This blog is the third installment of the literature review. Again, because the literature is extensive, I will only share a sample of it.
Part 3 provides a synopsis of the literature:
Collation：
2.6 How to distinguish the anti-hero from the villain in an anti-hero story [The Villain in the Film]
In the new century, people have become distrustful of the ideas inculcated in the blockbusters they have seen in the past and have lost interest in the huge investment in ‘heroic epics’ after the initial novelty. The changing times demanded the emergence of new ‘heroes’, even ‘anti-heroes’. “An ‘anti-hero’ is not the same as an anti-hero. Literally, an anti-hero is a hero who is the opposite, a representative figure of the forces of evil. “The term ‘anti-hero’ was used as a cultural term in literature after World War II. It refers to a person who, in contrast to the traditional hero, possesses heroic abilities and qualities, who gives of themselves to save others, but whose principles, attitudes and ways of dealing with others are very different from those of the traditional hero. More importantly, the heroic feats of the anti-hero are often portrayed as passive acts, in contrast to the traditional image of the hero as a man who is always ready to fight. The author ‘falsifies’ traditional values through the changing fortunes of these characters, signalling the rise of individualism, the decline of traditional moral value systems and the questioning of ideas and beliefs. “The ‘anti-hero’ is not an antagonist, but a deconstruction of the traditional heroic image in cinema. On the one hand, the emergence of the “anti-hero” is a challenge to the heroic characters in previous films; on the other hand, the “anti-hero” enriches the image of the heroic character and brings a new audiovisual aesthetic experience to the audience. [On the “anti-hero” tendency of the superhero image in Hollywood films].
Anti-heroes are the characters of post-modernist novels that emerged after World War II,[2] and are also a generic term for a category of characters in film and animation works, who have certain flaws and shortcomings compared to the traditional perfect hero image, such as character flaws, lack of ability, collapsed beliefs, spiritual difficulties and other character characteristics full of individualism. However, unlike villains, anti-heroes usually have positive values and ideals in life. They are able to participate in or accomplish heroic feats despite certain shortcomings or being in a certain predicament. In terms of the expression of character traits, the anti-hero figure is often closer to ordinary people’s spiritual core and values. Therefore, against the backdrop of a time when individualism is on the rise, traditional moral value systems are in decline and ideals and beliefs are being questioned, the texture and layers of the anti-hero figure appear richer and have a greater ability to gain empathy than the traditional hero figure. (A new paradigm of the Chinese superhero)
In the traditional Chinese perception, the hero should possess superior skills. However, with the advent of the consumer era, the phenomenon of standing idly by and protecting oneself in the face of the dark side of society has emerged, and people’s psychological need to be rescued has increased, but heroes with extraordinary abilities are out of touch with reality. As a result, in a society where human feelings are cold and morals are being tested, people are more accepting of a hero who comes from the people and is no longer above them. The Monkey King in “Journey to the West” fulfils this craving. After breaking free from the bondage of the Five Finger Mountain, the Monkey King loses his magic power due to the sealing of handcuffs and becomes an ordinary monkey. He does not have the 72 transformations, the golden eyes, the somersaulting clouds, the golden band, or the skills and abilities. In this setting
This reflects the plight and helplessness of modern man, who is bound by his own abilities and social realities, thus striking a chord with the audience. (The “anti-hero” in the age of the commoner)
Growing up is also a process in which the protagonist pursues his self-worth and personal dignity and a process in which his inner character is elevated. His ultimate choice to sacrifice himself to protect his parents and the people and to protect the Chen Tang Pass is a powerful expression of his noble character. At this point, an uncontroversial ‘anti-hero’ is born.
This plotting and characterisation reflects the values of the film’s implied creator and resonates with many viewers, bringing the implied creator, the main character Nezha, and the audience closer together and creating a deep empathy that is one of the fundamental reasons why this work is so popular. (An analysis of the anti-hero portrayal in “Nezha the Demon Boy”)
2.8 Whether people’s affection for the anti-hero character is influenced by their emotional disposition. (Different personalities, different life circumstances, more immersion, etc.)
American animated films are so successful at the box office because they are not limited to children but can bring joy and inspiration to people of all ages. The “anti-hero” narrative can be seen as, to some extent, a dismantling and subversion of traditional thinking and culture. It is a narrative that appeals to all age groups, especially adult audiences. The anti-hero reflects the fact that ordinary people also have the idea of becoming heroes, which reflects heroic values and individualistic values.
Firstly, the anti-hero is not the antagonist; the anti-hero narrative counteracts the sense of sanctity and nobility, thus making the hero more grounded. In the minds of audiences, they often have high expectations of the heroes in films and subconsciously see the heroic characters in films as their embodiment in another world. The dreams of the heroes are the dreams of the audience, and when the heroes’ dreams are realised, it is as if the audience’s life values are realised. On the other hand, the anti-heroes are just ordinary people in an ordinary world, without a clear goal in life, without a strong belief in themselves, living a life of mediocrity, just like the majority of the audience. But the significance of the appearance of the anti-hero characters is not just to get a laugh from the audience, nor does their existence mean the disappearance of the hero, but somehow reduces the distance between the hero and the general public, making the audience feel a sense of closeness to the heroic figure.
Secondly, anti-heroes and heroic characters are opposing concepts, but they also have a complementary nature. The emergence of the anti-hero character challenges the traditional sense of heroic characters in previous films while at the same time enriching and expanding the connotation of the hero, giving the audience a sense of light. The traditional image of the hero is more or less impersonal; they have no flaws, their personalities are almost perfect, and they are superheroes that everyone admires. But they do not belong to the real world, they seem to be above the world and it is difficult for ordinary people to reach such heights.
With the development of the times and the change of social values, such heroes become more and more distant from the audience, and it becomes more and more difficult to attract them. In the age of consumption, films must satisfy the audience’s viewing needs to be sustainable. As a result, there is a craze in Hollywood animated films for heroes to return to earth and to ordinary people. The emergence of the anti-hero image has shown audiences that heroes also have the joys and sorrows of ordinary people. They also have the flaws and human weaknesses of ordinary people. The films often use absurd and humorous narratives to dissolve the traditional heroes’ elements of nobility, tragedy, dedication and ideals, and to bring them down to earth. (The ‘anti-hero’ narrative in American animated films)
The work of compiling the literature is nearly finished. After finishing the documentation, I have a better idea of the overall structure of the thesis. I will now begin writing my thesis in order to incorporate more anti-hero culture into my essay.