A couple of weeks ago I attended a talk on archetypes in film led by Jim Curtan, an ex-Hollywood talent agent whose portfolio of clients included John Travolta, Geena Davis, and Willem Dafoe among other big names. One of the questions that Jim brought up for the sake of discussion was: What is it about some movies that attracts or touches so many people? Classics like “The Wizard of Oz” and “It’s a Wonderful Life” have become household titles and holiday staples. Super heroes like Superman and Batman have been portrayed in so many different plots and storylines that have always attracted the public. What keeps them coming?Stories, good stories, are the ones that include the archetypes we identify with and that are not only in our individual consciousness but also in the collective. In fact, these archetypes are not even in our consciousness but deeply engrained in our subconscious and unconscious. When we watch a movie like Batman (anyone of them) we sense that the story resonates with something deep within us even if we can’t put a name to it. These archetypes are a reflection of ourselves or what we yearn for. They tell us stories that teach us about who we are and what we’re all about. These archetypes range from the God symbol to the strongest form of evil. Light and shadow are portrayed in their many shapes and forms and each one of us responds to them differently. The bottom line is that we respond to them. When Jim discussed Batman – Dark Knight, he presented the archetype of the savior (Jesus) portrayed in Batman. He is even tempted by the Joker (same as
the Jesus story). In Jim’s words “Batman is a contemporary symbol of Christ as scapegoat bearing the sins of people.” The viewer might not go that deep in their analysis but they know they want to keep watching. The story has power and appeal.
the Jesus story). In Jim’s words “Batman is a contemporary symbol of Christ as scapegoat bearing the sins of people.” The viewer might not go that deep in their analysis but they know they want to keep watching. The story has power and appeal.Stories with impact and staying power are the ones that can evoke archetypal energies in the viewer and help them learn about themselves and the world through the story. Whether they realize it or not, they walk away with an experience of having recognized parts of themselves or what they believe in the story - usually on a subconscious level. Their own light and shadow are projected on the screen in various forms.
Writers often pour their own archetypal energies in their stories but they can be so much more powerful if they are aware of these archetypes and learn to mold and refine the story in a way that produces the greatest impact. They can then be story tellers and wizards in every sense of the word.
Such knowledge or awareness is not easy to acquire because writers don't just have to know about archetypes but rather to dig deep within themselves and touch their darkest and most vulnerable places. It is an experience rather than an understanding. In a way it is the writer’s own hero’s journey that allows them to return with the boon, their unique boon, than can then be expressed powerfully in their stories and their writing.
