30 years, he's been carrying on the same role of the Bad Guy. He smashes the building, Felix fixes it with the help of the players, and Ralph is tossed from the top of the building into the mud below. Felix receives a medal and the admiration of the building's residents while Ralph goes to live in the outskirts of the game's environment.
Later, Ralph is at a meeting with a bunch of other Bad Guys, including gaming icons such as Bowser, Dr. Robotnik, M. Bison, Zangief, and others. It is here that he reveals his frustrations and struggles with always having to be the Bad Guy in the game. He wants to belong, to be someone different from who he is. He wants to be the Hero for once. But as the other Bad Guys tell him, they can't change who they are; they can't mess with the program. They admonish Ralph not to "game-jump," as it can have devastating consequences for his own game. Defeated, Ralph goes back to his own game.
2. Call To Adventure: When Ralph arrives back in his own 8-Bit game, he is surprised that there's a party going on in the apartment building's penthouse. They're celebrating the game's 30th anniversary. Ralph invites himself in, only to be treated poorly because he's simply the Bad Guy. Felix is the one who wins the medals; Bad Guys don't win medals. One of the apartment-dwellers tells Ralph that if he can win a medal, he can join them in the penthouse.
3. Refusal of the Call: Of course, Ralph knows full well that this is impossible. He's the Bad Guy. He can't possibly win a medal. The only way he can get one is if he finds one somewhere. It is this desire to find an elusive medal that will guide his Journey. He heads to Tapper's to drown his sorrows.
4. Meeting with the Mentor: Ralph doesn't really meet a Mentor who will train and guide him. In a sense, the bartender at Tappers serves as a sort of Mentor as he gives Ralph advice, but a better fit for Mentor is an even more unlikely one; a soldier from the game Hero's Duty passes Ralph, nervously repeating his mission to destroy the cy-bugs in the game. When Ralph questions him about it, he learns that in this game, a Hero can get a medal. This is the prompting that Ralph needs to take the next step. He takes the soldier's suit and gets ready to go into Hero's Duty.
5. Crossing the Threshold: Deciding to game-jump, Ralph Crosses the Threshold by going into the game Hero's Duty. By taking this step into a new game to become a participant, he is stepping into the Special World, an upside-down world that is foreign from the one he knows back in his comfortable game. However, by crossing over, he is also putting his Ordinary World at risk. When players find out Ralph is missing from his own game, the arcade owner realizes it might be time to pull the plug from the old arcade game.
6. Tests, Allies, Enemies:Ralph's first test is an antithesis from what he originally knows. Hero's Duty is completely different from simply climbing buildings and breaking things. He is led into battle against the cy-bugs by Sgt. Calhoun, and he quickly panics. Being inside a violent, first-person shooter is not what he had in mind when he enthusiastically dreamed of earning a medal. When the cy-bugs return to their beacon, Ralph follows them to their lair to obtain the medal inside. He gets it, but he inadvertently stirs the entire nest of cy-bugs. He escapes in a ship, entering the racing game Sugar Rush. However, he has also brought a cy-bug with him. This spells disaster, because cy-bugs are viruses that can spread through the entire arcade, destroying every game.
While in Sugar Rush, Ralph also meets Vanellope von Schweetz, who takes his medal and tries to use it to enter the race she has been banned from. Ralph explores this new land, learning what it and its citizens are like. In his search for the medal, Ralph finds Vanellope. He wants to give her a piece of his mind, but when he sees that she is being bullied for being a "glitch," he has compassion for her and befriends her.
7. Approach: Ralph follows Vanellope to her home and learns more about her. She is a "glitch" and therefore cannot leave her game if she wanted to. She is an outcast much like him, and she is denied the ability to participate in the races. He decides to help her; they sneak into a mini-game and build a vehicle for her, and he teaches her how to drive and race. Things are looking up; Ralph thinks Vanellope will have a chance at winning.
8. Ordeal: The Ordeal for Ralph comes at a most difficult decision. King Candy comes to Ralph with the medal and says that Ralph must prevent Vanellope from racing. If she races and wins, she will become a playable character. This might sound good, but when players see her "glitch," they will think the game is broken. The plug will be pulled, and while other characters can escape the game, Vanellope will be trapped forever, gone when the power goes out.
Here, Ralph faces death on several levels. It is the possible death of the game itself, of Vanellope's dreams, and the death of Vanellope if the game's plug is pulled. Ralph makes the tough decision to wreck her vehicle so that she can never race. She does not understand, and it also results in the death of their friendship. She yells at Ralph, telling him he really is a Bad Guy.
9. Reward: Ralph's reward is the fact that he gets his medal. He has saved Vanellope, and he heads back to his own game, ready to celebrate with the others in the penthouse. But it is not to be. Everyone else has left, afraid that the game's plug will be pulled. Ralph has his Reward, but it's bittersweet. He feels like he was better off in the Special World.
10. The Road Back: Ralph looks out of his own game and sees the cabinet of the arcade game Sugar Rush. On it, Vanellope is prominently featured as a key player; this gets Ralph to questions everything King Candy has told him. He returns back to Sugar Rush and questions one of the king's servants about Vanellope, learning the truth. He finds Felix, who helps him fix Vanellope's car, and they enter the race. Vanellope begins showing her abilities and seems destined to win, but suddenly, an army of cy-bugs appear, having multiplied and mutated from the one Ralph brought into the game with him. If they spread throughout the arcade, all hope is lost, and the games will be corrupted with the viruses. The characters attempt to escape Sugar Rush, but Vanellope is unable to leave because she is a "glitch."
11. Resurrection:Ralph knows what he must do. He stays behind, desiring to sacrifice himself in an attempt to lure and destroy the cy-bugs. At the start of the story, he was told that he could not change who he was; he would always be the "Bad Guy." Now, he is proving that mantra wrong.
12. Return with the Elixir: Ralph saves the game and is, in turn, saved by Vanellope. She crosses the finish line, and the game is rebuilt with the help of Fix-It Felix. The game resets, showing Vanellope's true nature. Through the Journey, Ralph discovered who he truly is as well, and he gained a friend. Returning back to his old game, he now sees his duty as being the "Bad Guy" merely a role to play, but he does not let it define who he is deep down inside.
1. Ordinary World: Ralph's Ordinary World is inside his game, Fix-It Felix, Jr. For the past 30 years, he's been carrying on the same role of the Bad Guy. He smashes the building, Felix fixes it with the help of the players, and Ralph is tossed from the top of the building into the mud below. Felix receives a medal and the admiration of the building's residents while Ralph goes to live in the outskirts of the game's environment.
Later, Ralph is at a meeting with a bunch of other Bad Guys, including gaming icons such as Bowser, Dr. Robotnik, M. Bison, Zangief, and others. It is here that he reveals his frustrations and struggles with always having to be the Bad Guy in the game. He wants to belong, to be someone different from who he is. He wants to be the Hero for once. But as the other Bad Guys tell him, they can't change who they are; they can't mess with the program. They admonish Ralph not to "game-jump," as it can have devastating consequences for his own game. Defeated, Ralph goes back to his own game.
2. Call To Adventure: When Ralph arrives back in his own 8-Bit game, he is surprised that there's a party going on in the apartment building's penthouse. They're celebrating the game's 30th anniversary. Ralph invites himself in, only to be treated poorly because he's simply the Bad Guy. Felix is the one who wins the medals; Bad Guys don't win medals. One of the apartment-dwellers tells Ralph that if he can win a medal, he can join them in the penthouse.
3. Refusal of the Call: Of course, Ralph knows full well that this is impossible. He's the Bad Guy. He can't possibly win a medal. The only way he can get one is if he finds one somewhere. It is this desire to find an elusive medal that will guide his Journey. He heads to Tapper's to drown his sorrows.
4. Meeting with the Mentor: Ralph doesn't really meet a Mentor who will train and guide him. In a sense, the bartender at Tappers serves as a sort of Mentor as he gives Ralph advice, but a better fit for Mentor is an even more unlikely one; a soldier from the game Hero's Duty passes Ralph, nervously repeating his mission to destroy the cy-bugs in the game. When Ralph questions him about it, he learns that in this game, a Hero can get a medal. This is the prompting that Ralph needs to take the next step. He takes the soldier's suit and gets ready to go into Hero's Duty.
