Elements of Storytelling

We all love movies for many different reasons. That being said, many of us do not realize the importance of storytelling, and the elements that are involved when making a movie come to life. As stated in our lesson, we have come to learn that within the context of a movie, story that something is always at stake; that there is some form of a personal journey; that there is some form of transformation; that something complex, and or dynamic about its main character transfers their energy to the story; and the character involved always has a good reason not to act, but tends to act anyway. Therefore, let’s take a look at three examples to gain a better understanding of such…

Rocky (1976, John G. Avildsen)

Within the movie Rocky (1976, John G. Avildsen), what is at stake is that Rocky Balboa wants to write his own “rags to riches” story. Essentially, Rocky wants to move on from being a club boxer to that of a prize fighter; and heavyweight champion of the world. Rocky Balboa is in fact the central character within the movie, as we follow him on his journey.

Rocky is first introduced to the audience as a small-time, uneducated, and kind-hearted boxer / debt collector, living in the Kensington section of Philadelphia. As the story goes, when the opponent of the undefeated heavyweight champion of the world, Apollo Creed, is injured, a new replacement must be found. As a result, Creed comes up with an idea to fight a local underdog in the form of Rocky Balboa, “The Italian Stallion”.

Between Apollo Creed and Rocky Balboa, we see two contrasting worlds; one is on the top of his game, living the American Dream, while the other is struggling to do the same. These contrasting worlds are very much apparent in how the two are portrayed during their training regimens. For example, in preparation for the fight we see Apollo training in the best of conditions with the best that money can buy, while Rocky trains with a 1920’s era ex-fighter / gym owner, while getting in extra punches at a local meatpacking plant where he pounds hanging carcasses with his fists.

As Rocky moves from small-time boxer to heavyweight contender, his transformation is more than apparent. Within the scope of the movie, we see Rocky become stronger, more opinionated, and confident. In the end, the audience has no choice but to root for him as he prepares to take on the heavyweight champion of the world. Simply, Rocky won’t stop until he has the title; until he has achieved this goal for himself, and those who believe him. He won’t quit, he won’t back down, because his hopes and dreams are stake.

American Beauty (1999, Sam Mendes)

Within the movie American Beauty (1999, Sam Mendes), what is at stake is Lester Burnham’s marriage, family, and his life all-together as struggles with a mid-life crisis. The film has been described by academics and critics alike, as a “satire of American middle class notions of beauty and personal satisfaction,” as the film explores romantic and paternal love, sexuality, beauty, materialism, self-liberation and redemption.

Within the scope American Beauty, Lester Burnham is the central character, and narrator. Looking for something more in the midst of a mid-life crisis, we witness Burnham smoking pot, quitting his job, fantasizing about his daughter’s friend and more. Burnham’s transformation is more than apparent in this film, as well. We see a 40-something year old man, who is obviously unhappy, and unaware of his direction in the midst of a mid-life crisis. Through his eyes, the audience witnesses the dismantling of his own marriage, his relationship with his daughter, and his life in general. That being said, in the midst of all of this chaos, we see Burnham transform into what appears to be a much happier person, even if only for a short period of time in the end.

When asked what complex and dynamic aspect of the Burnham’s character transfers its energy to the story, one can point out his ability to ruin everything in his life (his marriage, his family, etc) in search of happiness. While many viewers question his actions, motives, many can come to understand the need for happiness and content when it is so often hard to please anyone and everyone; including your self. In the end, he wanted to be happy; whether it hurt others, or even himself in the end.

The Graduate (1967, Mike Nichols)

Within the film, The Graduate (1967, Mike Nichols), we are presented with a story in regards to Ben Braddock, played by Dustin Hoffman. Braddock is a recent graduate with no real direction, who has just returned home. While at home, Braddock is seduced by an older woman, Mrs. Robinson. Giving into temptation, Ben ends up getting with Mrs. Robinson, while talking to her about where his life might lead, etc. Coincidentally, Ben ends up falling in love with her daughter, and looks to break things off with her without anyone really knowing what happened.

What’s at stake? Ben is both looking for direction, and then love after returning home from college. He is told to experience life, yet finds himself falling in love; all while having an affair of with an older woman who is both the mother of the girl he is in love with, and the one who provided him the advice in the first place.

While Ben struggles with his decision, the girl’s mother threatens to reveal their affair to destroy any chance Ben has with Elaine. Ben rashly decides to tell Elaine before her mother does. Very upset, Elaine returns to her university at Berkeley, and refuses to speak with Benjamin. Their relationship continues to fall apart, or weaken as the Robinson’s get more involved. Mrs. Robinson tells a different story from that of Ben’s, while Mr. Robinson won’t let Ben anywhere near Elaine. In the end, Ben is genuinely a good guy. He is looking for his place in the world, and has made brash, stupid decisions as many young folks have. But, Ben is driven by love. Within the scope of the film, we see Ben grow up, as a result of his actions and sometimes poor decisions. However, we see him “win” in the end, as he is able to connect with Elaine, who was on the cusp of saying “I Do” at the wedding alter.