12 Steps to Mythic Screenwriting – Part Zero
I’m a big fan of using myth in screenwriting. Not only is it a sound guideline for screenwriters, but also because is has helped screenwriters create some of the most memorable stories and moments for the screen.
One of the world’s most popular movies is famous to the screenwriting and storytelling community because of the screenwriter’s ability to retell a modern story using the classical hallmarks found in mythological storytelling – it’s called Star Wars: A New Hope!
In this series, I’ll be exploring the original explanation of the mythic quest published by Joseph Campbell, the adaptation for screenwriters published by Christopher Vogler, and the the story of A New Hope in order to study what makes it all work and how we can recreate it in an exciting new way.
I’ll be starting the series sometime this week, so be sure you’re subscribed to ScriptXRay so you don’t miss out on the fun!
Hey Chris – These days, I’ve been reading about Campbell as well and I just wanted to say that Joseph Campbell’s mention about the “Force,” is one of the most exciting talks he had with Moyers. Then it just got me thinking about this whole thing with Obi One Kenobi’s words to Luke in Star Wars: A New Hope. You know like, “Remember, stretch out your feelings.” “A Jedi can feel the force flowing through him.” such like these quotes became stuck in my head because I think it is so powerful that its telling us to just never give up and keep using our heart to do what we love. The “Force” counts like the grain of sand filling up a container which represents us as a whole, and I think it is tiring and also very very hard work in order for us to become as whole with what we want to do and love in life. Our energy and power is like the “Force”, our energy to strive and do somethings that we hope can do good for other people. Its kind of like the Jedi, that is why there’s this saying I think it was from one of the games that “The Journey of the Jedi, is a long and perilous one…”
Because even the one who’s strong with the “Force” (Our abilities to be able to do something) can also be manipulated and twisted to become the dark side….
On the other hand, about the context with the “Force”, maybe some other people would just think that, “wooo~this guy’s talking about the force with all the lighting, and pushing people around, kicking ass telekinesis stuff and all..” but seriously, just as the Star Wars Universe put it, it is mysterious, if you think about not just the representation of the “Force” in the films and comic books, and use upon ourselves, you will gain a sense of how it can relate to the dark sides that are going in the world today. It’s amazing how Joseph Campbell, going back to him, has mentioned about the importance for us to follow our own bliss because nowadays, we live in a world filled with people that are just doing what is required of them. The worst thing that could happen is that you’ve may never had a chance to do something that you really love in your lifetime because of being too busy consumed in the society’s requirement of you to make money.
You see this everyday…I’m sure anybody who’s reading this would know. And The Galactic Empire, to me represents kind of like this system of control, Darth Vader and Lord Sidious are the one’s who knew the ways of the force, but the whole empire relies on their power with technology. It is the “Dark side of the Force” that is the driving power and energy behind this whole movement of the Galactic Empire (establishment of the Death Star). So it gives the kind of an idea how corrupt politicians with power in today is able to do the exact same thing presented by these characters. Therefore, the people who are under the influence of Vader and Sidious, are just like robots, afraid to speak their minds, afraid to choose and learn about the force, afraid to admit the fact that it was fear that is controlling them. They have no freedom at all, but only to be told on what to do.
The Jedi is kind of like our “Original true form,” or the true potentialities of human nature. If we are able to become aware of our own abilities and what we could do with them, we would’ve understand and appreciate more in life because we are connected to all life in the universe. A Jedi wouldn’t be so proud of themselves of discovering to learn the Force, because to them, the “Force” is nature, from the beginning of time it had always been there along side with people They are the real man, who’s not only been confined into an established civilization with it’s own systems, but at the same time, they are in harmony and peace with nature. This is exactly what we need in today’s 21st century where Global warming becomes a threat, and pollution getting more serious. This is also why the Jedi has become such an appealing character in George Luca’s creation of Star Wars. It also touches down into our deepest selves, because in every one of us, there is both the Jedi and the Dark Side in us, and in this world exists the constant battle and struggle between the Light and the Dark, inside and outside.
William
That’s a good point William. There’s definitely a dark side to all of us, as well as the places we want to go – especially in show business, – so it’s important to keep a “force” in mind when working hard … it’s easy to stray to the dark — especially when it looks so appealing and satisfying at times.
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