5. Crossing the Threshold: Deciding to game-jump, Ralph Crosses the Threshold by going into the game Hero's Duty. By taking this step into a new game to become a participant, he is stepping into the Special World, an upside-down world that is foreign from the one he knows back in his comfortable game. However, by crossing over, he is also putting his Ordinary World at risk. When players find out Ralph is missing from his own game, the arcade owner realizes it might be time to pull the plug from the old arcade game.
6. Tests, Allies, Enemies:Ralph's first test is an antithesis from what he originally knows. Hero's Duty is completely different from simply climbing buildings and breaking things. He is led into battle against the cy-bugs by Sgt. Calhoun, and he quickly panics. Being inside a violent, first-person shooter is not what he had in mind when he enthusiastically dreamed of earning a medal. When the cy-bugs return to their beacon, Ralph follows them to their lair to obtain the medal inside. He gets it, but he inadvertently stirs the entire nest of cy-bugs. He escapes in a ship, entering the racing game Sugar Rush. However, he has also brought a cy-bug with him. This spells disaster, because cy-bugs are viruses that can spread through the entire arcade, destroying every game.
While in Sugar Rush, Ralph also meets Vanellope von Schweetz, who takes his medal and tries to use it to enter the race she has been banned from. Ralph explores this new land, learning what it and its citizens are like. In his search for the medal, Ralph finds Vanellope. He wants to give her a piece of his mind, but when he sees that she is being bullied for being a "glitch," he has compassion for her and befriends her.
7. Approach: Ralph follows Vanellope to her home and learns more about her. She is a "glitch" and therefore cannot leave her game if she wanted to. She is an outcast much like him, and she is denied the ability to participate in the races. He decides to help her; they sneak into a mini-game and build a vehicle for her, and he teaches her how to drive and race. Things are looking up; Ralph thinks Vanellope will have a chance at winning.
8. Ordeal: The Ordeal for Ralph comes at a most difficult decision. King Candy comes to Ralph with the medal and says that Ralph must prevent Vanellope from racing. If she races and wins, she will become a playable character. This might sound good, but when players see her "glitch," they will think the game is broken. The plug will be pulled, and while other characters can escape the game, Vanellope will be trapped forever, gone when the power goes out.
Here, Ralph faces death on several levels. It is the possible death of the game itself, of Vanellope's dreams, and the death of Vanellope if the game's plug is pulled. Ralph makes the tough decision to wreck her vehicle so that she can never race. She does not understand, and it also results in the death of their friendship. She yells at Ralph, telling him he really is a Bad Guy.
9. Reward: Ralph's reward is the fact that he gets his medal. He has saved Vanellope, and he heads back to his own game, ready to celebrate with the others in the penthouse. But it is not to be. Everyone else has left, afraid that the game's plug will be pulled. Ralph has his Reward, but it's bittersweet. He feels like he was better off in the Special World.
10. The Road Back: Ralph looks out of his own game and sees the cabinet of the arcade game Sugar Rush. On it, Vanellope is prominently featured as a key player; this gets Ralph to questions everything King Candy has told him. He returns back to Sugar Rush and questions one of the king's servants about Vanellope, learning the truth. He finds Felix, who helps him fix Vanellope's car, and they enter the race. Vanellope begins showing her abilities and seems destined to win, but suddenly, an army of cy-bugs appear, having multiplied and mutated from the one Ralph brought into the game with him. If they spread throughout the arcade, all hope is lost, and the games will be corrupted with the viruses. The characters attempt to escape Sugar Rush, but Vanellope is unable to leave because she is a "glitch."
11. Resurrection:Ralph knows what he must do. He stays behind, desiring to sacrifice himself in an attempt to lure and destroy the cy-bugs. At the start of the story, he was told that he could not change who he was; he would always be the "Bad Guy." Now, he is proving that mantra wrong.
12. Return with the Elixir: Ralph saves the game and is, in turn, saved by Vanellope. She crosses the finish line, and the game is rebuilt with the help of Fix-It Felix. The game resets, showing Vanellope's true nature. Through the Journey, Ralph discovered who he truly is as well, and he gained a friend. Returning back to his old game, he now sees his duty as being the "Bad Guy" merely a role to play, but he does not let it define who he is deep down inside.
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Guest Post At Save the Cat!
I have been fortunate enough to write the guest post at the site for the screenwriting book series Save the Cat! this week. Check it out!
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
The Hero's Journey Revisited
The Ordeal stage of the Hero's Journey has always been one that I've struggled with. According to Christopher Vogler's book The Writer's Journey, this is the stage where the Hero is in the Inmost Cave, where they face death. It's where the Journey could possibly end in disaster. If the Hero survives, they will have a renewed sense of purpose. I had always tried to relate the Ordeal to the climax of a story, but I knew something was "off." Vogler writes that the Ordeal is more of a "central crisis." In his book, he demonstrated that this stage typically happens in Act II. And this is where I have had to do some re-thinking.
Honestly, I lost sleep over it. I've found it effective to use the Blake Snyder Beat sheet from his book Save the Cat! to help see the structure more vividly. And so as I lay awake in bed one night, I tried to think about what beat best exemplified the Ordeal of the Hero. And at about midnight, it finally hit me.
I think the Ordeal usually is best seen toward the end of Act II, and in Blake Snyder's breakdown, it's close to the All Is Lost moment. The Ordeal is typically where the Hero experiences death of some sort. It could be physical, symbolic, or even a fear. But it's a major step for them to overcome if they are to prove that they're worthy of finishing the Journey. It's the "ultimate test." Of course, it might fall somewhere within the end of Snyder's "Bad Guys Close In" beat or even the "Dark Night of the Soul," but it's there.
As soon as I realized this, it made sense. Usually, the Ordeal represents the Inmost Cave, the place where the Hero faces death or their fears. And so we usually see this moment in some kind of enclosed space to represent the Cave. For Indiana Jones in Raiders of the Lost Ark, it is the Well of Souls, where Indy faces not only death and the end of his Journey, but also his worst fear... snakes. In Iron Man, the Ordeal is when Tony Stark learns that his business partner, Obadiah Stane, has betrayed him. He temporarily paralyzes Stark and removes his "heart," a sure sign of death. If these Heroes survive, they will be further committed to the Journey.
When the Hero receives their Reward and survives, they recommit themselves to the Journey. This is the Road Back. As Blake Snyder would see it, this is the Break Into Three and the beginning of the Finale. It is through the Finale, during the climax, that we see the Hero Resurrected. It's where the Hero digs deep down to show what he has learned.
Having realized this, I knew that I needed to revise some of my Hero's Journey posts But at least now I have a better understanding of the Journey and a larger appreciation for all it entails.
Saturday, July 28, 2012
The Hero's Journey: The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy stands as one of the best set of superhero films ever made. I remember when Batman Begins came out; I didn't go see it at the theaters, as I figured the story wouldn't be anything new or great. I was wrong.
The film was excellent, offering a deeper look at Bruce Wayne's origin story and the issues he faced on a personal level. In that film, he underwent the Hero's Journey of self-discovery and overcoming his fears. But what makes the Nolan Batman films different from other superhero movies is that they are more complex. In fact, each movie warrants repeated viewings to soak in the nuances of the plots. The Dark Knight Rises does not disappoint in this area. Skillfully weaving together the plots of all three movies into one cohesive, three-act story, the movie does what few other sequels manage to do: offer a satisfying story experience.
And while we know that Bruce Wayne undergoes the Hero's Journey in the first film, he also undergoes a different journey in the subsequent stories. Nolan has said that the theme of the first movie was about fear. The second was about chaos, and the third is about pain, both physical and emotional. The same can be said of Bruce's journeys. In Batman Begins, he undergoes a journey of self-realization and overcoming his fear. In the second film, his journey is a bit different, and focuses on how far he is willing to go to stop evil. As Harvey Dent said, "You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain." His journey was one of discovering how he can be the hero Gotham needed without becoming the villain.
The Dark Knight Rises also contains a Hero's Journey. This time, I believe it is one of overcoming pain and struggling with his destiny as Batman. The second film masterfully ends on a depressing note, one which carries over into the start of this film. So if you'd like to explore his journey in this final chapter, read on, but only if you've seen the third movie. Be warned: there are SPOILERS AHEAD.
One final note: this film is very complex in its plot and the amount of characters, but for the sake of brevity, my analysis is only focusing on the immediate circumstances of Bruce Wayne's life and how the events and characters help shape his journey.
1. Ordinary World: It has been eight years since Bruce Wayne gave up being Batman. Taking the blame for Harvey Dent's death, he himself struggles with the guilt of what it has cost Gotham, and he has become a recluse, not even bothering to come out from Wayne Manor. Whereas in the past, he lived the life of a billionaire, now he does not even take part in Wayne Enterprises, a fact that unbeknownst to him has affected the company financially.
2. Call To Adventure: When the mercenary Bane escapes a CIA transport, he and his minions create an underground army in Gotham City's sewer system. Commissioner Gordon and other police officers attempt to investigate, and Gordon is injured while escaping. Police officer John Blake pays a visit to Bruce Wayne at his house, indicating that he knows Wayne is The Batman, and that Gordon needs his help again.
3. Refusal of the Call: Bruce Wayne listens to Blake's story, but he does not want to be The Batman again. He has given up that life, and Gotham is a better place now. Batman is a wanted criminal, and he cannot fight as Batman anymore. Bruce trusts that the police will take care of everything, but Blake protests.
4. Meeting with the Mentor: Bruce eventually meets with Gordon at the hospital with a mask on, and Gordon says that the city needs Batman again. Bruce is still reluctant to get involved, but Gordon's words push him toward investigating. Alfred also serves as a mentor figure to him, as he always has; even John Blake is somewhat of a mentor figure, prompting him to action. Having spoken with Commissioner Gordon, he decides to try and investigate the situation a bit more closely. He meets with Lucius Fox, who not only shows him the newest gadgets he has been working on in the off-the-books Applied Sciences division, but Fox also informs him of Wayne Enterprises's ailing financial situation.
5. Crossing the Threshold: When Bane and his fellow mercenaries take over the Stock Exchange, stealing key financial records and information, Batman re-emerges on the scene after eight years of absence. The police pursue him instead of Bane's men, hoping to catch him and hold him responsible for his role in the death of Harvey Dent. But one thing is clear: The Batman is back. Bruce Wayne has "re-entered" the Special World of fighting crime as a masked vigilante.
6. Tests, Allies, Enemies: Bruce Wayne undergoes many tests of his strength and commitment, such as when Wayne Enterprises goes broke due to possible investment fraud. His friend and caretaker Alfred argues with him about his desire to face his new enemy, Bane. Alfred does not feel that Bruce is ready to fight him, and leaves Wayne Manor rather than watch him die. Even so, Bruce has allies in Lucius Fox and Commissioner Gordon, as well as John Blake. Fox suggests that Bruce speak to Miranda Tate, a friend of the company, and show her the fusion reactor they were developing. Later, Bruce is double-crossed by Selina Kyle, who leads him to Bane in a trap to save herself. Batman fights Bane and is brought to near-death, with Bane breaking his back.
7. Approach: As Bane executes his plan of holding Gotham hostage while exiling Bruce to a prison that resembles a well, and from which there is only one nearly-impossible escape, Bruce tries to learn more about Bane from the prisoners. Because this journey is about facing pain, Bruce must overcome his physical pain as well as emotional pain if he is going to save Gotham from destruction. If he cannot do this, Gotham will be destroyed in five months by the device. Bruce speaks to the prisoners about escaping, and the former prison doctor helps to heal his back in a painful process.
8. Ordeal: Bruce tries to escape the prison, but fails until he learns to fear death. Once he has done this, he "rises" and escapes. He faces death and his greatest fears in the Inmost Cave.
9. Reward: Bruce is free and can now complete his Journey.
10. The Road Back:Bruce returns to Gotham. Having now trained himself and prepared to face Bane again, Bruce must face his greatest challenge. Along with an army of police officers, he faces Bane and his minions. He faces death as he confronts Bane, fully aware that Bane is a worthy adversary. Bruce is able to defeat Bane, and he is able to stop the bomb from going off immediately. However, the bomb can still detonate, and he must find it. He needs to return to the streets of Gotham once again. With the help of Commissioner Gordon and other allies, Bruce finds the device, but they are unable to deactivate it.
11. Resurrection: Bruce must show, once again, that this journey has truly changed him. Gotham will never be the same, but to preserve it, Bruce must make the most difficult decision yet. He has faced fear and death, and now he must embrace it. He must make a sacrifice. He faces death one final time, sacrificing himself and the symbol of The Batman.
12. Return with the Elixir: But we learn that it is not truly the end for Bruce. He is literally "resurrected" when we learn the true consequences of his choice and what it means for him. Bruce Wayne is also symbolically resurrected after his sacrifice when he leaves behind everything from his diminished fortune. His home becomes a new center for orphaned boys, and he passes on the crime-fighting responsibility to Blake. The symbol of The Batman is powerful and unites Gotham. Whereas the old Bruce Wayne felt the need to continue being The Batman until Gotham was free of crime and corruption, this "new" Bruce Wayne understands that after what has happened on this journey, he can entrust Gotham to the citizens and law enforcement officials. While Bruce himself does not physically return, he has given Gotham an elixir in the form of a symbol. It is a symbol of courage and of hope. It is the symbol that is projected from the searchlight. The legacy of The Batman.
Note: this post was revised and updated on 8/28/12.
The film was excellent, offering a deeper look at Bruce Wayne's origin story and the issues he faced on a personal level. In that film, he underwent the Hero's Journey of self-discovery and overcoming his fears. But what makes the Nolan Batman films different from other superhero movies is that they are more complex. In fact, each movie warrants repeated viewings to soak in the nuances of the plots. The Dark Knight Rises does not disappoint in this area. Skillfully weaving together the plots of all three movies into one cohesive, three-act story, the movie does what few other sequels manage to do: offer a satisfying story experience.
And while we know that Bruce Wayne undergoes the Hero's Journey in the first film, he also undergoes a different journey in the subsequent stories. Nolan has said that the theme of the first movie was about fear. The second was about chaos, and the third is about pain, both physical and emotional. The same can be said of Bruce's journeys. In Batman Begins, he undergoes a journey of self-realization and overcoming his fear. In the second film, his journey is a bit different, and focuses on how far he is willing to go to stop evil. As Harvey Dent said, "You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain." His journey was one of discovering how he can be the hero Gotham needed without becoming the villain.
The Dark Knight Rises also contains a Hero's Journey. This time, I believe it is one of overcoming pain and struggling with his destiny as Batman. The second film masterfully ends on a depressing note, one which carries over into the start of this film. So if you'd like to explore his journey in this final chapter, read on, but only if you've seen the third movie. Be warned: there are SPOILERS AHEAD.
One final note: this film is very complex in its plot and the amount of characters, but for the sake of brevity, my analysis is only focusing on the immediate circumstances of Bruce Wayne's life and how the events and characters help shape his journey.
1. Ordinary World: It has been eight years since Bruce Wayne gave up being Batman. Taking the blame for Harvey Dent's death, he himself struggles with the guilt of what it has cost Gotham, and he has become a recluse, not even bothering to come out from Wayne Manor. Whereas in the past, he lived the life of a billionaire, now he does not even take part in Wayne Enterprises, a fact that unbeknownst to him has affected the company financially.
2. Call To Adventure: When the mercenary Bane escapes a CIA transport, he and his minions create an underground army in Gotham City's sewer system. Commissioner Gordon and other police officers attempt to investigate, and Gordon is injured while escaping. Police officer John Blake pays a visit to Bruce Wayne at his house, indicating that he knows Wayne is The Batman, and that Gordon needs his help again.
3. Refusal of the Call: Bruce Wayne listens to Blake's story, but he does not want to be The Batman again. He has given up that life, and Gotham is a better place now. Batman is a wanted criminal, and he cannot fight as Batman anymore. Bruce trusts that the police will take care of everything, but Blake protests.
