OSHER 803 - The Hero's Journey On Film

What do Luke Skywalker, Atticus Finch, Dirty Harry Callahan, Mad Max, and Black Panther have in common? They are all versions of Joseph Campbell's monomythic journey that repeats characters and actions. As with their narratives, genres, and settings however significant differences in their natures and trials exist. The historical development of Batman from comic books through multiple cinematic versions (Adam West to Christian Bale) shows how the hero, his challenges, and his solutions alter through time mirroring the social changes in the society that produce them. We will view and discuss the archetypal pattern and how it alters to reflect a culture's concerns and desire for powerful rescuers. Film screenings may include High Noon, Rocky, To Kill A Mockingbird, Star Wars (1977), Red River, Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome, Black Panther, Batman, The Matrix, and/or a sequence of films, like Superman or Batman.