Footloose Archetypal Review

Rating: Null/10 (6 May 2007)

Archetypal is the original pattern or model from which all things of the same kind are copied or on which they are based; a model or first form (Dictionary.com). Heroes endure a process to understand themselves and other people surrounding them, including friends and family. This process is the hero cycle which is where an individual gains the courage and ability to over continuous obstacles. Footloose made in 1984 is one film which the Hero Cycle theory, created by Joseph Campbell, can be applied. The main character Ren McCormack, played by Kevin Beacon, stirs up a small town in the West, where dancing and playing modern music is illegal. By helping this town and its citizens Ren ends up finding him self and facing his own personal issues.
McCormack is an insecure city boy from Chicago who moves into his uncle's house with his mother. His uncle has two daughters which Ren is expected to set a positive influence upon. His initial conflict is with the Reverend Shaw Moore, played by John Lithgow. Five years ago a group of teenagers died in a drinking and driving accident, ultimately leading up the illegalization of dancing. This is Rens "call to adventure" the first step of the hero cycle. Confused about this culturally stricken town he begins to the separation stage from his cultures leading to his unhappiness.
The next step of the cycle Ren begins to have obstacles and trials thrown in front of him. Being an outsider and unacceptable to the community already set in place Ren has more bullies than friends. One trial is a tractor race. He wins the trial by accident but begins the initiation sequence. It represents a right of passage and also introduces him to a love interest, Arial the reverends daughter, played by Lori Singer.
Another trial in the cycle which brings Ren to rock bottom is being kicked off the gymnastic team. He feels defeated and helpless completely aware of the reason for his disposal. He is being discriminated. He has a confrontation with his uncle which pushes him over the edge. Throughout the film he constantly reprimands Ren for causing trouble, saying "you didn't cause trouble in the city". He also blames him for his mother losing her job. The scene in which he discusses the situations at hand with his mother is an extremely important scene. His mother believes in him and offers her blessing to do what is necessary for self fulfillment.
Rens attempt to save himself and the town is to throw a dance. Since dances are illegal it is up to him to introduce the idea to the town council. At the town meeting Ren is nervous but prepared to make his argument. This is the entering of the final stages of the hero cycle, the magic flight or rescue. An extremely strong point is brought up by Ren. He quotes King David, "and they danced before the Lord". He explains how he said there is a time to laugh, a time to weep and a time to mourn, and now is a time to dance. It's their way of celebrating life.
The Reverend Shau and the council immediately say no to the idea of a dance. But an incident occurs helping the reverend to see his mistakes. Throughout the movie the constant struggle between the congregation and the reverend. This is noticeable in the fact that the reverend is always preaching higher up looking down at the congregation. The reverend needed to understand his struggle with his own selfishness to understand his wife, daughter and family the community.
In the end the dance brings the town together especially Ren and the high school students, bringing children closer to the parents and the community closer as a whole. The involvement of decorating and preparation shows the positive side of a formal dance. Now that the cycle is complete Ren gained a rise in courage and better knowledge to continue to overcome future obstacles. Footloose provides incite to understand the cycle and seeing its influence in not only movies, television and literature, but in everyday life. It offers an innate appreciation for archetypal stories like the hero cycle.