4. Meeting with the Mentor: Bruce eventually meets with Gordon at the hospital with a mask on, and Gordon says that the city needs Batman again. Bruce is still reluctant to get involved, but Gordon's words push him toward investigating. Alfred also serves as a mentor figure to him, as he always has; even John Blake is somewhat of a mentor figure, prompting him to action. Having spoken with Commissioner Gordon, he decides to try and investigate the situation a bit more closely. He meets with Lucius Fox, who not only shows him the newest gadgets he has been working on in the off-the-books Applied Sciences division, but Fox also informs him of Wayne Enterprises's ailing financial situation.
5. Crossing the Threshold: When Bane and his fellow mercenaries take over the Stock Exchange, stealing key financial records and information, Batman re-emerges on the scene after eight years of absence. The police pursue him instead of Bane's men, hoping to catch him and hold him responsible for his role in the death of Harvey Dent. But one thing is clear: The Batman is back. Bruce Wayne has "re-entered" the Special World of fighting crime as a masked vigilante.
6. Tests, Allies, Enemies: Bruce Wayne undergoes many tests of his strength and commitment, such as when Wayne Enterprises goes broke due to possible investment fraud. His friend and caretaker Alfred argues with him about his desire to face his new enemy, Bane. Alfred does not feel that Bruce is ready to fight him, and leaves Wayne Manor rather than watch him die. Even so, Bruce has allies in Lucius Fox and Commissioner Gordon, as well as John Blake. Fox suggests that Bruce speak to Miranda Tate, a friend of the company, and show her the fusion reactor they were developing. Later, Bruce is double-crossed by Selina Kyle, who leads him to Bane in a trap to save herself. Batman fights Bane and is brought to near-death, with Bane breaking his back.
7. Approach: As Bane executes his plan of holding Gotham hostage while exiling Bruce to a prison that resembles a well, and from which there is only one nearly-impossible escape, Bruce tries to learn more about Bane from the prisoners. Because this journey is about facing pain, Bruce must overcome his physical pain as well as emotional pain if he is going to save Gotham from destruction. If he cannot do this, Gotham will be destroyed in five months by the device. Bruce speaks to the prisoners about escaping, and the former prison doctor helps to heal his back in a painful process.
8. Ordeal: Bruce tries to escape the prison, but fails until he learns to fear death. Once he has done this, he "rises" and escapes. He faces death and his greatest fears in the Inmost Cave.
9. Reward: Bruce is free and can now complete his Journey.
10. The Road Back:Bruce returns to Gotham. Having now trained himself and prepared to face Bane again, Bruce must face his greatest challenge. Along with an army of police officers, he faces Bane and his minions. He faces death as he confronts Bane, fully aware that Bane is a worthy adversary. Bruce is able to defeat Bane, and he is able to stop the bomb from going off immediately. However, the bomb can still detonate, and he must find it. He needs to return to the streets of Gotham once again. With the help of Commissioner Gordon and other allies, Bruce finds the device, but they are unable to deactivate it.
11. Resurrection: Bruce must show, once again, that this journey has truly changed him. Gotham will never be the same, but to preserve it, Bruce must make the most difficult decision yet. He has faced fear and death, and now he must embrace it. He must make a sacrifice. He faces death one final time, sacrificing himself and the symbol of The Batman.
12. Return with the Elixir: But we learn that it is not truly the end for Bruce. He is literally "resurrected" when we learn the true consequences of his choice and what it means for him. Bruce Wayne is also symbolically resurrected after his sacrifice when he leaves behind everything from his diminished fortune. His home becomes a new center for orphaned boys, and he passes on the crime-fighting responsibility to Blake. The symbol of The Batman is powerful and unites Gotham. Whereas the old Bruce Wayne felt the need to continue being The Batman until Gotham was free of crime and corruption, this "new" Bruce Wayne understands that after what has happened on this journey, he can entrust Gotham to the citizens and law enforcement officials. While Bruce himself does not physically return, he has given Gotham an elixir in the form of a symbol. It is a symbol of courage and of hope. It is the symbol that is projected from the searchlight. The legacy of The Batman.
Note: this post was revised and updated on 8/28/12.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
The Hero's Journey: The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)
I was reluctant to see the new Spider-Man film, but a friend of mine told me that it had a clear path of the Hero's Journey, so I gave it a chance. Because I teach my students about the Hero's Journey story structure, I wanted to be able to discuss the film with those who have seen it, relating the Journey. And the Journey definitely comes through in this story. If you haven't seen it, know that there are spoilers ahead. But if you've seen the film, read on and discover the depth of the Journey in it.
1. Ordinary World: Peter Parker is a student at Midtown Science High School, and he lives with his Uncle Ben and Aunt May. His parents left him suddenly when he was young, offering no explanation, and never came back for him. As a result, Peter is frustrated internally and longs to find out more about his father and why he left. Peter is awkward around his peers and is even picked on, but he still sticks up for the underdog.
2. Call To Adventure: When Peter is cleaning up the basement to save some belongings from water damage, he finds a briefcase with his father's initials on it. Opening it, he finds some of his father's belongings, as well a file that leads him to research his father's lab partner who works at Oscorp Tower, Dr. Connors. Peter goes to Oscorp and meets Dr. Connors, and while sneaking around, looking for answers, he is bitten by a spider that is being used to create biocable. He starts to develop strange abilities as a result. By finding his father's briefcase, Peter has been introduced to the Special World that is the opposite of what he knows.
3. Refusal of the Call: Peter is unsure what is happening to him, and he begins to question things. He begins to test out his powers, and is even a bit irresponsible with them, using them to upstage the bully who picked on him, Flash Thompson. He also becomes argumentative with Uncle Ben when accused of not following through on what he promised to do. He storms off, and Uncle Ben follows him. At a convenience store, he lets a thief go when the store clerk treats him rudely, and the thief ultimately shoots Uncle Ben.
4. Meeting with the Mentor: Throughout the story, Peter has already had several mentors working in his life. Dr. Connors is a mentor to him when it comes to science, helping Peter feel comfortable with his genius. The briefcase with his father's work has also been a mentor of sorts, pushing him into this Special World. And of course, Uncle Ben has been one of the biggest mentor influences on Peter, and when he dies, Peter is pushed to his limits.
5. Crossing the Threshold: The death of Peter's Uncle Ben is ultimately what pushes Peter to cross over into the Special World fully. Peter uses the police sketch of the thief who murdered Uncle Ben to begin his work as a vigilante, trying to hunt the man down. His world has changed, and there is no going back to things as they used to be.
6. Tests, Allies, Enemies: As Peter fights crime, he confronts criminals and makes enemies. Because one thug threatens him after an encounter, saying that he knows what Peter looks like, Peter decides to use a mask. He eventually creates a suit to help with mobility, and his identity as Spider-Man begins to cement. At school, he develops a friendship with Gwen and even Flash shows a sense of friendliness toward him. But this double-life is taking its toll. Aunt May is worried when he comes home late, and his emotions rise with regret when he comes home to her not with the eggs he had promised to buy, but with bruises and blood all over his face. His tests are increasing in difficulty: Dr. Connors displayed a semblance of friendship toward him, but as his identity shifts into The Lizard, this will change. Gwen's father, Police Captain Stacy, shows an antagonistic attitude toward Peter and his alter-ego.
7. Approach: Peter witnesses The Lizard's rampage on the bridge, and he tries to stop the creature. He sets a trap in the sewers, barely escaping with his life, and still badly injured. After verifying some suspicions, Peter tries to convince Captain Stacy that Dr. Connors is the man they are looking for, but his ideas are met with harsh ridicule. The Lizard learns Spider-Man's identity, and he shows up at Midtown Science High School to destroy Peter Parker.After fighting Peter at school, Dr. Connors retreats to carry out his master-plan, and Peter tries to stop him with Gwen's help.
8. Ordeal: Spider-Man faces the Inmost Cave when he is shot by a police bullet that stuns him electrically. He is surrounded and faces his greatest fear: his identity will be known. If this happens, Gwen will die, and the city of New York will be lost. Unable to fight his way out, reveals his identity to Captain Stacy.
