When I was growing up, I was drawn to mythology. I would read everything I could get my hands on. I would lose myself in stories of heroes, magic and monsters, letting myself believe, just for a little while, that these stories were true.
Of all the tales of myth that I read as a child, my favourites were always those of Greek Mythology. From Heracles' Twelve Labours to the invincible Achilles or how Theseus slew the minotaur, these were some of the first truly larger than life heroes I read about. They were doing things you only saw in superhero movies or cartoons, and their stories were thousands of years old. From these I discovered film adaptations like Clash of the Titans and Jason and the Argonauts, two of my favourite classic movies. Even if Medusa gave me nightmares...
I guess, especially as I grew older and most people my age grew out of such simple stories, I felt somehow vindicated in my continuing love for epic heroism and adventure. After all, if one of the earliest civilisations in the world shared these stories and loved them, why shouldn't I still be able to indulge in cartoons and comic books if I wanted?
Now, as a writer, I feel blessed to have been exposed to these stories from such a young age. I'm certain they have influenced my writing in terms of the kinds of stories I tell, and had a major impact on the kinds of books and movies I enjoy today. Yes, the heroic values of ancient myth were quite different from the traits we consider noble today, but all myths are a product of their time, always changing to reflect shifting attitudes. I think that's my favourite thing about myth. It's always about the audience. The story has to adapt, to become this organic thing that changes and evolves to better be accepted by modern audiences. I mean, what is a story that never gets heard?
Have old myths and fairy takes had an influence on you? Would you care to share any of your favourite stories?
May 25, 2012
Myths and Fairy Tales
Paul Anthony Shortt believes in magic and monsters. In ghosts and fairies. The creatures that lurk under the bed and inside the closet. The things that live in the dark, and the heroes who stand against them. Above all, he believes that stories have the power to change the world, and the most important stories are the ones which show that monsters can be beaten.
May 23, 2012
Hero's Journey Challenge: Bridget Jones' Diary
Here we are at the end of my Hero's Journey Challenge with by analysis of Bridget Jones' Diary. This probably isn't the kind of movie most people would think of when imagining Jospeh Campbell's Monomyth in action, but like the other examples I've dealt with, it has been remarkably easy to apply the model.
Naturally, spoilers follow. And there's some swearing in a quote from the movie.
Naturally, spoilers follow. And there's some swearing in a quote from the movie.
Paul Anthony Shortt believes in magic and monsters. In ghosts and fairies. The creatures that lurk under the bed and inside the closet. The things that live in the dark, and the heroes who stand against them. Above all, he believes that stories have the power to change the world, and the most important stories are the ones which show that monsters can be beaten.
May 18, 2012
Hero's Journey Challenge: Last of the Mohicans
We come to the second last of my titles for this challenge, Last of the Mohicans.
Spoilers follow.
Spoilers follow.
Paul Anthony Shortt believes in magic and monsters. In ghosts and fairies. The creatures that lurk under the bed and inside the closet. The things that live in the dark, and the heroes who stand against them. Above all, he believes that stories have the power to change the world, and the most important stories are the ones which show that monsters can be beaten.
May 16, 2012
The Hero's Journey: Brazil
We move on today to what I anticipated being the most difficult movie in my Hero's Journey Challenge, Terry Gilliam's 1985 black comedy, Brazil.
As always, spoilers follow.
As always, spoilers follow.
Paul Anthony Shortt believes in magic and monsters. In ghosts and fairies. The creatures that lurk under the bed and inside the closet. The things that live in the dark, and the heroes who stand against them. Above all, he believes that stories have the power to change the world, and the most important stories are the ones which show that monsters can be beaten.
May 14, 2012
Hero's Journey Schedule
Turns out finding a copy of Outsiders has been difficult. I'm still holding out hope someone has a copy they don't mind loaning me.
In any case, I'm able to carry on with at least the other three remaining titled on my list. Here's the schedule for the posts:
Wednesday: Brazil
Friday: Last of the Mohicans
Then the following week, if I can see it in time, I'll do Outsiders on the Monday, leaving Bridget Jones' Diary for the Wednesday.
It's been a fun challenge so far. I'm looking forward to seeing how I do with the rest of these movies.
In any case, I'm able to carry on with at least the other three remaining titled on my list. Here's the schedule for the posts:
Wednesday: Brazil
Friday: Last of the Mohicans
Then the following week, if I can see it in time, I'll do Outsiders on the Monday, leaving Bridget Jones' Diary for the Wednesday.
It's been a fun challenge so far. I'm looking forward to seeing how I do with the rest of these movies.
Paul Anthony Shortt believes in magic and monsters. In ghosts and fairies. The creatures that lurk under the bed and inside the closet. The things that live in the dark, and the heroes who stand against them. Above all, he believes that stories have the power to change the world, and the most important stories are the ones which show that monsters can be beaten.
May 11, 2012
A Day Off
I know I said I wanted to get my Hero's Journey blog posts done in two weeks, but I've been spending some time re-prioritising my time and figured I needed a day off.
So along those lines, let's talk about days off. How often do you give yourself a day to just relax? What's your favourite way to unwind? How do you deal with that niggling voice in your head going "You should be working?"
So along those lines, let's talk about days off. How often do you give yourself a day to just relax? What's your favourite way to unwind? How do you deal with that niggling voice in your head going "You should be working?"
