Essay plan

Is 'Hancock' a typical representation of a superhero?

The main focus of my independent work is representations, however I will be commenting on genre as well. Further the main aim is to discuss if all superheros are typically portrayed, e.g. are they all the same. I chose 'Hancock' as firstly it is a very modern film, as well as this it n my opinion does not conform to the typical stereotype of a superhero.

INTRO:

I will begin my essay by firstly clearly showing my aim for the essay, as well as debating it; I will further describe the gist of the film and comment on the other texts I will include and why. More so I will end the intro on a open note, so that the readers of my essay will be able to see that I'm thinking about more than just one side (not being biast). Finally I will explore the difference between a hero and a superhero, this is so that it can be seen that people can be hero's but no one can be a superhero (patriarchal society). (G, R, A, IN, I)

SECTION 1:

In the opening para I will be discussing how superheros in general are seen to be the saviors, and how 'Hancock' fits in to this stereotype (making reference to superman, batman, Spiderman and how they fit in to stereotype). Therefore showing the typical superhero and further identifying them with audience (uses and gratifications theory Jay G. Blumler and Elihu Katz 1974)... QUOTE (Jones A (1993) 'Defending the Border: Men's Bodies and Venerability') EXPLAIN QUOTE! Also discuss how the quote gives belief to society (heroes = saviors = prosperity & peace). Counter argue talk about how 'Hancock' is not a typical superhero (destructive) and how he is fighting own battle drunk vs sober (Strauss - binary opposition) then bring in batman again (has no superhero powers, can be said he is just a vigilante HERO?) QUOTE (Felix Adler (American educator and founder of the Ethical Movement, 1851-1933) EXPLAIN QUOTE! (hope of man (patriarchal) so is 'Hancock' and all superheros just made to represent HOPE? End 1st para linking back to question... (S, E, R, ID, A, G)

SECTION 2:

This para will discuss how 'Hancock' is not a typical superhero, going into more detail with the brief look at it with the previous para... This para will show how 'Hancock' can be seen as a spoof, using evidence and the film 'Superhero movie' (both films comedy, takes the piss out of superheros)... Contradiction how 'Hancock' "suits and boots" up to get people to like him, (conforming to traditional superhero) QUOTE (Healey M. (1994) 'The Mark of a man Masculine identities and the Art of Macho Drag Critical Quarterly' 36 (1) 86 - 93.) EXPLAIN QUOTE! how he starts to become more feminised (caring about looks - stereotype of women) being represented as a normal superhero, as well as representing himself as the "protector of mother earth" (patriarchal views) men protectors of earth? (use quote from Spiderman to better describe this.... "With great power, comes even greater responsibility") with 'Hancock's' great power he has bigger responsibilities like the whole human economy as well as earth (main narrative)... Then end para by linking back to question. (R, I, N, A, S)

SECTION 3:

In this para, talk about the celebrification factor (Will Smith = idol = hero? and talk about Columbia pictures and their success), also go further in to the film and discuss why he drinks ('Hancock').... escape reality ? link to audience (uses and gratifications theory) not typical superhero (relies on drink)... at heart 'Hancock' might be afraid.... QUOTE (Umberto Eco (1932) Travels in Hyper-reality (Harcourt)... EXPLAIN QUOTE!... at heart he is afraid as he is not liked and people want him gone... people afraid and don't understand him link to other superhero texts.... (1st batman film original one, afraid at first)... talk further about image of 'Hancock' state not normal attire at first, ragged clothing analyse clothing (grey hat = clouded mind (drink to release tension?), eagle on front of hat = urge to be free, restricted people need his help?, Leather jacket = rebel (break laws) also young at heart, eagle t-shirt = freedom, fierce, patriotic (society = belief) (bird of America), black shades = mysterious, hiding)... link to question. (ML, R, ID, A, S, IN)

SECTION 4:

Compare other superheros that are not typical, e.g. 'Batman' - has no superpowers, is a human, can be killed, revenge motivates him (looking for parents killers, as well as saving Gothem in the process)... link to 'Hancock'... QUOTE (Carol Lynn Pearson (1994) 'The Hero Within':) EXPLAIN QUOTE!... batman = parents death (journey), confront dragons (killers), true selves (revenge = kill or not to kill?)... superman (Clark Kent), shy, weak, venerable, clumsy etc... not typical as superman is opposite (binary opposition, Levi Strauss)... Spiderman = (Peter Parker) nerdy, weak, afraid etc... Spiderman opposite to him... Spiderman 3 (bad Spiderman opposite to a typical rep of superhero, unforgiving, evil etc) ("never judge a book by its cover") this quote shortened down - Jean de La Fontaine (1929)???? (think it him)... Link back to question. (ID, A, R, G)

CONCLUSION:

Highlight key points covered in each para, linking back to REPRESENTATION (my main focus), involve in the other texts. e.g. how 'Batman, 'Spiderman, 'Superman' and 'Hancock' are all linked (not typical, in the sense 'Batman' no superpowers (human), 'Spiderman' (nerdy teen), 'Superman' - ulta-ego (Clark Kent-Clumsy, slow etc) and 'Hancock' - (drunk, not caring?)... bring in 'Superhero movie' - spoof how 'Hancock' can conform to this film genre!... QUOTE... "There are Heroes...There are Superheroes...and then there's 'Hancock'"... EXPLAIN QUOTE! how he more then a superhero... explain again difference between hero and superhero (heroes can be killed (have no powers) vigilantes e.g. police, firemen, surgeons, doctors, bystanders etc... superheroes unique, special, powerful etc.

ALL POINTS ABOVE IN ALL PARA'S NEED TO BE EXTENDED IN TO MORE THEN 1 PARA FOR EACH!