9. Reward: Captain Stacy lets him go, showing his new-found trust in Peter.
10. The Road Back: Peter is recommitted to the Journey. He makes his way to Oscorp Tower to stop the Lizard. Along the way, he learns that the citizens of New York trust him as well.He confronts his nemesis and begins fighting him.
11. Resurrection: The Lizard is strong and powerful, crushing Spider-Man's web shooters and taking away his advantage. Peter digs down deep, willing to make the ultimate sacrifice, and when Captain Stacy arrives, they work together to stop The Lizard.
12. Return with the Elixir: Dr. Connors has been returned back to normal and his plans as The Lizard have been stopped. He has saved Gwen, but at a cost: Captain Stacy was killed. As he dies, he asks Peter to keep Gwen out of his life to protect her. Peter makes a promise even though it kills him deep down. He would love to have Gwen at his side, and would give anything to see Captain Stacy and his Uncle Ben alive again. But he has changed... ...and in a final, small moment, we see this change. It's not just in the promise he made to Captain Stacy, but also in a carton of eggs. As he walks through the door to his waiting Aunt May, he holds out a carton of eggs, signifying that he is different from the start of the journey. He is a different person, and even though he may not have all of the answers he wanted, he has learned to put others ahead of himself during the search. The Elixir Peter Parker has brought back from his journey is that of a new hero. He is no longer just Peter Parker, fatherless teenager. He's Spider-Man.
Note: this post was revised and updated on 8/28/12.
1. Ordinary World: Peter Parker is a student at Midtown Science High School, and he lives with his Uncle Ben and Aunt May. His parents left him suddenly when he was young, offering no explanation, and never came back for him. As a result, Peter is frustrated internally and longs to find out more about his father and why he left. Peter is awkward around his peers and is even picked on, but he still sticks up for the underdog.
2. Call To Adventure: When Peter is cleaning up the basement to save some belongings from water damage, he finds a briefcase with his father's initials on it. Opening it, he finds some of his father's belongings, as well a file that leads him to research his father's lab partner who works at Oscorp Tower, Dr. Connors. Peter goes to Oscorp and meets Dr. Connors, and while sneaking around, looking for answers, he is bitten by a spider that is being used to create biocable. He starts to develop strange abilities as a result. By finding his father's briefcase, Peter has been introduced to the Special World that is the opposite of what he knows.
3. Refusal of the Call: Peter is unsure what is happening to him, and he begins to question things. He begins to test out his powers, and is even a bit irresponsible with them, using them to upstage the bully who picked on him, Flash Thompson. He also becomes argumentative with Uncle Ben when accused of not following through on what he promised to do. He storms off, and Uncle Ben follows him. At a convenience store, he lets a thief go when the store clerk treats him rudely, and the thief ultimately shoots Uncle Ben.
4. Meeting with the Mentor: Throughout the story, Peter has already had several mentors working in his life. Dr. Connors is a mentor to him when it comes to science, helping Peter feel comfortable with his genius. The briefcase with his father's work has also been a mentor of sorts, pushing him into this Special World. And of course, Uncle Ben has been one of the biggest mentor influences on Peter, and when he dies, Peter is pushed to his limits.
5. Crossing the Threshold: The death of Peter's Uncle Ben is ultimately what pushes Peter to cross over into the Special World fully. Peter uses the police sketch of the thief who murdered Uncle Ben to begin his work as a vigilante, trying to hunt the man down. His world has changed, and there is no going back to things as they used to be.
6. Tests, Allies, Enemies: As Peter fights crime, he confronts criminals and makes enemies. Because one thug threatens him after an encounter, saying that he knows what Peter looks like, Peter decides to use a mask. He eventually creates a suit to help with mobility, and his identity as Spider-Man begins to cement. At school, he develops a friendship with Gwen and even Flash shows a sense of friendliness toward him. But this double-life is taking its toll. Aunt May is worried when he comes home late, and his emotions rise with regret when he comes home to her not with the eggs he had promised to buy, but with bruises and blood all over his face. His tests are increasing in difficulty: Dr. Connors displayed a semblance of friendship toward him, but as his identity shifts into The Lizard, this will change. Gwen's father, Police Captain Stacy, shows an antagonistic attitude toward Peter and his alter-ego.
7. Approach: Peter witnesses The Lizard's rampage on the bridge, and he tries to stop the creature. He sets a trap in the sewers, barely escaping with his life, and still badly injured. After verifying some suspicions, Peter tries to convince Captain Stacy that Dr. Connors is the man they are looking for, but his ideas are met with harsh ridicule. The Lizard learns Spider-Man's identity, and he shows up at Midtown Science High School to destroy Peter Parker.After fighting Peter at school, Dr. Connors retreats to carry out his master-plan, and Peter tries to stop him with Gwen's help.
8. Ordeal: Spider-Man faces the Inmost Cave when he is shot by a police bullet that stuns him electrically. He is surrounded and faces his greatest fear: his identity will be known. If this happens, Gwen will die, and the city of New York will be lost. Unable to fight his way out, reveals his identity to Captain Stacy.
9. Reward: Captain Stacy lets him go, showing his new-found trust in Peter.
10. The Road Back: Peter is recommitted to the Journey. He makes his way to Oscorp Tower to stop the Lizard. Along the way, he learns that the citizens of New York trust him as well.He confronts his nemesis and begins fighting him.
11. Resurrection: The Lizard is strong and powerful, crushing Spider-Man's web shooters and taking away his advantage. Peter digs down deep, willing to make the ultimate sacrifice, and when Captain Stacy arrives, they work together to stop The Lizard.
12. Return with the Elixir: Dr. Connors has been returned back to normal and his plans as The Lizard have been stopped. He has saved Gwen, but at a cost: Captain Stacy was killed. As he dies, he asks Peter to keep Gwen out of his life to protect her. Peter makes a promise even though it kills him deep down. He would love to have Gwen at his side, and would give anything to see Captain Stacy and his Uncle Ben alive again. But he has changed... ...and in a final, small moment, we see this change. It's not just in the promise he made to Captain Stacy, but also in a carton of eggs. As he walks through the door to his waiting Aunt May, he holds out a carton of eggs, signifying that he is different from the start of the journey. He is a different person, and even though he may not have all of the answers he wanted, he has learned to put others ahead of himself during the search. The Elixir Peter Parker has brought back from his journey is that of a new hero. He is no longer just Peter Parker, fatherless teenager. He's Spider-Man.
Note: this post was revised and updated on 8/28/12.
Friday, June 22, 2012
Favorite Film Beats
I love movies. There's just something about a good story that draws you in when it's well-told. In every movie, there are always certain moments, certain "beats" that strike a chord. When I am writing, I try to think: "Will this moment be emotional? Surprising? Will it make the reader's jaw drop open?" As I write, I picture the "movie" of the book unfolding in my mind. I believe that if I can see it, and I can write what I see, the reader will, too. And when they do see it, I want them to see those moments that will be memorable.
As I was reading Blake Snyder's book Save the Cat! Goes to the Movies, I was struck momentarily while reading his breakdown of Spider-Man 2. As Snyder described part of the story, he added a parenthetical comment of how much he loved that specific beat, that short moment. It was my favorite moment, too. And I realized that if that part struck him as it did for me, it probably did for a lot of other people.
So I began thinking of some of my favorite film beats, those scenes that I will watch an entire movie for, simply waiting for those few seconds of screen time. And surprisingly, they are not always the most action-packed or funniest moments, but the ones that give me chills when I see them. These are the moments I seek to create in my novels. So here is a short list of some of my favorites and why:
As I was reading Blake Snyder's book Save the Cat! Goes to the Movies, I was struck momentarily while reading his breakdown of Spider-Man 2. As Snyder described part of the story, he added a parenthetical comment of how much he loved that specific beat, that short moment. It was my favorite moment, too. And I realized that if that part struck him as it did for me, it probably did for a lot of other people.
