Annotated Bibliography

Vogler, Christopher. "The Writers Journey, Stories are Alive " The Writer's Journey : Mythic Structure for Writers. By  Christopher Vogler. Vol. 3. Studio City, CA:  Michael Wiese Productions, 2007. 293-312.

Summary

Basically this section of Vogler just sums up everything else he has taught us throughout the book. He talks about the Shaman character and compares it to the writer. In addition, Vogler spends much time talking about Rumplestilskin. He introduces us to points about the story that I had never considered. As a child or as an adult. Vogler also tells us that he thinks stories have healing power. They allow us to explore another part of ourselves, temporarily forget the problems or issues we may be having. 

He also talks about the difference wants and needs and the power of wishing. Vogler spends a good deal of time talking about the wishes of the audience as well. There is a fine line you walk as a writer between the needs of your story and your own wants and that of the audience. It is important to appease the audience and also stay true to the integrity of the story.

Reflection 

I liked this section. Especially the part about Rumplestilskin. The story was one I remember hearing many, many time when I was little. In fact, I’m pretty sure I owned a movie about it at one point. For me, it was always clear cut that Rumplestiskin was the bad guy, but after reading this section of Vogler I’m not so sure about that. Tehre must have been a reason for him doing what he did. I almost want to hear his part of the story. 

The idea that stories have healing power is also something that struck home with me. I know first hand that a story can change your life. It might not be a written story, but one that someone tells you. It’s important to hear the perspectives and lessons that others have learned. Stories do just that. 

Questions

Do you agree that stories have healing power?

What do you think the other side of the Rumplestilskin story was?

Can you think of any stories that have changed your life?

Annotated Bibliography

Vogler, Christopher. "The Epilogue " The Writer's Journey : Mythic Structure for Writers. By Christopher Vogler. Vol. 3. Studio City, CA:  Michael Wiese Productions, 2007. 230-290.

Summary 

In this section, Vogler concentrates on showing the reader how the Hero’s Journey applies to certain popular films. Before doing so though, Vogler makes sure that the reader understand that the Hero’s Journey is a guideline and that in fact, audiences often prefer a story that is unique and different and actually strays from the stages in the Hero’s Journey. Vogler tells us that it isn’t a formula for a story. 

He goes on to talk about several popular movies; Titanic, The Lion King, Pulp Fiction and Star Wars. The most interesting are the Lion King and Titanic. From a production point of view Titanic was suppose to be a giant flop. It was the most expensive movie ever produced, and there was no way that it would return that profit. But it did. Vogler spends much of his time telling us why Titanic actually worked. The Lion King is an example of a movie that very closely follows the hero’s journey. It is probably the closest to the Journey I can think of. 

Reflection 

I really liked this part of the reading. By using examples Vogler not only helped me to understand but he gave me insights into movies that I love. For example, I had no idea that the Lion King was originally going to be very different. It’s a movie that I love very much, so thinking that something about it might be changed was strange. I think that some of Vogler’s ideas would about Rafiki would have helped the movie actually. 

I also loved talking about the Titanic. I remember seeing it in the movie theater when I was 8 years old and instantly falling in love with Jack. I liked the insight provided into his relationship with Rose. They are one of my favorite movie couples, and I loved the fact that Titanic was suppose to be a bust. Instead it is one of the highest grossing movies ever, and won a record breaking amount of oscars. 

Questions 

Why do you think Titanic was so successful?

Is there anything you would change about the Lion King?

Can you think of any examples were that doesn’t follow the hero’s Journey?

4 nodes

Book - Geography and Genealogy  by Dallen J. Timothy and Jeanne Kay Guelke

Movie - The Namesake 

Song - I'm Still Here (Jim's Theme) - Sung by Johnny Rzeznik (Goo Goo Dolls) 

Visual -  family crest 

Annotated Bibliography

Get out of jail free!