Research - Supporting My Ideas

Over the past few weeks I have been researching in to fairytales or fantasies in order to get an idea of what factors contribute to the storytelling. