Movie Analysis:
"Austin
Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me"
Review by Katharine
E. Monahan Huntley
Austin Powers:
The Spy Who Shagged Me, is written by the infectiously funny Mike
Myers (with cowriter Michael McCullers) and directed by Jay Roach. It
imparts the moral of many a Hollywood story (including Matt Stone and
Trey Parker's surprisingly sweet and *@%#&! hilarious South Park:
Bigger, Longer, & Uncut): whether it be a girl's ruby red slippers
(or whatever) or one man's mojo, they are only attractive distractions
from what makes us truly powerful-our state of being.
In Dramatica, state
of being describes the actual nature of a character. In stories such
as Austin Powers, South Park, or The Wizard of OZ,
it is the main characters' lack of confidence in their essential being
that makes for interesting character development. Although the main
character may not be aware of her or his true nature, the audience must
be-or the author's thematic message will be obscured.
Austin Powers is
the main character. The objective story revolves around
his nemesis, Dr. Evil, who intends to take over the world-currently
dominated by the Starbucks' franchise. CIA operative foxy Felicity Shagwell
is the love interest and obstacle character. The lightweight
subjective story, however, is really only a device for Austin's
randy antics.
The film is just
a retro romp, but a relationship between Austin Powers and Dr. Evil
developed beyond protagonist vs. antagonist might have been a subjective
story with real intrigue. Shatter the James Bond story model!
Does Austin Powers
contain a storyform? I was too enthralled with the characters (Mini-Me!),
sight gags (Clint Howard!), and pastiche of pop culture references to
pay close analytical attention. Will I see Austin Powers again?
No. (My unscientific test for a compelling Dramatica grand argument
story.) Will I see the next installment of the International Man of
Mystery's adventures? But of course-I mean: "Yeah, Baby, Yeah!"
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