The Writer’s Journey: Mythic Structure For Writers — Christopher Vogler [FULL INTERVIEW]
A story that has a metaphorical dimension
Film Courage: What is a myth?
Christopher Vogler, Hollywood development executive, screenwriter, author and educator: A myth is a lot of things to a lot of people but I think the basic way I interpret this term is that it’s a story, but it’s a story that has a metaphorical dimension. A myth (like most stories) is also a metaphor. What I mean is it’s taken that way by the audience. The audience listening to a fairy tale or reading a myth or seeing a movie version of any of these things tends to look at it with a self-referential eye. People are profoundly self-centered and they think everything should be about them so they’re looking for themselves in the story or in the myth. I think the difference between myth and story is simply that myths have another dimension, they access us in another world beyond our normal world.
This might be something supernatural or something uncanny. It might involve the world of fairies or mythical creatures or the gods. Myths tend to deal with those more philosophical questions and almost religious questions about:
-Why are we here?
-Who made us?
-How are we supposed to align ourselves with those greater forces than ours?
Although I think every story has some mythological dimensions to it.
Film Courage: What is a fairy tale?
Chris: A fairy tale is a specialized kind of story. Sometimes you can find overlaps between…(Watch the video interview on Youtube here).
About:
Christopher Vogler made documentary films as an Air Force officer before studying film production at the University of Southern California, where he encountered the ideas of mythologist Joseph Campbell and observed how they influenced the story design of the first Star Wars movie. He worked as a story consultant in the development departments of 20th Century Fox, Walt Disney Pictures and Animation, and Paramount Pictures, and wrote an influential memo on Campbell’s Hero’s Journey concept that led to his involvement in Disney’s Aladdin, The Lion King and Hercules. After the publication of The Writer’s Journey, he had a hand in developing the stories of many productions, including Disney’s remake of 101 Dalmatians, Fox’s Fight Club, Courage Under Fire, Volcano, The Thin Red Line and many others. Vogler lives in Los Angeles, California.
MICHAEL WIESE PRODUCTIONS AUTHORS
Timestamp for video:
0:00 — Impact Of Myths And Fairy Tales On Modern Stories
10:58–8 Common Character Types Writers Should Know
28:26–12 Stages Of The Hero’s Journey
51:12 — How The Hero’s Journey Helps Writers With Their Characters
1:03:22 — The Hero’s Journey Is Not A Formula
1:15:52 — How To Write A Character’s Death 1:31:54 — The Big Problem With American Movies
1:40:45 — How Writers Can Use Symbols To Improve Their Stories
1:51:44 — You Don’t Have To Suffer To Be An Artist But You Should Understand This
2:05:04 — This Is Why It Doesn’t Matter If Every Story Has Been Told
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About Film Courage: Est. in 2009, Film Courage features video interviews/podcasts from screenwriters, filmmakers, authors, and actors on the creative process. New videos daily at 5:00 p.m.
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