This isn't storytelling; it's ritual re-enactment of an established myth.
In that case, how do you define storytelling?
I mean, the medium of presentation is newish, but something that is told and (more often than not) retold is the traditional definition of a story.
I would argue that franchises are the modern descendent of the oral-tradition mode of storytelling.
I guess I'm basically saying that I think it is important to keep in mind that story telling and story creating are distinct arts.
But as a continuity continues, the more iconic it becomes, and from there, and the less likely it becomes that you'll be able to wring a meaningful, original message out of it.
It can be dangerous to conflate "meaningful" and "original." Even stories that uphold the worst of the status quo have meaning. If we see the status quo as a force of nature instead of as just one meaning among many, how can we really question it?
no subject
Date: 2011-06-17 10:02 pm (UTC)In that case, how do you define storytelling?
I mean, the medium of presentation is newish, but something that is told and (more often than not) retold is the traditional definition of a story.
I would argue that franchises are the modern descendent of the oral-tradition mode of storytelling.
I guess I'm basically saying that I think it is important to keep in mind that story telling and story creating are distinct arts.
But as a continuity continues, the more iconic it becomes, and from there, and the less likely it becomes that you'll be able to wring a meaningful, original message out of it.
It can be dangerous to conflate "meaningful" and "original." Even stories that uphold the worst of the status quo have meaning. If we see the status quo as a force of nature instead of as just one meaning among many, how can we really question it?