Analyzing animated films with The Hero’s Journey

The Hero’s Journey was developed by Chris Vogler, based on the work of Joseph Campbell

Analyst: ___________________________________________________________________________

Film: _____________________________________________________________________________

Date Viewed: _______________________________________________________________________

Stage in the Hero’s Journey	Film Component
Ordinary World The hero’s normal world before the story begins
Call to Adventure The hero is presented with a problem, challenge or adventure to undertake
Refusal of the Call The hero refuses the challenge or journey, usually out of fear
Meeting with the Mentor The hero meets a mentor to gain confidence, advice or training to face the adventure
Crossing the First Threshold The hero crosses the gateway that separates the ordinary world from the special world

Tests, Allies, Enemies

The hero faces tests, meets allies, confronts enemies & learn the rules of the Special World.

Approach

The hero has hit setbacks during tests & may need to reorganize his helpers or rekindle morale with mentor’s rally cry. Stakes heightened.

Ordeal

The biggest life or death crisis – the hero faces his greatest fear & only through “death” can the hero be “reborn” experiencing even greater powers to see the journey to the end.

Reward

The hero has survived death, overcome his greatest fear and now earns the reward he sought.

The Road Back

The hero must recommit to completing the journey & travel the road back to the Ordinary World. The dramatic question is asked again.

Resurrection

Hero faces most dangerous meeting with death – this shows the hero can apply all the wisdom he’s brought back to the Ordinary World

Return with Elixir

The hero returns from the journey with the “elixir”, so everyone in the world can use to heal physical or emotional wounds.

Archetypes in the Film

Archetype	Who plays this Archetype in the Film? How do you know?
The Hero Usually the main character – a person who needs to learn something in the story.
Mentor A wise person or animal who provides guidance to the hero – usually giving him magical gifts or advice for the journey ahead.
Trickster The “wise-fool” – someone who uses tricks and jokes to guide the hero
Shadow Represents our darkest desire, untapped resources, or rejected qualities (Darth Vader)
Shapeshifter A character who “changes appearance” to disrupt the adventure.
Herald Issues challenges and announces coming of significant change – gets the story rolling.
Threshold Guardian Protects the special world and its secrets from the hero – provides tests for hero to prove worth.