Ten Themes: "When You Find Me" (2012)

"When You Find Me" is the product of Canon and Ron Howard's collaborative effort inviting consumers to help to inspire a Hollywood production.

See previous post for deeper explanations and further examples of the Ten Themes of Storytelling (and also to add to my view count.)

CHARACTER

A character can be anyone or anything. Character is established here in Aurora, who is being accosted by her father for aiding and abetting in her younger sister Lisle's running away into a cemetery. Aurora's expression characterizes her as scared and remorseful for her actions.

SETTING

A setting is any location or environment. The setting of this shot is in outer space, where Lisle is convinced that heaven is located (albeit not unreasonably; she has been told this by her elder sister Aurora).

BACKSTORY

A backstory is a history that promotes fuller understanding of the narrative. Backstory is an essential element to understanding this shot -- why is the girls' father closing the curtains, and why does he look so downtrodden? The answer is that his wife has just died. That is the backstory.

GOAL

A goal is whatever the character in the shot is pursuing. The goal here is obviously for the spaceship and its occupants to reach their destination -- heaven, which Lisle believes is in space.

TIME

Time is a representation of the time of day, or time within history. The literal appearance of time in this shot is that of Mrs. Patton's life, which lasted from December 29, 1959 to September 17, 1991. Contextually, this shot's significance in regards to time is in emphasizing the duration of Lisle's wait to reveal her "dream" to Aurora.

RELATIONSHIP

A relationship is... um... a relationship... between anyone or anything. Really, just look it up in a dictionary if you don't know. Relationship applies to this shot as it depicts an adult Aurora and her son. The relationship between the two, therefore, is that of a mother and her son (and hopefully nothing further).

OBSTACLE

An obstacle is anyone or anything in the character's way. Aurora's intention of retrieving her sister is obstructed by the obstinate obstacle of the cemetery gate. Lisle, on the other hand, was able to overcome this obstacle with the aid of a boost from her sister.

MOOD

Mood conveys atmosphere or tone. The mood conveyed in this shot is one of joyousness, of accomplishment. Not only has Lisle managed to find the so-called spaceship, but she has also managed to start it. Success!

UNKNOWN

The unknown can be anything unexpected, or a twist. The theme of the unknown is communicated here through the presence of the squid in outer space. It is understood why Lisle finds herself in outer space, as that is where the goal she is seeking can be achieved, but why ever is there a squid in outer space? Such pondering is what keeps me awake at night.