Study Notes for AHIS/CLAS 121: Classical Antiquity in Popular Culture

Classical Antiquity in Popular Culture

Instructor Information

  • Course Code: AHIS/CLAS 121

  • Instructor: Dr. Michael Hoff

Course Policies and Procedures

  • Syllabus Availability: The syllabus is available on Canvas.

  • Exams:

    • Three online multiple-choice exams are required.

    • Exams must be taken at the Testing Center.

    • Each exam has a 6-day scheduling window (self-schedule).

    • Students may take two attempts; no make-ups allowed unless prior permission is granted.

    • For the final exam:

    • Only one attempt is permitted at the Testing Center.

    • A second attempt will take place on Tuesday, May 5, in the classroom at 7:00 PM.

  • Movie Viewings:

    • Movie list and schedule are found in the syllabus.

    • The first film viewing is scheduled for this coming Friday at 5 PM in RH 14.

Course Rationale: Classical Culture through Media

  • Personal Experience:

    • The instructor's personal experiences highlight the relevance of the ancient Mediterranean cultures.

  • Learning Opportunity:

    • Studying classical culture through media provides insight into the ancient Mediterranean.

  • Themes:

    • Ancient mythology and legends reflect universal themes.

Understanding Classical Antiquity

  • Definition: Classical antiquity refers to the periods of Greek and Roman civilizations, approximately from 1400 BCE to 500 CE.

  • Components of Study:

    • History, Literature, Art, Mythology, Architecture, etc.

Defining Popular Culture

  • Scope:

    • Primarily includes film and television.

    • Mostly American, with Britain as a close second.

    • Focuses on the last 50 years.

  • Examples of Adaptations:

    • Films range from straightforward adaptations to those inspired by classical narratives.

Notable Films based on Classical Antiquity

  • Straightforward Films:

    • Gladiator (2000) - Directed by Ridley Scott, starring Russell Crowe.

    • Alexander (2004) - Directed by Oliver Stone, starring Colin Farrell.

    • Troy (2008) - Directed by Wolfgang Petersen, starring Brad Pitt.

    • The Odyssey (2026) - Directed by Christopher Nolan, starring Matt Damon.

  • Film Adaptations of Classical Theatre:

    • Trojan Women (1971) - Directed by Michael Cacoyiannis, based on Euripides (ca. 415 BCE), starring Katherine Hepburn.

    • Phaedra (1962) - Directed by Jules Dassin, based on Seneca (ca. 55 CE), starring Melina Mercouri.

    • Chi-Raq (2015) - Directed by Spike Lee, based on Aristophanes (ca. 410 BCE), starring Teyonah Parris.

  • Films Inspired by Antiquity:

    • O Brother Where Art Thou? (2000) - Directed by Joel and Ethan Coen, based on Homer’s Odyssey.

    • Black Orpheus (1959) - Directed by Marcel Camus, based on the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice.

    • Fun Fact: The musical Hadestown is a modern retelling of the Orpheus myth.

Common Film Tropes Inspired by Classical Themes

  • The Quest Trope:

    • Originates from legends like Jason and the Argonauts.

    • Trope includes heroes banding together against overwhelming odds to defeat evil.

    • Recent films exemplifying the quest trope:

    • Avengers

    • Guardians of the Galaxy

    • Lord of the Rings

    • Justice League

    • X-Men

    • Star Wars

    • Magnificent Seven (a reboot, originally derived from Seven Samurai (1954) by Akira Kurosawa, influenced by Aeschylus' Seven Against Thebes).

  • Seeking Enlightenment Theme:

    • Inspired by Plato’s concept of The One.

    • Films reflecting this theme:

    • The Matrix (1999)

    • Lucy (2014).

  • Descent into the Underworld Trope:

    • Commonly found in films leading to character transformation.

    • Examples include:

    • Star Wars

    • The Matrix

    • Lord of the Rings

    • Alien.

Notable Classical References in Popular Culture

  • Examples:

    • Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas.

    • The Nashville Parthenon.

  • Classics in Comic Books and Video Games:

    • Mention of titles like Hercules, exploring their narratives.

Genesis of Sword and Sandals Films

  • Overview:

    • Specifically, fantasy films designed to captivate audiences by showcasing subjects from biblical, medieval, or classical settings.

    • Thematically, these films often portray heroes narrowly escaping perilous fates.

    • Early silent films in this genre:

    • Sack of Rome (1905)

    • Fall of Troy (1911)

    • Quo Vadis (1913).

  • Post-WWII Developments:

    • The 1954 film Ulysses was pivotal, filmed in post-war Italy, proving both successful and profitable.

The Hays Code (1930-1968)

  • Description:

    • A self-imposed set of guidelines adopted by film studios, influenced by Catholic morals.

  • Prohibitions under the Hays Code:

    • Homosexuality representation.

    • Interracial relationships.

    • Positive sexual relationships outside marriage.

    • Mockery of authority figures.

    • Criminal behavior without consequences.

Relating Classics to Film under Hays Code

  • Implications:

    • Classical antiquity provided a veil, allowing controversial subjects to be presented with an educational significance.

    • The distance from the morality of contemporary issues permitted filmmakers to explore themes without direct backlash.

Themes of Sex and Violence in Sword and Sandal Films

  • Common Features:

    • Notable films glorified physical prowess, violence, and sexuality, often intertwined with narratives of heroism.

  • Examples of Films:

    • Hercules (1957)

    • Demetrius and the Gladiators.

Depictions of Hercules in Film

  • Hercules Characteristics:

    • Born of Zeus and Alcmene; often depicted as a culture-hero, monster-slayer, and civilization-restorer.

    • Fleets a complex blend of heroism, violence, and personal flaws.

  • The Twelve Labors of Hercules:

    • Key tasks assigned to Hercules that define hislegend:

    1. Slaying the Nemean Lion.

    2. Defeating the Lernaean Hydra.

    3. Capturing the Cerynean Hind.

    4. Fetching the Erymanthian Boar.

    5. Cleaning the Augean Stables.

    6. Capturing the Cretan Bull.

    7. Stealing the Mares of Diomedes.

    8. Defeating the Stymphalian Birds.

    9. Acquiring the Girdle of Hippolyta.

    10. Capturing the Cattle of Geryon.

    11. Picking Apples of the Hesperides.

    12. Seizing Cerberus.

  • Contemporary Analogies:

    • Vladimir Putin as Hercules fighting modern-day terrorism.

Allegories in History

  • Choice of Heracles: Exploring how figures like Alexander the Great can be allegorically linked to Heracles.

  • Hercules as a Role Model:

    • Examining how historical leaders, particularly Commodus and Domitian, have emulated Hercules-like qualities.

Representation of Masculinity in Media

  • Significance of Bodybuilding:

    • Films brought forth male idealism represented through the physicality of bodybuilders and athletes such as Steve Reeves, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lou Ferrigno, and Dwayne Johnson.

Art and Statues of Hercules

  • Significant Artistic Works:

    • Bronze Figure, Herakles and Centaur (8th century) at the New York Met.

    • Attic Red-Figure Stamnos (ca. 480) at the Louvre illustrating mythological events.

Architecture Related to Hercules

  • Temple of Zeus:

    • Metopes from the Temple illustrate key myths, such as the Cretan Bull and the Augean Stables.

    • Ruined Temple of Zeus (470-460 BC) maintains the cultural significance of these myths.

Conclusion

  • Cultural Legacy:

    • Hercules remains a defined figure in entirety of Western popular culture, serving as a vehicle to explore themes of strength, morality, and the hero's journey across various mediums and historical contexts.