So I began thinking of some of my favorite film beats, those scenes that I will watch an entire movie for, simply waiting for those few seconds of screen time. And surprisingly, they are not always the most action-packed or funniest moments, but the ones that give me chills when I see them. These are the moments I seek to create in my novels. So here is a short list of some of my favorites and why:
- Spider-Man 2: Just like Blake Snyder, I love the moment after Peter Parker stops the train as Spider-Man, saving the lives of all on board. After "crucifying" himself (another realization I had after reading Snyder's book), the passengers pull him back in and carry him into the car. At this point, he is without his mask, and everyone can see his identity. One adult says in shock, "He's just a kid..." For some reason, I love that beat. It's honest, it's sincere, and it shows the humanity not only of Peter Parker, but of those around him. When he wakes up and realizes he's been seen, some kids bring his mask to him, saying, "Don't worry... we won't tell anyone."
- Signs: When I first saw this movie, I expected a creepy sci-fi film. I never expected a message about faith and providence to be part of it. When the alien creature appears in the house, Graham's brother Merrill accidentally hits a glass of water that seems to hurt the alien. The camera shows a shot of the house, which is full of unfinished glasses of water as Graham realizes that maybe his daughter's idiosyncracies have a purpose.
- Gladiator: I love the action in this film, but the most powerful moment comes when Emperor Commodus demands that the gladiator reveals himself. When Maximus turns and takes off his mask, his line makes our breath stop, not just Commodus's: "My name is Maximus Decimus Meridius, commander of the Armies of the North, General of the Felix Legions, loyal servant to the true emperor, Marcus Aurelius. Father to a murdered son, husband to a murdered wife. And I will have my vengeance, in this life or the next."
- Back to the Future: This is one of my all-time favorites. Even seeing it on the big screen for its 25th anniversary, it was like seeing it for the first time. We all knew what would happen, but the crowd still surged with intensity and expectation. When Doc Brown finally hooks up the wire and the lightning bolt strikes the clock tower, everyone cheered. It's a moment of celebration and excitement.
- Batman Begins: As chaos errupts in The Narrows because Scarecrow's gas is making everyone hallucinate, police officer Gordon realizes that they are in trouble. They have closed off the bridge so that no one can get out, but this also means that the riot police are stuck there too, facing the effects of the gas. As The Narrows tears itself apart, Gordon is asked who else they can send over, and he cries out that there's no one left to send. At that moment, the Tumbler flies across the gap. A perfectly timed moment for our hero to make his entrance.
- Super 8: A simple moment at the end of the film: when Joe's necklace flies out of his pocket and opens, letting us see what is inside for the first time: a picture of his deceased mother. He lets go of it, watching it fly away.
- Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade: Another all-time favorite, we all know that the movie isn't really about the Holy Grail, but about the father's quest to find his son and reconcile. So the moment when Indiana is falling down a hole in the ground, struggling to reach for the grail, his father clings to him, trying to save him. Finally, accepting his son for who he is, Henry Jones says, "Indiana... let it go..." The real treasure has been salvaged: their relationship.
- Rise of the Planet of the Apes: The tense moment when Caesar faces off against his sadistic caretaker grabbed my attention because I knew Caesar was finally accepting who he was and what he was destined to do. But I did not expect what happened next, and I don't think the rest of the theatergoers did either, because you could hear a pin drop the moment he yelled, "No!"
- Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King: While there are many fantastic, awe-inspiring moments in this movie, and even the trilogy as a whole, I still get chills when Frodo can't go on though he's so close to the end of the journey. Sam picks him up, shouting, "I can't carry your burden, but I can carry you!" I always think to myself, "That's how the world should be... if only everyone acted that way."
- King Kong: Another film with an amazing performance by Andy Serkis, I am always struck by how much emotion a CGI ape can exude. I truly beleieve that Serkis deserves some major recognition for his work, because he truly is acting in these scenes and creating characters that are more believable than some performances of real actors. And while I love the fight scene with the V Rex, my favorite moment comes when they are skating on the iced-over pond in Central Park. It's a moment of peace and innocence, the last one Kong will have. This beat makes what is to come even more tragic.
- Jurassic Park: Perhaps my all-time favorite movie, I still remember sitting in the theater in awe of the dinosaurs that looked more real than any others I had ever seen on screen. As Alan Grant and Ellie Sattler stare in awe of the brachiosaurus, I stared in awe, too. When John Hammond says, "Welcome to Jurassic Park," I was swept away too.
- The Avengers: While there are many moments in this movie that I love to watch, such as Dr. Banner returning to the team, one of my favorite beats has to be when Loki subjugates the crowd, demanding that they bow. A lone elderly man stands tall, saying he will not bow to men like Loki. When Loki insists there are no men like him, the man says, "There will always be men like you." Wow.
- The Muppets: This has to be one of my favorite films of the past year. I grew up with The Muppets, and the movie brought back so many childhood memories. Even with all the jokes and references to the previous films, one beat resonates every time I see it. As Kermit and Miss Piggy perform "Rainbow Connection," the other Muppets backstage take each others' hands, knowing this might be the last performance together. As they walk onstage and join in the song, it reminds me that it doesn't always take a human actor to stir the emotions.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
The Hero's Journey in The Avengers (2012)
The Avengers has shattered box office records, and it's understandable why. The film is fast-paced, action-packed, and fun. The characters draw the audience into their lives, and we experience all of the conflict and confrontation among them.
As I viewed the film, I wondered how the Hero's Journey fits into the story. After all, each of them has pretty much undergone their own journey. So how was this film different? Did they still undergo a journey? Or was it just a great story?
I've only seen the film once, but I believe that the Hero's Journey was indeed present in the story, not only for one character, but for all of them, and in different layers. Overall, I think that if you look closely, you can see the journey take place in all of their lives, but you can also see it in the team as a whole. Their overall journey is focused on their ability to function as a team and to accept themselves as a part of the greater whole. However, we can look at it through the eyes of individual characters as well. For this blog entry, I've chosen to focus on the journey Tony Stark undergoes. He's a key member of The Avengers, and his life is a major focus of the film, although one could argue who the central story arc truly belongs to.
Of course, some may differ on the stages of the Hero's Journey, and that is understandable. This is simply my take on it, through the experience of one key character as he interacts with the others. Be warned: there are major spoilers ahead, so if you haven't seen the film, stop here.
1. Ordinary World: At the beginning of the film, we see Tony's "normal" life. He's working to make the world a better place, not only as Iron Man, but also as Tony Stark, focusing on creating green energy with his Arc Reactor power. Stark Tower is his home in New York, and this is where the Hero's Journey will start and will end. We get a sense of what his life is like: he is continually developing new technology, and he is in a relationship with Pepper Potts. Overall, things are going well for him.
2. Call To Adventure: Although various threads of the storyline are happening without Tony's knowledge, for him the Call To Adventure occurs with a visit from S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent Phil Coulson. He tries to convince Tony that he is needed, that Nick Fury requests his assistance in something related to the Avengers Initiative.
3. Refusal of the Call: Tony, having been spurned by Fury earlier, declines. He's happy with his life right now and doesn't want to get involved. He rejects Coulson's proposal, but Pepper takes the information from him anyway.
4. Meeting with the Mentor: In a sense, Tony has already met with his mentor, Nick Fury. Fury is the man who pushed Tony along through the difficulties of becoming and of being Iron Man. Only it takes Tony a lot of thought to consider what Fury is asking him to do.
5. Crossing the Threshold: Finally deciding to get involved, Tony shows up at an event where Captain America is already engaged in fighting the story's villain, Loki. As Iron Man, Tony assists S.H.I.E.L.D. in capturing Loki and bringing him back with them. Tony has officially crossed over into the "Special World" of the beginning of The Avengers and is now a part of this battle for the survival of humanity. His life will never be the same.
6. Tests, Allies, Enemies: Tony does battle with the Norse God Thor during their first meeting until Captain America intervenes and gets them to trust each other. Other heroes emerge, including Black Widow and Dr. Bruce Banner, the man with the anger management issues. Tony gravitates toward Banner, who is also a brilliant scientist.
7. Approach: The heroes try to figure out Loki's plan.They begin to form a bond, but the evil Loki something else up his sleeve. He begins manipulating those in the group, and Captain America discovers that S.H.I.E.L.D. might have a bit more planned than they've disclosed. The group begins to argue, and Loki is able to escape with the help of some outside individuals.
