Heroes and Villains

Heroics and Villainy: The Majesty of Good vs.
Evil

This is a course that explores heroics & villainy
in storytelling as filtered through cinematic
tropes. It is a journey into the origins and
creation of mythic archetypes that have populated
narrative forms from primitive storytelling to
the silver screen. The majesty of any hero is
only as good as the villain that opposes him.
And is the image of villain devoid of heroic
impulse? Is a sympathetic villain the antithesis
to the antihero? What characteristics form our
notions of heroism? What has led a person to
engage in villainy? Why do we romanticize the
hero and vilify the villain? What is the
difference between heroes & villains and
protagonist & antagonist? Through lectures and
discussions, examination of film clips and
storytelling exercises, we will find our way to
answering why strong drama is grounded in
conflict, how tropes emerge from contemporary
issues influencing the cinema of its time and
discover cultural impulses that lead to
celebration of these characters. Throughout the
class scripted scenes will be used to diagnose
and "act" the complex architecture of hero,
villain. This will be a class geared to
practical application by allowing students to
enact the elements of heroism or villainy in
scenes realized through some rehearsal, and
through coursework culminating in either a 5 page
script or short film, capturing each students
personal version of heroism or villainy.

Additional course fees $75.00