Week 8

VIDEO: The Power of Myth

http://www.jcf.org/new/index.php?categoryid=83&p9999_action=details&p9999_wid=765

The narrative is the tool that parents and the media use to teach. Life is full of many obstacles and as adults we know how daunting reality is, so we try and produce anecdotes that either make fun of the problem or bring it to light as it is overcome. 

http://www.jcf.org/new/index.php?categoryid=83&p9999_action=details&p9999_wid=46

"Hero in the thousand phases" by Joseph Campbell (the speaker in the video) is typical narrative where the 'hero' goes through many obstacles and learns and overcomes.
Based on the mythology not spirituality.
There are so many stories of heroes around the world, either called that because of a physical deed (saving a life or sacrificing for a life) or a spiritual hero (learning from their mistakes). It is all about the trials - the departure, fulfilment and return learned. A lot of cultures share the same basis when it comes to narratives and heros that build morals. Society seems to run on a system. 


THE NARRATIVE
REAL 
The narrative ein the form of myth is interpreted through symbols and themes (departure, fulfillment and return).


The themes include:
     1- facing the dragon
     2- destroying the dragon
     3- conquering temptation
     4- denying the dark side
     5- discovering yourself through the heroic journey
*Producing what we as the viewer sees as a role model.


In your design practice you may use the narrative form in advertisin (TV commercials) TV shorts informercials. All communication requires "Cultural literacy"


RHETORIC
A three part structure (tripartite structure). A picture, a headline and text organied on a central axis. Designed to sell an agenda, an idea or a product.


Will our storyboard be a combination of both? Or one or the other?




Q
What has happened to role models in contemporary films? If the model the same as tradition or just slightly modified?
A
The formula is basically the same but the content is more realistic, more than idealistic as it used to be. The main character often still undertakes challenges and overcomes adversity, but the content is no longer naive, it is very much the truth. That is the truth in a comedic, dramatic or horrific way. 


Q 
What is cultural literacy?
A
Knowledge of the people, places, events and concepts central to the standard and literate culture. It is the ability to converse fluently in the idioms, allusions and informed content that creates and constitutes a dominant culture. To understand and navigate through different cultures.