Location

Online

Start Date

15-12-2020 2:30 PM

Description

Abstract: As the fantasy genre reaches ever greater heights in Hollywood, the high fantasy film continues to struggle. This research explores one of the most challenging sub-genres in film, and puts forward fairy tales as one possible means of revitalizing it. I begin by exploring what constitutes a fantasy film as well as the recent history of fantasy in Hollywood. Then, I consider the merit of the high fantasy film as both escapism and as a means of dealing with social trauma. Finally, I consider how fairy tales—with their timeless and wide appeal—may assist filmmakers in writing more effective high fantasy films. By analyzing a selection of high fantasy films on the basis of how well they fit fairy-tale paradigms, I expect to find that the films which fall more in line with fairy-tale conventions have also achieved greater success. Finally, I propose utilizing the results of the research to write my own original high fantasy film.

Comments

Mentor: Kelly Younger

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  • HNRS 2000 Research Proposal McCue (FINAL).pdf (154 kB)
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    Dec 15th, 2:30 PM

    Writing the High Fantasy Film

    Online

    Abstract: As the fantasy genre reaches ever greater heights in Hollywood, the high fantasy film continues to struggle. This research explores one of the most challenging sub-genres in film, and puts forward fairy tales as one possible means of revitalizing it. I begin by exploring what constitutes a fantasy film as well as the recent history of fantasy in Hollywood. Then, I consider the merit of the high fantasy film as both escapism and as a means of dealing with social trauma. Finally, I consider how fairy tales—with their timeless and wide appeal—may assist filmmakers in writing more effective high fantasy films. By analyzing a selection of high fantasy films on the basis of how well they fit fairy-tale paradigms, I expect to find that the films which fall more in line with fairy-tale conventions have also achieved greater success. Finally, I propose utilizing the results of the research to write my own original high fantasy film.