8. Ordeal: Tony risks his life to try and save the helicarrier they are on, and ultimately succeeds, but not without loss. Hulk and Thor are gone, and Loki has killed Agent Coulson. Loki is gone, and the team is split up. It seems that defeat is inevitable. They have failed to learn how to function as a team, and it seems that there is nothing else that they can do.
9. Reward: The Reward is that Stark survived, but it is bittersweet. Nick Fury gives them a talk, and relates to them how Agent Coulson was a true believer in The Avengers Initiative. It is this talk that pushes Tony Stark over the Edge. He and Captain America are more committed than ever, even though the rest of the team may be gone. They realize where Loki is opening the portal from, Stark Tower.
10. The Road Back: Tony goes back to the tower to confront Loki, and narrowly escapes falling to his death. Tony has his new Iron Man suit equipped, but the invasion has begun. The alien race of the Chitauri overwhelms the heroes, and Iron Man is the only one who is able to take to the air battle. The team begins to come together and works to defeat the Chitauri, but more keep coming from the portal. Dr. Banner comes back and, as Hulk, provides some much-needed support during the fight. He even subdues Loki while Black Widow reaches the top of Stark Tower. There she speaks with Dr. Selvig, who reveals that all is not lost.Tony learns from Black Widow that Loki's staff can close the portal. Humanity can be saved. They have confronted the enemy and will have victory... but there's a problem. Tony Stark learns that the directors of S.H.I.E.L.D. have decided to override Nick Fury and have send a nuclear weapon to level Manhattan.
11. Resurrection: Tony realizes what he must do, and as Iron Man, takes hold of the missile, steering it back toward Stark Tower, where the journey began. He can send it through the portal before they close it. It will result in the salvation of the human race. But it will also be a one-way ticket for Stark. Still, Tony Stark decides to go through with it. He is, after all, different from the Tony Stark at the beginning of this journey. The audience can sense a difference. At the beginning, he was self-centered and egotistical, caring only for himself. Now, he's part of a greater cause, and will sacrifice himself for this cause. He takes the weapon through the portal, and though it detonates as it strikes the Chitauri ship, The Avengers know they must close the portal. But all is not lost, after all. The blast propels Tony back into our world just before the portal closes, and he is saved. He experiences not only a personal resurrection moment as the old Tony dies and a new one is born in his decision, but a physical resurrection as well. He has shown us that the story has been worth our time; something of value has been gained.
12. Return with the Elixir: As Loki awakes, we learn what the elixir is that the team has brought from the journey. They are now a force to be reckoned with, and they will defend the Earth. As we see Tony with Pepper again, back in the Ordinary World yet changed, we know that the journey has been worth it. The Avengers have assembled.
Note: this post was revised and updated on 8/28/12.
As I viewed the film, I wondered how the Hero's Journey fits into the story. After all, each of them has pretty much undergone their own journey. So how was this film different? Did they still undergo a journey? Or was it just a great story?
I've only seen the film once, but I believe that the Hero's Journey was indeed present in the story, not only for one character, but for all of them, and in different layers. Overall, I think that if you look closely, you can see the journey take place in all of their lives, but you can also see it in the team as a whole. Their overall journey is focused on their ability to function as a team and to accept themselves as a part of the greater whole. However, we can look at it through the eyes of individual characters as well. For this blog entry, I've chosen to focus on the journey Tony Stark undergoes. He's a key member of The Avengers, and his life is a major focus of the film, although one could argue who the central story arc truly belongs to.
Of course, some may differ on the stages of the Hero's Journey, and that is understandable. This is simply my take on it, through the experience of one key character as he interacts with the others. Be warned: there are major spoilers ahead, so if you haven't seen the film, stop here.
1. Ordinary World: At the beginning of the film, we see Tony's "normal" life. He's working to make the world a better place, not only as Iron Man, but also as Tony Stark, focusing on creating green energy with his Arc Reactor power. Stark Tower is his home in New York, and this is where the Hero's Journey will start and will end. We get a sense of what his life is like: he is continually developing new technology, and he is in a relationship with Pepper Potts. Overall, things are going well for him.
2. Call To Adventure: Although various threads of the storyline are happening without Tony's knowledge, for him the Call To Adventure occurs with a visit from S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent Phil Coulson. He tries to convince Tony that he is needed, that Nick Fury requests his assistance in something related to the Avengers Initiative.
3. Refusal of the Call: Tony, having been spurned by Fury earlier, declines. He's happy with his life right now and doesn't want to get involved. He rejects Coulson's proposal, but Pepper takes the information from him anyway.
4. Meeting with the Mentor: In a sense, Tony has already met with his mentor, Nick Fury. Fury is the man who pushed Tony along through the difficulties of becoming and of being Iron Man. Only it takes Tony a lot of thought to consider what Fury is asking him to do.
5. Crossing the Threshold: Finally deciding to get involved, Tony shows up at an event where Captain America is already engaged in fighting the story's villain, Loki. As Iron Man, Tony assists S.H.I.E.L.D. in capturing Loki and bringing him back with them. Tony has officially crossed over into the "Special World" of the beginning of The Avengers and is now a part of this battle for the survival of humanity. His life will never be the same.
6. Tests, Allies, Enemies: Tony does battle with the Norse God Thor during their first meeting until Captain America intervenes and gets them to trust each other. Other heroes emerge, including Black Widow and Dr. Bruce Banner, the man with the anger management issues. Tony gravitates toward Banner, who is also a brilliant scientist.
7. Approach: The heroes try to figure out Loki's plan.They begin to form a bond, but the evil Loki something else up his sleeve. He begins manipulating those in the group, and Captain America discovers that S.H.I.E.L.D. might have a bit more planned than they've disclosed. The group begins to argue, and Loki is able to escape with the help of some outside individuals.
8. Ordeal: Tony risks his life to try and save the helicarrier they are on, and ultimately succeeds, but not without loss. Hulk and Thor are gone, and Loki has killed Agent Coulson. Loki is gone, and the team is split up. It seems that defeat is inevitable. They have failed to learn how to function as a team, and it seems that there is nothing else that they can do.
9. Reward: The Reward is that Stark survived, but it is bittersweet. Nick Fury gives them a talk, and relates to them how Agent Coulson was a true believer in The Avengers Initiative. It is this talk that pushes Tony Stark over the Edge. He and Captain America are more committed than ever, even though the rest of the team may be gone. They realize where Loki is opening the portal from, Stark Tower.
10. The Road Back: Tony goes back to the tower to confront Loki, and narrowly escapes falling to his death. Tony has his new Iron Man suit equipped, but the invasion has begun. The alien race of the Chitauri overwhelms the heroes, and Iron Man is the only one who is able to take to the air battle. The team begins to come together and works to defeat the Chitauri, but more keep coming from the portal. Dr. Banner comes back and, as Hulk, provides some much-needed support during the fight. He even subdues Loki while Black Widow reaches the top of Stark Tower. There she speaks with Dr. Selvig, who reveals that all is not lost.Tony learns from Black Widow that Loki's staff can close the portal. Humanity can be saved. They have confronted the enemy and will have victory... but there's a problem. Tony Stark learns that the directors of S.H.I.E.L.D. have decided to override Nick Fury and have send a nuclear weapon to level Manhattan.
11. Resurrection: Tony realizes what he must do, and as Iron Man, takes hold of the missile, steering it back toward Stark Tower, where the journey began. He can send it through the portal before they close it. It will result in the salvation of the human race. But it will also be a one-way ticket for Stark. Still, Tony Stark decides to go through with it. He is, after all, different from the Tony Stark at the beginning of this journey. The audience can sense a difference. At the beginning, he was self-centered and egotistical, caring only for himself. Now, he's part of a greater cause, and will sacrifice himself for this cause. He takes the weapon through the portal, and though it detonates as it strikes the Chitauri ship, The Avengers know they must close the portal. But all is not lost, after all. The blast propels Tony back into our world just before the portal closes, and he is saved. He experiences not only a personal resurrection moment as the old Tony dies and a new one is born in his decision, but a physical resurrection as well. He has shown us that the story has been worth our time; something of value has been gained.
