May the force be with you." Some how it loses its meaning when Don Ho says it. Star Wars was my first case of alternate reality addiction - cult films. Before that I had some rather weak Halloween costumes and masks; Star Wars had movies, books, music, games, cards, comics, action figures (yeah!) and conventions! I guess Trekkies set the stage, but Kirk and Spock had nothing on Luke and Han to me.I worked in a movie theatre for 15 years, so multiple viewings was part of routine - not so good when it's Billy Jack Goes to Washington (1977), but excellent when it's The Empire Strikes Back. Transmedia storytelling is an excellent evolution for true fans of any world. The depth I gained from multiple viewings and discussions with fellow employees at the theatre is now possible through online discussion boards, gaming, cartoons, and websites. Having the world expanded and detailed through the combination of these new media is what makes it so absorbing.
Cult films/shows can be identified by their sometimes fanatical following. Jenkins (Converegnce Culture) identifies some of the characteristics of a cult as being quotable, easily divided into parts, layers and added on other layers for fans to disect (Jenkins, 97). Transmedia storytelling adds to the layers and, therefore, contributes to the cult. Just thinking about cult attraction reminds me of Rocky Horror Picture Show back in the day. I wasn't a fan, but I worked many showings. It was like a big party, cult movies now encourage critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, and commuication skills. For me...Heroes, Firefly, and Twilight are just three of my escape hatches. I can theorize and quote with the best of them!
The origami unicorn comes from Bladerunner, a 1982 Harrison Ford movie, in which the world of human and androids was explored. The idea of the unicorn raised some questions about whether one of the main characters was human or not. That little symbol created a stir with fans and prompted much discussion similar to the transmedia worlds of today. The stir that was accidently created then is sought after now by media companies.
Bladerunner Unicorn image from http://ciaofromdonna.wordpress.com/2007/09/15/unicorn-origami-blade-runner/
Jenkins, H. (2006). Convergence culture where old and new media collide. New York: New York University Press.
Storm Trooper image from http://art.glitter-graphics.com/graphics/220974
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Great job. Perhaps one of the things missing in the endless line of Hollywood remakes and such are that the current crop of films lack the depth in storytelling or in the fictional universe that said films can't endure multiple viewings and conversations about that are required for there to be a fan base and cult following. Ack. No more "Billy Jack" please.
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