Name:
Film Analysis
Date: November 21, 2012
Ordinary World
Period 3 & 7
Superbad Mythic Elements and Structure
Inciting Incident
Call to Adventure
Refusal of the Call
Progressive Complications
Meeting with the Mentor
Crossing the First threshold
Tests, Allies, Enemies
Approach to the Inmost Cave
The Ordeal
Crisis
The Reward
Climax
The Road Back
Resolution
The Resurrection
Return with the Elixir
Theme:
CHARACTER ARC
SETH
1. Characterization is laid out.
2. We’re led into the heart of the character – true nature revealed through choices.
3. Deep nature at odds with outer character, contrast established.
4. More pressure, more difficult choices.
5. By climax, choices have profoundly changed the humanity of the character
CHARACTER ARC
EVAN
1. Characterization is laid out.
2. We’re led into the heart of the character – true nature revealed through choices.
3. Deep nature at odds with outer character, contrast established.
4. More pressure, more difficult choices.
5. By climax, choices have profoundly changed the humanity of the character
CHARACTER ARC
FOGELL aka McLOVIN
1. Characterization is laid out. (Surface Character)
2. We’re led into the heart of the character – true nature revealed through choices.
3. Deep nature at odds with outer character, contrast established.
4. More pressure, more difficult choices.
5. By climax, choices have profoundly changed the humanity of the character. (Deep
Character)
Superbad Character Analysis
Antagonist:
Mentor
Protagonist:
Reflection:
SETH
Romance:
Superbad Character Analysis
Antagonist:
Mentor
Protagonist:
EVAN
Romance:
Reflection:
Superbad Character Analysis
Antagonist:
Mentor
Protagonist:
Reflection:
FOGELL
Romance:
Superbad’s characters were developed from the oldest comedic clown tradition:
White face
Authoritarian
Groucho
Mo
Hyde
Seth
Three Primary Clown Types
Auguste
Character
Anarchist Fool
Costumed Voice of
Reason
Harpo
Chico
Curly
Larry
Kelso
Fez
Fogell
Evan
Superbad Plot Structure
1. Inciting Incident –
[How do we determine the Inciting Incident?
(1) The protagonist is in trouble and (a) he/she knows it {Kimble in
Fugitive} or (b) he/she doesn’t know it yet {Brody in Jaws}
(2) The protagonist reaches a point of no return to the Ordinary World
{Marlin in Finding Nemo}
(3) The protagonist’s Quest is determined {Ted in Something About Mary}
(4) The protagonist’s Obligatory Confrontation with the antagonist is set
up {Paul in Misery}]
2. Act 1 Climax –
3. Mid Act Two Crisis –
4. Act 2 Climax –
5. Crisis –
6. Climax –
7. Resolution –
Superbad
This a Test
(200 points)
This is in the W drive and on School Wires
Due: Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Format: As in original font seen here – Georgia 12. SINGLE SPACE THIS TIME.
Instructions: Superbad may seem like a pretty simple, silly movie with an episodic
story line and obvious character arcs, but there are nuances to the plot and depth to the
characters. We have already reviewed the plot structure of the movie.
Now, using your notes from previous films, combined with the knowledge you’ve
attained in the last 11 weeks, and armed with the Mythic Elements Structure, answer the
attached 19 questions. Explain WHY you believe your entries are true. For example, if
you were filling out this sheet for Toy Story it would look something like this:
What is the Ordinary World?
Andy’s Room. The reason Andy’s room is the ordinary world is it’s the only world
Woody and his friends know. It’s where they’ve grown up with Andy, where they
feel safe, where they know each other and what to expect. They also know their
purpose in “life,” to be there for Andy when he needs them. So Andy’s room
provides them with a sense of identity. They know who they are and what they
are; what could be more secure?
At this point you should be able to write a solid 4 or 5 sentence paragraph to back up
your choices. In fact, I expect no less, unless otherwise indicated. There is no excuse for
leaving any category blank. Do your best. I’m not interested in your getting everything
“right” so much as I’m interested in your defending what you believe is right.
Superbad Mythic Elements and Structure
1. What is the Ordinary World? (10 points)
2. What is the Call to Adventure? (10 points)
3. What is the Refusal of the Call? (10 points) (Hint – It’s Fogell who hesitates to
enter the liquor store even though he has the fake ID and Seth is gung ho from the
minute Jules asks him to get liquor, but there is something that Seth refuses to do.)
4. What is Seth and Evan’s Crossing the First Threshold? (10 points)
5. What is Fogell’s Crossing the First Threshold? (10 points)
6. What is Seth and Evan’s Meeting With the Mentor? (10 points)
7. What is Fogell’s Meeting with the Mentor? (10 points)
8. Rather than describing all the tests, allies and enemies, give an example
of a near death and resurrection experience for Seth and explain why it is a
near death and resurrection experience. (10 points)
9. What is Seth’s Approach to the Inmost Cave? (5 points)
10. What is Evan’s Approach to the Inmost Cave? (5 points)
11. What is Fogell’s Approach to the Inmost Cave? (5 points)
12. What is the Ordeal? (10 points)
13. What is the Reward? (10 points)
14. What is the Road Back for Seth? For Evan? For Fogell? (2 sentences for
each) (10 points)
15. What is the Resurrection? (10 points)
16. What is the Return with the Elixir? (10 points)
17. Describe Seth’s character arc? Where did he start in the film, and where
does he end up? What has he learned about friendship, about girls, about
himself? (8 sentences) (20 points)
18. Describe Evan’s character arc? Where did he start in the film, and
where does he end up? What has he learned about friendship, about girls,
about himself? (8 sentences) (20 points)
19. Describe Fogell’s character arc? Where did he start in the film, and
where does he end up? What has he learned about friendship, about girls,
about himself? (8 sentences) (15 points)