EP 22: SPECIAL EPISODE: "YOUR PROTAGONIST SUCKS!"
“Movies with bad protagonists--YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE!”
It's time to let loose on the Mary-Sue's, the undeserved winners, and all those flat crappy protagonists that made you wince in the theater! CULT and CLASSIC Podcast tackles the bad protagonist, and no trope is left undefiled!
It's "Your Protagonist Sucks!," this week on CULT and CLASSIC Podcast!
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Host: Nate Wyckoff
Panelists: Jeffrey Tucker, Tad Mastroianni, & Amanda Longley
What is a Protagonist in a Film (for us uncultured swine!)
In the realm of storytelling and filmmaking, the protagonist stands tall as the driving force behind a movie's narrative. Often the character through which the audience experiences the story, the protagonist serves as a beacon of emotions, motivations, and growth. Like the beating heart that sustains life, the protagonist breathes life into a film and propels the narrative forward.
At its core, the protagonist is the central character around whom the story revolves. They are the individual whose journey we follow, from their passions and struggles to their triumphs and failures. In a way, they're the anchor that grounds the movie, providing viewers a relatable point of connection.
The portrayal, development, and complexity of the protagonist are vital in shaping a film's success. Audiences yearn for multidimensional characters who possess flaws, strengths, hopes, and dreams that mirror our own. We latch onto their struggles, empathize with their journey, and invest in their triumphs, engrossed in their pursuit of a goal or transformation. Their emotions become our own; their triumphs and failures resonate with our own experiences and aspirations.
A well-crafted protagonist captures our attention and compels us to embark on an emotional rollercoaster alongside them. They often face internal and external conflicts, reflecting the challenges we encounter in our own lives and providing a lens through which we can better understand our own struggles. The protagonist's growth throughout the film can inspire and motivate us to embrace change, to confront our fears and chase our dreams, or to find solace in the recognition that we are not alone in our own personal battles.
The protagonist's journey also serves as a mirror to society, addressing universal themes and shedding light on the human condition. They can challenge established norms, question societal structures, and give voice to marginalized narratives, further igniting conversations and stimulating societal introspection.
Throughout the history of cinema, numerous protagonists have carved their place in the hearts of audiences. From Dorothy's voyage in "The Wizard of Oz" to Indiana Jones' adventurous quests, from Rocky Balboa's tenacity in the "Rocky" series to Ellen Ripley's determination in the "Alien" franchise, each protagonist has left an indelible mark on the realms of film and popular culture.
While the protagonist may not always be the hero or possess traditional heroic qualities, their journey captures our imagination and leaves a lasting impact. It is through their lens that we explore the vast complexities of the human experience, discovering truths about ourselves and the world we inhabit.
In essence, the protagonist is the embodiment of the film's soul, the vehicle through which we navigate the plot's twists and turns. Their struggles, victories, and personal growth resonate beyond the confines of the screen, inspiring us to confront our own challenges and to embrace the vitality of the human spirit.
So next time you find yourself immersed in the world of cinema, keep an eye out for the protagonist. Cherish their journey and let their story remind you of the power of empathy, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit that beats within us all.