Paul Anthony Shortt believes in magic and monsters. In ghosts and fairies. The creatures that lurk under the bed and inside the closet. The things that live in the dark, and the heroes who stand against them. Above all, he believes that stories have the power to change the world, and the most important stories are the ones which show that monsters can be beaten.
May 9, 2012
Hero's Journey Challenge: Soylent Green
For the second of my challenges, I've got the dystopian classic, Soylent Green. I'm ashamed to admit I haven't seen this until now.
Spoilers follow, but I'm pretty sure everyone in the world knows this movie's big reveal.
Spoilers follow, but I'm pretty sure everyone in the world knows this movie's big reveal.
Paul Anthony Shortt believes in magic and monsters. In ghosts and fairies. The creatures that lurk under the bed and inside the closet. The things that live in the dark, and the heroes who stand against them. Above all, he believes that stories have the power to change the world, and the most important stories are the ones which show that monsters can be beaten.
May 7, 2012
Hero's Journey Challenge: Run Fatboy Run
Day one of my Hero's Journey Challenge! I figured I'd start with what I consider the easiest title on my list. Run Fatboy Run might not be about larger than life heroes or epic battles, but I love it, and it's actually a pretty perfect example of the Hero's Journey.
Obviously spoilers follow for those who haven't seen the movie.
Paul Anthony Shortt believes in magic and monsters. In ghosts and fairies. The creatures that lurk under the bed and inside the closet. The things that live in the dark, and the heroes who stand against them. Above all, he believes that stories have the power to change the world, and the most important stories are the ones which show that monsters can be beaten.
May 4, 2012
Hero's Journey Challenge List
The suggestions are in for my Hero's Journey Challenge. I got a few responses, but I've added a couple of my own to bring the number up to six titles. My goal is to spend the next two weeks trying to apply the Hero's Journey model to these movies. Hopefully I can get my hands on copies of the ones I haven't seen yet.
So here is the list:
So here is the list:
- Brazil
- Outsiders
- Last of the Mohicans
- Soylent Green
- Run, Fatboy, Run
- Bridget Jones' Diary
Paul Anthony Shortt believes in magic and monsters. In ghosts and fairies. The creatures that lurk under the bed and inside the closet. The things that live in the dark, and the heroes who stand against them. Above all, he believes that stories have the power to change the world, and the most important stories are the ones which show that monsters can be beaten.
May 2, 2012
Aristeia
An aristeia is an element of storytelling which originates from classical works such as the Iliad. It is a scene in which a specific hero dominates the action, showing their prowess and typically defeating every enemy in their path.
I first learned the term while in school and as soon as I heard the description, the first thing that came to mind was Luke Skywalker in the Death Star trench. When he hears Obi Wan's voice, turns off his targetting computer, and the music changes to Luke's theme, that's the moment when the audience knows that Luke is going to win. Not when Han returns to stop Vader from killing him. Not when he fires. Luke's triumph is secure from the moment he pushes that button.
Likewise, once a hero starts their aristeia, the audience knows in their heart that the battle will be won, it's just a matter of finding out how.
Here are some examples of aristeia in recent movies:
The aristeia has been my favourite moment of a story even since before I knew the term existed. It's the emotional payoff the audience gets for seeing the hero struggle. After everything that's been done to them, everything they've had to overcome, this is the moment when they get to shine. Not every story will necessarily feature one, and not every airsteia will happen during the story's climax. I don't think every story even benefits from having one, but for those that do, nothing quite matches the thrill of seeing the hero at their finest.
Do you have any other examples of airsteia? What are some of your favourites?
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Speaking of heroes, don't forget you have until Friday to send me suggestions for my Hero's Journey Challenge!
I first learned the term while in school and as soon as I heard the description, the first thing that came to mind was Luke Skywalker in the Death Star trench. When he hears Obi Wan's voice, turns off his targetting computer, and the music changes to Luke's theme, that's the moment when the audience knows that Luke is going to win. Not when Han returns to stop Vader from killing him. Not when he fires. Luke's triumph is secure from the moment he pushes that button.
Likewise, once a hero starts their aristeia, the audience knows in their heart that the battle will be won, it's just a matter of finding out how.
Here are some examples of aristeia in recent movies:
- Thor: The first battle with the frost giants, also later when Thor battles the Destroyer.
- Batman Begins: Pretty much everything from the moment Bruce Wayne suits up as Batman to save Gotham at the end.
- Kung Fu Panda: Po's fight with Tai Lung.
- Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest: The scene where Will and Elizabeth are married by Barbosa while all three fight off Davy Jones' men.
The aristeia has been my favourite moment of a story even since before I knew the term existed. It's the emotional payoff the audience gets for seeing the hero struggle. After everything that's been done to them, everything they've had to overcome, this is the moment when they get to shine. Not every story will necessarily feature one, and not every airsteia will happen during the story's climax. I don't think every story even benefits from having one, but for those that do, nothing quite matches the thrill of seeing the hero at their finest.
Do you have any other examples of airsteia? What are some of your favourites?
----------------------------------------
Speaking of heroes, don't forget you have until Friday to send me suggestions for my Hero's Journey Challenge!
Paul Anthony Shortt believes in magic and monsters. In ghosts and fairies. The creatures that lurk under the bed and inside the closet. The things that live in the dark, and the heroes who stand against them. Above all, he believes that stories have the power to change the world, and the most important stories are the ones which show that monsters can be beaten.
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