This eight-week program introduces participants to an understanding of archetypal patterns in cinema. Perspectives from the study of mythology and depth psychology, particularly those associated with Joseph Campbell, C.G. Jung, and James Hillman will be explored in relation to selected films. After setting out basic concepts, the instructors will make weekly presentations in relation to assigned viewings and readings, followed by group engagement. The program is designed for anyone interested in the nexus of myth, individuation, and screen story. If you aim to use film in teaching, aspire to become involved in feature filmmaking, or simply wish to deepen your comprehension of the cinematic imagination, this program will inspire and energize your efforts.

Course Details

• A syllabus with readings designed to generate an understanding of basic perspectives in the archetypal and mythic approach to cinema as well as prepare participants for the analysis and discussion of selected films.
• Viewing assignments and study questions pertaining to each week’s film.
• Live two-hour Zoom sessions, including film clips, a presentation, and discussion with John Bucher and Glen Slater.

Who is the course for?

• People interested in deepening their understanding of the cinematic arts.
• Story-tellers and screenwriters wishing to further their comprehension of depth psychological and mythological patterns and symbols in film.
• Psychotherapists and students of the arts and culture interested in the way films convey the collective challenges and transformative potentials of our time.
• Cinephiles who simply want to contemplate the images and narratives of feature films from a different angle.

What will you gain by taking this course?

• A grasp of the way archetypal and mythic patterns appear in screen stories.
• Familiarity with some of the key theoretical and conceptual understandings offered by C. G. Jung, Joseph Campbell, James Hillman, and others.
• A more nuanced and sophisticated comprehension of the Hero’s Journey in film.
• A deeper appreciation of the depiction of psychological transformation in the cinematic arts.
• An understanding of the interplay of visual and psychological images.
• An articulated framework for reoccurring mythic motifs and narrative structures.

Overview of weekly topics:

1. An orientation to the depth psychological and mythological approaches to film.
2. The Wizard of Oz: Mythic movement and the collective heroes’ journey.
3. Sunset Boulevard: Film Noir, the dark soul and narcissistic wounding in Hollywood.
4. Rogue One: Love and war, science and space, fathers of darkness and light
5. Black Swan: Persona, shadow, perfection, and the negative mother.
6. Minari: Cycles and symbols of life and death
7. The Accidental Tourist: Complex, mourning, and soul-making.
8. Fury Road: The female hero and the path to cultural transformation.