Spiderman’s Norman Osborn as Dr. Jekyll Friday, Aug 22 2008 

Action and Character Analysis and Comic Book and Focused Essay nwbartel 6:46 pm

One of the requirements of great fantasy and comic book stories is a great villain. The villain must be as strong as, or even stronger than, the hero to create a compelling conflict in which the hero must use all his or her resolve, cunning and strength to prevail. While the Green Goblin from the first Spiderman film will might not keep company with the likes of Darth Vader or Count Dracula in the villain hall of fame, he he definitely fits the bill of a worthy adversary for Spiderman. What makes him compelling, however, is the allegorical nature of Norman’s struggle against his inner demon. This struggle is instantly familiar as a variation of Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde.

In Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic story of Jekyll and Hyde, Dr. Jekyll develops a drug which gives birth to Mr. Hyde, who immediately engages in all manner of nefarious activity including a murder. At first, Mr. Hyde only appears when Dr. Jekyll takes the drug. Gradually, however, Mr. Hyde is able to appear without aid of the drug. Jekyll is less and less in control, and it becomes Jekyll who can only appear with the aid of the drug, rather than the other way around. Supplies of the drug run out and Jekyll and loses all hope of regaining control of himself. He is completely destroyed by Hyde. (more…)

 

What Makes a Good Fight Scene? The Matrix and Matrix Reloaded Friday, Aug 22 2008 

Action and Focused Essay and Narrative Analysis and Sci Fi , nwbartel 6:46 pm

The fight scenes in The Matrix were revolutionary in their use of “bullet time” – a slow motion technique used to incredible effect in the original movie. It takes more than eye-popping special effects and great choreography, however, to make a good fight scene. A fight scene is ultimately made memorable or forgettable on the story board. The Matrix action sequences were effective not just through the use of great effects, but more importantly, because each scene was necessary to the plot. The sequel, Matrix Reloaded, proves the point by failing to provide substantial connections between the fight scenes resulting in a rather disjointed movie filled with gratuitous action.

The most important element of an action sequence is that it advance the plot or contribute to a character’s development in a significant way. Indeed, in a well crafted film, every scene should have a purpose relating to the story as a whole, and a fight scene is no exception. If movie action doesn’t serve the narrative arc of the story, then the scene is ultimately unsuccessful. (more…)

 

Faramir’s Choice in the Tale of Two Towers Friday, Aug 22 2008 

Action and Character Analysis and Comparison with Book and Focused Essay nwbartel 5:17 pm

For the record, the film adaptations of J.R.R. Tolkien’s books are fantastic. They are visually stunning, well acted and well paced (especially for such long movies). The defects of the theatrical releases were largely remedied in the extended DVD releases, which feature much need character development and several plot developments. Despite their excellence, however, they are not above criticism. If the movies falter, they do so where they have departed from the books.

One of the most egregious changes from the book occurs in the character of Faramir. Tolkien deliberately contrasts him with his brash older brother, Boromir who was destroyed by the rings temptation. Faramir, on the other hand, resists the ring. His noble character echoes that of the great kings of Gondor, from whom he is distantly and indirectly descended. His character exemplifies the wisdom and nobility of character which is so strong a theme in the story. (more…)