James does not appear to be such a typical 'hero' (in relation to other, more typical war film characters). One might be able to say he has some heroic qualities, and potentially exhibits some of the traits of the stereotypical 'Lifer' (minus the age). He is quite firmly wrapped-up in being a soldier (similarly to Tom Highway in Heartbreak Ridge), and he is experienced, however he also has various unconventional, more distinctly-human ('Every-man') characteristics that discredit the title of 'hero'. He is reckless and does not work very cohesively with his team, as seen when he goes off alone to a strangers home in the middle of the night looking for Beckham, as well as leading the other soldiers in an impromptu mission, getting specialist Eldridge shot and sent home in the process.
James may have become his job (metaphorically-speaking) as a result of his home-life being somewhat unfulfilling, or her invests himself into his job so much that his relationship is falling apart, and so he uses his job (in a round-about way) to escape.
How similar/different is Wickus to other Sci-Fi, Thriller, Comedy Film 'hero' characters that you are familiar with?
Wikus does not come at all close to being a 'hero' type character. Instead, he comes off as a deeply ignorant, cowardly character who hides behind his job title/position of authority. When one think of a heroic character, James Sawyer (played by Channing Tatum in White House Down)- or even comedic-'hero'-type, 'prince' figure, David (portrayed by Hugh Grant) in Love Actually- likely to spring to mind . However, Wikus Van De Merwe just might be the last person you would consult in any type of 'save-'the-day' situation.
Rather than fighting the injuries that the Aliens are subjected to, her spends valuable time adding to the mess, selfishly trying to get Christopher to clean up his own in the process. Even when he does make a feeble attempt to help Christopher, it is only because [he] is the only one who knows how to return his arm back to normal. Despite Christopher's efforts, Wickus still lashes out at him, calling the Aliens 'Prawns', and he doesn't show any genuine gratitude towards Christopher.
How well can Propp's ideas be applied to the characters and narrative of the films?
All in all, it seems that none of the characters in the Hurt Locker can be categorized into specific character-types, but Christopher falls fits into District 9 as the (magical) helper/donor, as well as the victimized character, and Wickus fits firmly into the role of the 'false hero', as- even after he fully transforms into an Alien and is never found- the rest of the human race in Johannesburg hold the belief that Wikus was an honourable person, when that really wasn't the case.
How readily can Vogler's concept of the hero's journey be applied to the narratives of the films?
The Hurt Locker as a whole does not seem to line up with Vogler's concept of the hero's journey, as there isn't an obvious, organized layout of events that make up the film. That being said, there are some elements of the film that do adhere to certain parts of the theory, such as the 'call to adventure'- every time S.S.W.J has to step in and defuse a bomb. Sergeant and Sanbourn become allies, however they do clash at first, but they both then become more humble towards each other after putting water under the bridge. There also happens to be an 'Ordeal', where James is unable to diffuse the bombs attached to the 'suicide bomber' in time. In the end, James 'Returns with Elixir', but more in the sense that he has resolved issues between himself and Sanbourn, and is ready for another round of military action.
District 9, on the other hand, follows Vogler's structure much more closely, and is a much more typical depiction of a 'Sci-Fi Adventure' film. At first, Wikus goes about his ordinary life in his (relatively) 'Ordinary-World'- evicting Aliens and kissing-up to his wife's dad. He then has a 'Ca;; to Adventure' when he is sprayed in the face with an unclassified Alien substance. He has a sort of 'Meeting With the Mentor' and '[crosses] the First Threshold', where he meets Christopher and is thrown about by the Nigerian gangsters. Here, he also faces 'Tests'- being made to shoot Aliens against his will-, 'Allies'- Christopher, who helps him- and 'Enemies'- Koobus Venter, who believes he is superior to Wikus, when really (one might argue), he's just as bad. The structure then strays a little, however, Wikus experiences a severe 'Road Block'; he is still part-alien, and is now also a Wanted criminal, having killed so many people. He briefly plays the 'Resurrection Hero' in an effort to help Christopher to escape, but rather, loses everything he owns and lives as an Alien in District 9.
What sets of binary oppositions can you identify in the films? How do these help to drive the narrative forwards?
In the Hurt Locker, S.S.W.J initially acts as a (somewhat villainous) foil for Sanbourn, frustrating his plans and disrupting what Sanbourn may consider to be the natural order of things. However, by the end of the film, they reconcile their differences. Compared to Sergeant (who behaves in a slightly more dictatorial manner, Sanbourn is a natural leader, who is stern (despite being a team member, and not the leader) and reminds him of both of their places, which also reminds the viewer that James is not necessarily a good team leader. When they clash at first, Sanbourn even cryptically talks about blowing him up with an IED during a mission.
Specialist Owen Eldridge is looked after like a younger brother by James- who comforts him after Dr.Cambridge is shot in the line of duty, however, Specialist is rather aggressive towards [James]when he becomes seriously injured as a result of James' reckless actions based on personal motives. Specialist is fairly close with Dr.Cambridge, but does call him out for thinking he and the soldiers were on the same level. Eldridge- quite sarcastically- points out that he seems to have had a costly education at an Ivy League School, and perhaps didn't know as much about being on the field as others do.
The binary oppositions in both films help to reinforce the idea that there is conflict that needs to be resolved in every situation.
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