Activity 3.13 Vladimir Propp's Theory

 Vladimir Propp’s theory on characters can be applied to the characters within the film, Halloween Ends. Michael Myers, the recognizable main character within this film series, is an iconic and widely known villain within the horror genre. Aside from Michael, Laurie acts as the hero of the film when she overpowers Michael. She saved her city from the terrorization of Michael Myers and was praised with a parade at the end of the movie for her actions. Corey Cunningham started off in the movie as the innocent and relatable character, as he was underprivileged and delt with a lot of bullying and backlash in his town. His character correlation then switched from protagonist to the false hero at the end of the movie when he begins killing for Michael. Allyson, Laurie's daughter, acts as the princess in the film, as her mother wants to shield her from the wrath of Michael Myers and his followers. 

Propps theory is very useful in relation to this film, as his theory explains the cliche relationship between the main characters in the film. Without Propps theory, we would be unable to fully understand the relationships between certain characters in the film. Coreys transition within the movie is an example of this. His switch from protagonist to antagonist is an uncommon concept within filmmaking and is one of the aspects of this film that makes it unique. Propps theory helps with explaining this phenomenon, as it gives a name to this type of character development; the false hero.  

The Michael Myers series has many aspects which are up for interpretation. Halloween Ends, however, is a great example of the complex concepts that have been included in this series. Michael Myers can be seen as a personified version of all Laurie's grief and trauma, and her killing of Michael symbolizes her ability to overcome her life obstacles. Laurie writes in her blog at the end of the film that “evil doesn't die, it just changes shape”, explaining that even if Michael is dead, the effect that his torment had on the people of the town, as well as on Laurie, will live on for years to come.