And so we reach the final film in our five-week media studies series about the hero’s quest. This week we consider “Guardians of the Galaxy” (2014). Perhaps it’s fitting that we finish on a Marvel movie. With all that company’s extended universe of superhero franchises that have come to dominate the box office during theseContinue reading “Read This Before You Watch “Guardians of the Galaxy””
Tag Archives: media studies
Wrap Up of “Princess Mononoke”
It sounds like you all enjoyed “Princess Mononoke” (1997), our penultimate movie in the hero’s quest media studies series. Depending on how much you liked this film, I’d definitely recommend you check out more work by Hayao Miyazaki. In your responses to my discussion questions, you were all absolutely correct in identifying Ashitaka’s Call toContinue reading “Wrap Up of “Princess Mononoke””
Wrap Up of “O”
I trust you enjoyed the grim fatalism of “O.” It’s not a cheery film but it’s an amazing update of Shakespeare’s Othello and perhaps the most faithful adaptation we’ve seen thus far in our “Secret Shakespeare” media studies series. Once again the setting of the play was transposed to a contemporary high school, and onceContinue reading “Wrap Up of “O””
Discussion Questions for “Princess Mononoke”
Write a paragraph or two in response to each of the following prompts. The extra credit questions are hard ones, but I’d love to see how you can answer them. What is the Call to Adventure? What are Ashitaki’s heroic traits and what makes him uniquely qualified for this hero’s quest? How does Ashitaki describeContinue reading “Discussion Questions for “Princess Mononoke””
Read This Before You Watch “Princess Mononoke”
Welcome back to another weekend adventure with our hero’s quest media series. This week we’re watching an anime film by Hayao Miyazaki called “Princess Mononoke” (1997). Anime combines elements of traditional Japanese art with more modern influences such as comic books. If you like this movie, and I think you will, Miyazaki made quite aContinue reading “Read This Before You Watch “Princess Mononoke””
Discussion Questions for “O”
This week we focus on exploring characters and characterization. Write a paragraph or two in response to each of the following prompts. We know that Odin James (Othello) is a star basketball player, but who is he as a person? What are his other defining characteristics? What are his hopes and dreams? What does heContinue reading “Discussion Questions for “O””
Read This Before You Watch “O”
We continue our “Secret Shakespeare” media studies series this week with “O” (2001), based closely on Shakespeare’s tragedy of Othello (1603). This movie is yet another high school film. That makes three out of four so far. Apparently, Shakespearean drama translates well to the teen experience of romantic turbulence and high passions. However, where “She’sContinue reading “Read This Before You Watch “O””
Discussion Questions for “Raiders of the Lost Ark”
Write a paragraph or two in response to each of the following. We know all these elements by heart now, but some of the answers might still be tricky so be sure to explain your answers. I’m eager to see your answers this week. What is the Call to Adventure that starts the hero’s journeyContinue reading “Discussion Questions for “Raiders of the Lost Ark””
Read This Before You Watch “Raiders of the Lost Ark”
This week, our exploration of the hero’s quest takes a look at Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981). This classic action/adventure movie introduces us to Indiana Jones, one of all-time great heroes in cinematic history. Whether or not you’ve seen this one before, you’re in for a great ride! As you watch, be sure toContinue reading “Read This Before You Watch “Raiders of the Lost Ark””
Wrap Up of “Zootopia”
Thanks to all of you who sent me answers to the discussion questions this week. You’re doing great work and getting a good handle on the classic elements of the hero’s quest. “Zootopia” was a little more challenging than “The Hunger Games,” but you were still able to spot all those steps along the wayContinue reading “Wrap Up of “Zootopia””
Professor Chuck 