12. Return with the Elixir: As Loki awakes, we learn what the elixir is that the team has brought from the journey. They are now a force to be reckoned with, and they will defend the Earth. As we see Tony with Pepper again, back in the Ordinary World yet changed, we know that the journey has been worth it. The Avengers have assembled.
Note: this post was revised and updated on 8/28/12.
Sunday, May 6, 2012
The Avengers (2012): Reviewing the Journey
Normally, I prefer movies that focus on character development and plot rather than special effects and over-the-top action sequences. Luckily, The Avengers (2012) gives us both.
I'll admit, I was a bit weary when I heard that all of the Marvel superhero films were building toward an Avengers film. With so many characters, how could the film possible do them all justice while maintaining a tightly-written and engaging plot? Would the movie be too "crowded" with characters? After all, superhero films that have tried to have too many subplots and villains have always registered on the weaker side. Would The Avengers meet the same fate?
I'm happy to say that it did not. Not only was the film fast and fun to watch, but it remained true to its core characters and their individual storylines while opening up a brand new one. I think the movie works so well due to a few key components: an intriguing story, captivating heroes and villains, and conflict. If you haven't seen the movie, there are spoilers ahead, so read on at your own risk.
First, the story was well-told. It tied in the characters from the Iron Man films, Thor, The Incredible Hulk, and Captain America. However, if you haven't seen any or all of these films, the information you need to know is provided to you seamlessly through the film as the story progresses. The plot deals with a primal need: survival. In this case, survival from an impending alien invasion led by Loki, brother of Thor. The heroes slowly come together and meet each other, each drawn into the struggle for a specific purpose. Things fall apart quickly, though, and they must learn to set aside their differences and work as a team.
Even though they form as a team, by themselves they are dynamic and multi-layered. Of course, there is Dr. Bruce Banner, the scientist with anger issues. We can sense his frustration as he struggles with his identity and how others see him. Black Widow wants to escape her blood-filled past, hoping to find redemption. Tony Stark thinks that he can handle things alone as Iron Man, a fact that irks Captain America. Thor desperately wants to reach out to his brother Loki, trying to find the good in him and call him back home. We feel sympathy for him, as we do for Loki, knowing that if Thor cares this much about him, there might be a reason for us to care for him, too. In Loki, we see a struggling villain, one who desires power and adoration.
Overall, conflict drives the film. Not just the conflict between the good guys and bad guys, but also among the good guys. Midway through the film, the heroes began fighting among themselves. Tony Stark calls Steve Rogers nothing but a glorified science experiment, prompting Steve to challenge Tony to "put on the suit!" At their first meeting, Iron Man and Thor fight, and both Thor and Black Widow have run-ins with The Hulk. No one can seem to get along, and yet they must if they're to be able to save the world. We know they'll come together and assemble, and so the conflict is what keeps us watching. We know they'll save the day; we want to see what happens to them as they try to save themselves.
As I watched this film, I wondered who it follows most. Whose Hero's Journey story does it tell? After all, in each character's previous movie, their own Hero's Journey story was told. But I think that in this film, each character can be seen as having their own Hero's Journey unfold. Whereas their previous films told the beginning journeys of their lives as heroes, this film tells their journeys as they become a team.
The Avengers is a great movie to look at from a writer's perspective. It has a well-structured story, one that is easy to follow and yet full of characters who are individually dynamic. But best of all, it has plenty of conflict, both from within and from without. And it's the conflict among the characters that makes this story a fun experience.
I'll admit, I was a bit weary when I heard that all of the Marvel superhero films were building toward an Avengers film. With so many characters, how could the film possible do them all justice while maintaining a tightly-written and engaging plot? Would the movie be too "crowded" with characters? After all, superhero films that have tried to have too many subplots and villains have always registered on the weaker side. Would The Avengers meet the same fate?
I'm happy to say that it did not. Not only was the film fast and fun to watch, but it remained true to its core characters and their individual storylines while opening up a brand new one. I think the movie works so well due to a few key components: an intriguing story, captivating heroes and villains, and conflict. If you haven't seen the movie, there are spoilers ahead, so read on at your own risk.
First, the story was well-told. It tied in the characters from the Iron Man films, Thor, The Incredible Hulk, and Captain America. However, if you haven't seen any or all of these films, the information you need to know is provided to you seamlessly through the film as the story progresses. The plot deals with a primal need: survival. In this case, survival from an impending alien invasion led by Loki, brother of Thor. The heroes slowly come together and meet each other, each drawn into the struggle for a specific purpose. Things fall apart quickly, though, and they must learn to set aside their differences and work as a team.
Even though they form as a team, by themselves they are dynamic and multi-layered. Of course, there is Dr. Bruce Banner, the scientist with anger issues. We can sense his frustration as he struggles with his identity and how others see him. Black Widow wants to escape her blood-filled past, hoping to find redemption. Tony Stark thinks that he can handle things alone as Iron Man, a fact that irks Captain America. Thor desperately wants to reach out to his brother Loki, trying to find the good in him and call him back home. We feel sympathy for him, as we do for Loki, knowing that if Thor cares this much about him, there might be a reason for us to care for him, too. In Loki, we see a struggling villain, one who desires power and adoration.
Overall, conflict drives the film. Not just the conflict between the good guys and bad guys, but also among the good guys. Midway through the film, the heroes began fighting among themselves. Tony Stark calls Steve Rogers nothing but a glorified science experiment, prompting Steve to challenge Tony to "put on the suit!" At their first meeting, Iron Man and Thor fight, and both Thor and Black Widow have run-ins with The Hulk. No one can seem to get along, and yet they must if they're to be able to save the world. We know they'll come together and assemble, and so the conflict is what keeps us watching. We know they'll save the day; we want to see what happens to them as they try to save themselves.
As I watched this film, I wondered who it follows most. Whose Hero's Journey story does it tell? After all, in each character's previous movie, their own Hero's Journey story was told. But I think that in this film, each character can be seen as having their own Hero's Journey unfold. Whereas their previous films told the beginning journeys of their lives as heroes, this film tells their journeys as they become a team.
The Avengers is a great movie to look at from a writer's perspective. It has a well-structured story, one that is easy to follow and yet full of characters who are individually dynamic. But best of all, it has plenty of conflict, both from within and from without. And it's the conflict among the characters that makes this story a fun experience.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
The Ideas Continue to Attack
In between teaching and taking care of my family, I try to find time to write and to plan for other projects. Lately, there seems to be just too many ideas that are attacking me.
Right now, I have several projects I am trying to balance:
Right now, I have several projects I am trying to balance:
- Writing for this blog on a regular basis, which I admittedly do not do enough.
- A companion novel for my novel Redemption. This one would take the mystical character from the first novel and introduce him into the life of a different character. Whereas the first novel was told from first-person POV, this one would be third person.
- A novel about an alien invasion, one in which the plot would be told through the eyes of the protagonist, yet done in a unique way.
- My "superhero" novel. I've always wanted to write a book about a superhero, but to do so on page is more difficult than I had thought. Finally, I realized I had a way to do this when an idea popped into my head for a science fiction/fantasy story. Although the main character will not be a traditional superhero, I think the story fits best into the "Superhero" story type as described by Blake Snyder in his wonderful book Save the Cat! I like to think of the story as "Indiana Jones-meets-John Carter-meets-TRON Legacy."
- I look back at my first attempt at a YA novel, Chupacabra, and while the story wasn't too bad, I've learned a lot about structure and character development since then. I remember how one agent said that your first novel is sort of like your "practice" novel, and I agree. Since the chupacabra phenomenon has died down, I have planned to abandon this storyline. However, I still like the concept of cryptozoolgy, and I have found a way to use the concept in its most basic, bare-bones form, and plan to develop it. Watching the television show Fringe is certainly inspiring for this.
- I am still planning on developing the nonfiction book about faith issues in LOST, and have mapped out the topics for each chapter. I just need time to sit down and to write it.
- I have also always wanted to do a book on spiritual lessons found in Hollywood films. I hate hearing how movies are full of trash today, as I think that they have great redeeming value. I remember going to see the M. Night Shyamalan movie Signs expecting a great science fiction tale, and left with a wonderful, unanticipated message about faith. I see this in so many films that I would like to bring all of these ideas together into one source.
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