Gabe Silverstein
Professor Safioulline
September 2, 2020
Professor Safioulline
September 2, 2020
What if? 3 Story Scenarios
Stories have the power to imagine alternate realities and imagine the impossible. Some of my favorites include the book by Gary Paulsen, ”Hatchet", Dreamwork's "Shrek" and Pixar's "The Incredibles". "Hatchet" details the story of a how a boy crash-lands in an airplane on an island and is forced to survive with just his hatchet and wit. I realize that all three of these stories illustrate how, despite one's unfamiliarity in a given situation or relationship, can still overcome the challenge and thrive.
Empowerment and humor - these are the emotions that stick with me after watching movies I love. When I complete a story that utilizes these two elements, I feel strengthened to use my own skillset and humor to accomplish whatever I set my mind to. After watching a certain film, the “world" of the film, and its intense emotion digests within for often well after the film concludes. These are the types of films I love most. The type of movies that I watch has changed over time, but the core feeling remains: absolute motivation, empowerment, and often times, a touch of humor and play.
Whether it be a film that touches on the human soul and spirit, or a film exploring a fantasy Superhero world (such as in The Incredible), a movie’s "vibe" and emotion can definitely shape and stick with someone. After reading the novel "Hatchet", I felt a sense of adventure, but also a sense of personal accountability - to learn how to adapt in unknown situations (I learned many boy-scout techniques afterwords).
The emotions that these two films left me where likely "being true to myself" and “never forgetting my roots” - while still adapting, and growing in new situations (how Shrek has to adapt to being with Donkey or how Mr. Incredible has to let his whole family become super for him to be).
If I were to place Shrek in the world of the Incredibles, Shrek would be quite confused and lost as he is so used to his habits and his daily routine - he does NOT like change or leaving his home. Similar to other Shrek films, Shrek would ultimately have to adapt again, and do whatever it takes to find his way and prove his dominance and sense of self. Similarly, the main character in Hatchet uses a combination of his willpower, strengths and motivation to survive on the island, and use whatever tools he can - he would likely talk to people, gather information and gather data to understand this world and thrive in it.
Conversely, if Mr. Incredible were to find himself in the world of Shrek, he would probably be overwhelmed at first but realize must use his own wits, speak with as many citizens as he could (maybe smash threw a few walls if need be) to understand the world of Far Far Away - and do his best to get back home to his family. Mr. Incredible, alter ego Bob Parr, might find some of the characters in the world of Shrek to be superficial… until he meets Shrek - then these two (different albeit somewhat similar) protagonists would likely team up to get what they both desire. Both might be considered “lazy", both might feel comfortable with the status quo, but when duty calls, both of their inner strengths and inner selves are ignited (Mr. Incredible loves saving and helping people (like me) and Shrek realizes he loves exploring the world (and ultimately himself).
My favorite "What if" scenario would be the one I just mentioned. As I wrote, I realized the “what if Mr. Incredible landed in the world of Shrek" was quite a surprising/fitting mix of characters and world-views. Bob Parr crash lands in this new world and finds himself baffled at the different styles, time, location, and type characters that exist in this world. He first assesses the situation (similar to how he managed to survive when Syndrome, the villain in his own film tries to kill him). Mr. Incredible reads street signs and speaks to people to realize he is trapped in another world, another time. He uses his strength to rip out of his crash landed ship, only to be in awe as a group of laymen are petrified by his other-worldly presence. A boy named Alfon realizes that Mr. Incredible is from a modern Pixar film (as Shrek's world famously makes fun of Hollywood and other Disney stars such as Snow White). Alfon directs Mr. Incredible to Shrek where Mr. Incredible enlightens Shrek of the parody-like world they both inhabit. Shrek is amazed by Mr. Incredible’s proven strength and knowledge. People call both of these two characters “Ogres" due to their husky personalities and power, and soon, both fight crime in the city together. Until one day, Mr. Incredible stumbles upon a mysterious portal. It is time to return to the proper world of Disney-Pixar!
The emotions that these two films left me where likely "being true to myself" and “never forgetting my roots” - while still adapting, and growing in new situations (how Shrek has to adapt to being with Donkey or how Mr. Incredible has to let his whole family become super for him to be).
If I were to place Shrek in the world of the Incredibles, Shrek would be quite confused and lost as he is so used to his habits and his daily routine - he does NOT like change or leaving his home. Similar to other Shrek films, Shrek would ultimately have to adapt again, and do whatever it takes to find his way and prove his dominance and sense of self. Similarly, the main character in Hatchet uses a combination of his willpower, strengths and motivation to survive on the island, and use whatever tools he can - he would likely talk to people, gather information and gather data to understand this world and thrive in it.
Conversely, if Mr. Incredible were to find himself in the world of Shrek, he would probably be overwhelmed at first but realize must use his own wits, speak with as many citizens as he could (maybe smash threw a few walls if need be) to understand the world of Far Far Away - and do his best to get back home to his family. Mr. Incredible, alter ego Bob Parr, might find some of the characters in the world of Shrek to be superficial… until he meets Shrek - then these two (different albeit somewhat similar) protagonists would likely team up to get what they both desire. Both might be considered “lazy", both might feel comfortable with the status quo, but when duty calls, both of their inner strengths and inner selves are ignited (Mr. Incredible loves saving and helping people (like me) and Shrek realizes he loves exploring the world (and ultimately himself).
My favorite "What if" scenario would be the one I just mentioned. As I wrote, I realized the “what if Mr. Incredible landed in the world of Shrek" was quite a surprising/fitting mix of characters and world-views. Bob Parr crash lands in this new world and finds himself baffled at the different styles, time, location, and type characters that exist in this world. He first assesses the situation (similar to how he managed to survive when Syndrome, the villain in his own film tries to kill him). Mr. Incredible reads street signs and speaks to people to realize he is trapped in another world, another time. He uses his strength to rip out of his crash landed ship, only to be in awe as a group of laymen are petrified by his other-worldly presence. A boy named Alfon realizes that Mr. Incredible is from a modern Pixar film (as Shrek's world famously makes fun of Hollywood and other Disney stars such as Snow White). Alfon directs Mr. Incredible to Shrek where Mr. Incredible enlightens Shrek of the parody-like world they both inhabit. Shrek is amazed by Mr. Incredible’s proven strength and knowledge. People call both of these two characters “Ogres" due to their husky personalities and power, and soon, both fight crime in the city together. Until one day, Mr. Incredible stumbles upon a mysterious portal. It is time to return to the proper world of Disney-Pixar!
