Sabbatical Leave Taken Spring The Transformation of Rocky: From Film Character to Mythic Icon

Transcription

1 Sabbatical Leave Taken Spring 2016 The Transformation of Rocky: From Film Character to Mythic Icon Dr. Daniel Compora Associate Professor of English College of Languages, Literature and Social Science The University of Toledo

2 Sabbatical Report The Transformation of Rocky: From Film Character to Mythic Icon January 5, 2016-May 6, Dr. Daniel P. Compora Department of English Report Submitted July 15, 2016

3 The Transformation of Rocky: From Film Character to Mythic Icon During this sabbatical leave, I continued and expanded my research of the mythical, legendary, and fairy tale elements of Rocky, both the original series of films and the various iconic representations of the Rocky/Sylvester Stallone character that have developed since the first film appeared in My research focused on three genres of folk narrative: fairy tale, myth, and legend. In addition to looking at the films folkloric and literary elements, I explored their Jungian archetypes, specifically Joseph Campbell's archetype of the hero journey. Additionally, I began to look at the Rocky series in a historical context; specifically, how it functions as a post-vietnam War narrative. Originally, my goal was to complete two chapter-length manuscripts and to locate appropriate publishing venues for the completed work. I was able to complete that work, but also develop the framework for a book proposal. The manuscripts that are now completed focus on Rocky as a mythic figure and the film as a modern fairy tale. In addition, I was able to construct the framework for several others, including the fairy tale elements of Rocky, the real world legendizing of the character, and Rocky as a post- Vietnam War hero. No literary or folklore scholars have examined the Rocky series from these points of view. In fact, my research led me to the conclusion that, given its iconic status, the series has been significantly overlooked by the scholarly community. Though finding quality sources was difficult at times, there is ample quantity of research on folklore, myth, fairy tale films, Campbell s mythic journey, and Jung s cultural archetypes.

4 A wealth of scholarship exists that discusses how many modern films follow Joseph Campbell s heroic journey model, but Rocky has not been examined as such. Given the recent resurgence in Campbell s popularity (driven, in large part, by the reemergence of the Star Wars franchise), this particular line of inquiry is both timely and relevant. Also, while many scholars have examined modern films in the fairy tale context, Rocky has not been analyzed as such. In my research, I define the Rocky series as a modern urban fairy tale and point out specific imagery to prove this point. The original Rocky film is indeed a rags to riches and a Cinderella story, and other films in the series include overt fairy tale imagery. For instance, in Rocky II, Rocky s wife Adrienne lies in a coma, only to be awakened by a kiss from her husband. This sleeping beauty imagery has been recognized in other prominent films (e.g. The Matrix) but has not been mentioned in the scholarship with regard to Rocky. Another prominent fairy tale motif is the defeating of a giant, which Rocky does figuratively in Rocky II and literally in Rocky IV. Taken collectively, these examples paint a picture of Rocky as a mythic, fairy tale creation. My sabbatical project fits well with previous work I have done and the overall theme that has emerged in my research: the importance of folklore and myth in modern culture. I plan to expand this research and have a book proposal accepted. Currently, I am developing a proposal to submit to Wallflower Press, a division of the Columbia University Press that specializes in books in cinema and the moving image. Another press I may approach is The University of Pennsylvania Press, given Rocky s importance to the city of Philadelphia. If it is deemed necessary to take the work in a different direction, the manuscripts completed could easily be combined into one

5 extensive article, or submitted as two separate pieces for publication in scholarly journals. I have already contacted the editors of Marvels and Tales, and they have expressed interest in the project if I choose to take the research in this direction. Submission to the Midwestern Popular Culture Association (MPCA) Journal is also an option. Additional Professional Activities Undertaken during Sabbatical Period In addition to this project, I completed two other manuscripts that were close to being finished but required more attention. I completed work on my manuscript Michigan Monsters and submitted it to the scholarly journal Contemporary Legends in April, Also, I completed work on the article The Terminator in the Age of Global Terrorism and have begun researching possible venues for publication, submitting it to one. Though these projects are seemingly very different than my sabbatical work, all of them deal with the influence of folklore on narrative context. The research process also allowed me to read and view a number of works, which I then took the opportunity to review for professional publications. My review of the book A Vulgar Art: A New Approach to Stand-Up Comedy, was published in the Journal of Folklore Research Reviews in March, Three other reviews were accepted for publication. The Steinbeck Review published my review of The Subprimes in its Spring 2016 issue. The North Carolina Journal of Folklore published my review of the short film Campus Ghost Walk\Folk Talk in their Summer\Fall issue. In addition, Contemporary Legends has accepted my review of The Billionth Monkey. I also

6 conducted two interviews to collect oral narratives for research that will commence in the fall. Service Undertaken during Sabbatical Period Though I was excused from committee assignments, and had a replacement assume my seat on Faculty Senate, I did mentor a group of students from Ottawa Hills High School. I was contacted by a student in March, asking if I would be willing to read their script, consider how it addressed themes that are present in Arthur Miller s The Crucible, provide some advice and follow-up questions, and meet with them prior to presenting their work. I felt this was a great opportunity to share my expertise while performing community outreach. Conclusion The semester-long sabbatical during the spring semester of 2016 did indeed enhance my professional development. I was able to undertake the proposed research, generating material that can be submitted for publication consideration. In addition, I completed and submitted two other papers, completed a number of reviews, and established the groundwork for future research.