"Deconstructing the Superhero"

mp4 (iPod video, 52mb)
By Richard Van Heertum, Kip Austin Hinton, and Brian Trinh. 2007. 9 minutes.
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An interview with scholar John Shelton Lawrence. Using clips from popular films, we look at the political, religious, and cultural function of the "American Monomyth."
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Everyone likes superhero movies, right? Like it or not, we show how superhero myths are anti-democratic, and support the unquestioned consolidation of power. Within these myths, people are ignorant and impotent, and must depend on a benevolent white man to make decisions.
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Recently, the myths show possibilities of collaboration and transgressive themes - such as a heroic black vampire in Blade, or "coming out" narratives in X-Men. Even revolution now seems possible: a popular movement in V for Vendetta actually changes the corrupt government, which traditional superheroes work so hard to preserve.
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This was the final project for our Critical Media Literacy course at UCLA. Our movie has many flaws, but we hope it does encourage critical thinking about what America's superheroes mean. I'd like to a see a more inclusive concept of heroism. Not that I think this little movie will change anything, but still. Watch our movie, and feel free post comments and criticisms.

Comments

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Kip Austin Hinton

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