Hancock - Hidden motifs and symbolism
69The movie Hancock, is a super hero movie with a difference, with a apparently unique theme, but I discovered that it had many motifs borrowed from fairy tales and myths. To say that is not to belittle the story, as it is impossible for any story to be absolutely original. The motifs in our fairytales came from mythology, and myths evolved along with human evolution.
The basic thread of the story is how an outcast becomes the favorite. The ugly duckling theme, that is. Will Smith transforms from an undesirable, inefficient super hero to the darling of all. A bit of the beauty and the beast theme, too. He is a Fallen Angel, and also a Prince in Exile, the theme I explored many hubs ago. But there is another interesting parallel, this time in history.
King Ashoka the Great, India's greatest emperor, ruled from 273 B.C. to 232 B.C.
In the beginning, he was a bloodthirsty usurper of kingdoms, and was known as Ashoka the Cruel. He turned over a new leaf after the Great War of Kalinga. He lived and planned for the welfare of his subjects, and his reign became known as the Golden Age. He was called Lokapriya and Priyadarsi. In Sanskrit, one name means one who loves everyone, and the other means one who is loved by all.
The message is that if you love the world, the world will love you. Hancock loves no one and is loved by no one in the beginning of the movie. In the end, he loves all, and everybody loves him.
The Fairy Godmother
Ray Embrey, a P.R. agent, is the fairy godmother to Hancock's Cinderella. He is the guru who succeeds in creating not only a terrific public image for the charmless super hero, but also empowers him and boosts his self image. And just like the fairy godmother gifts Cinderella a beautiful ball gown, Ray gives Hancock his costume.
The Declaration of Independence
And of course, the name Hancock cannot escape its inherent symbolism: John Hancock's signature is one of the most prominent ones in the Declaration of Independence. So much so, that "John Hancock" is slang for signature. The super hero wants his independence, but forgets his responsibility. When the founders of America declared independence, they affixed their signatures understanding their responsibility.
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Comments
Then I should probably see meanings in that, and also explore the symbolism of popcorn! :) Thanks, Funnebone!
Up to standard and exceeding all expectations.
Thank you
I do not know the story of 'Hancock'.
Is there really any relevance of this 'slang for signature' in the story or that is your
.....what shall I say.... your viewpoint ?
Hancock is on the movies right now...coincidence? LOL hmmm this is quite interesting kenny.
By the way, speaking of 'you'...check this hub out. http://hubpages.com/hub/They-HUB-Among-Us
Thanks
Thank you for the kind comment, Frank. I feel so proud!Dear Shyam, thank you for asking that. The relevance is that the hero grows from just wanting to be free to somebody who understands his responsibility. My point is that even names carry some symbolism.Not coincidence, Michelle, I saw the movie only last week. Yes I saw that hub, (after you told me,)and it made my day! Thank you, O Kind Angel!
I've yet to see the movie as I'm still in the 'wilderness' roughing it (camping in an RV is really tough...) with my sidekicks. My friends and I are going to the movies next weekend to see Hancock. I'm really curious about the movie now.
This time I'll be watching for your extra symbolisms
regards Zsuzsy
That's the life, Zsuzsy Bee. I was in the countryside last week, breathing in the good air.
Watch the movie and give us your insights, too. :)
Kenny,
I have seen this film advertised on TV, and i have just watched the trailror and it looks like a brilliant film that has to be watched! and im now armed with your observations which i will look out for and impress who ever is sitting next to me while viewing!
I am also a big Will Smith fan!;)
Thanks again Kenny, for sharing!;)
Impress them in the Intermission, Compu-Smart! I love Will Smith, too!
Thank you, and happy to add to your already terrific smarts!
the depth of knowlege and wisdom in your hubs never fail to captivate my spirit. will look for a dvd of this film, watch it with ripplemaker and "see" that which you have seen and maybe more!:)
Surely you will see more, Dayzee! I shall await your insights. And Michelle's. :)
I have not been able to see th emovie yet, but I appreciate your explaing the symbolism behind it. Elegantly done, as always. Best wishes!!
Elegant? Why, thank you, Patty! :)
Interesting, Kenny! I haven't seen this yet, but now I want to!
Delighted, Isabella! :)
Kenny, dayzee and I watched the show yesterday. I now understand what you meant about the superhero and the turning around from ugly duckling into a swan or the beast into the prince that he was. I got teary eyed when I saw how one person's belief made all the difference to another. That is the gift of love - to see beyond the imperfection and to see the good inside. So beautiful. Thank you for this review and the hidden motifs and symbolism...that made us watch the movie. :) It was truly nice.
A demonstration of love brings tears to the eyes of those who feel love. Your testimony is moving, too. It also proves the theory that, when a story is told, half the upliftment is due to the reader's or viewer's own experience.
I am grateful to you, Michelle, for returning to share your experience and insight.
Thank you. :)
hahaha, i see michelle has revealed our "teary" moments during the movie. yes thank you kenny for making this hub, else we may not be interested on this seemingly violent-filled action movie. it was a good surprise to find that beneath all that violence is the need for love and purpose. i used to tell my children's theater trainers to be sensitive to the needs of their students for behind those angry shouts may be a cry for help, a need for love.
i guess the movie targets the audience that needs this message the most in this seemingly violent world -- give yourself a chance, give others a chance, give love a chance.
Dayzee, you are another angel come to bless my hub. :)
You're right. Absolutely. Anger comes from a lack of love.
The movie's biggest challenge must have been to say all these things with the risk of being dismissed as 'corny.'
Thank you. :)
I didn't even know what this was about because the name made it sound like something else entirely. It's a different type of movie then Will normally does but he did it well. It's about time we had a new super hero movie that wasn't based off some comic or something. I really enjoyed this movie and the plot was well thought out but developed a little too fast and I wish it had been longer. I would say this was a good family movie but there are some bad words to be noted if you are considering letting little ones watch it. Still it was great to watch.
Thanks for that personal review, Adjust.
I haven't seen this film yet, but now I will know what to look for -apart from looking open mouthed at Will Smith!
Thanks for the insight :)
Thank you, Princessa! Tell us what you think after you watch it. :)
working
funnebone says:
2 months ago
And yet another insight...I am too busy trying to quietly open my licorice to read into movies this well.