Gravity

Period 1/2:

Alfonso Cuaron:

• Roma (2018, trailer)
• Gravity (2013, trailer)
• Children of Men (2006, trailer)
• Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004, trailer)
• Y Tu Mama, Tambien (2001, trailer)

As we screen the film Gravity (2013), read along with the script and take note on the graphic organizer about the following:

1. The survivor archetypal plot is as follows: 

A. Many stories and plots have at their central core a need for the protagonist to survive--whether that's an external or internal force. The survival plot is simply a series of life-threatening conflicts that a protagonist must overcome in order to survive. 

B. The survival trope in archetypal stories usually includes:

• A brief status quo (used to establish normalcy or routine in the setting)
• An inciting incident (a dangerous or life-threatening event or suggestion of an event that gets the protagonist into the action of the story)
• Various events and conflicts are introduced to complicate the plot; each one generally includes some sort of complication or introduction of a further, more serious threat to the protagonist
• Conflicts are often external (person v. nature or person v. person) but can be internal as well
• It is through passing these conflicts, these barriers or gates, that a protagonist confirms his or her humanity--that he or she will survive; survival in this case then becomes the "treasure" or reward
• A conflict that often includes the risk of real death or destruction of the protagonist or his/her world (note: world in this instance does not have to be the entire world, but a way of living/coping...the status quo)
• The resolution allows the protagonist to return to the status quo but changed in some significant or important way. The stories end with this return to the status quo.

 Like the other action archetypes, survival plots can be combined with others: adventure, quest, metamorphosis, coming of age, etc.

According to Jung (and Caroline Myss):

Victim: at first the protagonist is a victim. He/she finds themselves in the dramatic triangle of victimhood (having things happen to them), blaming the source of conflict, and admitting no control over a problem (i.e., waiting to be saved by someone else or an outside force/power). The Victim archetype will often become their own Savior or rescuer by the end of the story.

Saboteur: Sometimes we are our own worst enemy. At first the protagonist in the role of saboteur seeks to be overcome or overwhelmed by the conflict, admitting defeat and unable to help him/herself. Actions the saboteur takes end in mistakes that complicate the chance of survival. By the end of the story, the Saboteur has gained the skills or avoids the mistakes that cause further complications, allowing the protagonist to overcome the conflict and survive (or become a hero). This usually happens before the climax of the story.

Prostitute: at first the protagonist gives or sells him/herself to an idea, a situation, or condition that is not his/her true self. Often this is done to appease or placate other characters. They are often set in their old ways and need to overcome this stagnation or "old thinking". By the end of the story, the protagonist learns how to be his/her authentic, true self.

Inner Child: There are 4 types of the inner child: the wounded child (a shadow of the victim), nature child (a shadow of the saboteur--which seeks to destroy or fail or ruin--is represented as needing to find organic balance, the realization that all life dies and, therefore, must come to terms with that natural state), orphan child (the shadow of the prostitute, who finds him/herself alone with only him/herself to rely on in a dangerous or threatening situation), and the eternal child (the protagonist is able to retain a joy d'vivre (joy of life) and optimism as he/she realizes that survival is all about attitude, grit, and the will to optimistically or idealistically continue, grow, and change--becoming ones true or authentic self. At the end of a story, the protagonist has achieved his/her eternal child state and finds joy in the struggle of living.

As you watch the film Gravity, note Ryan's archetypal survival journey. You will be expected to write and discuss what you have learned here after watching the film. Apply these concepts to the film, its plot, and Ryan's character. See the handouts for details.

HOMEWORK: As you read All the Pretty Horses and Into the Beautiful North, apply the archetype of the survivor. Find examples that PROVE parts of this archetype true. Write these down as notes, please. Include examples drawn from the text and include page #'s.