Philosophical Concepts in Film: The Hero's Journey August 10, 2012

A number of philosophers have been concerned with the meaning, nature and character of the hero (for example, Plato and Aristotle, Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus, Nietzsche and Heidegger, Camus, Wittgenstein, Tillich and Sartre). The figure of the hero has also fascinated many psychoanalysts (for example, Freud and Jung). We examine a number of theories and look at their impact on unforgettable films such as 'Ben Hur', 'Romeo and Juliet', 'On the Waterfront', 'Shane', 'Andrei Rublev', 'Ashes and Diamonds', '1900' (1976), 'Lawrence of Arabia', 'Raging Bull', 'Thelma and Louise' and 'The Godfather'. We also look at figures such as Robin Hood and Sherlock Holmes, the transformation of vampire into hero for example, in the Twilight series and 'Dark Shadows' (Tim Burton, 2012) as well as the enduring appeal of Indiana Jones, the Jedi knights and the 'Avengers' (2012). Do we need heroes more than ever, as some have argued? Join us and find out in this fully illustrated course. Details of this event may be subject to change. Please visit http://cce.sydney.edu.au/course/pchj for more information or to register.

Official Website: http://cce.sydney.edu.au/course/pchj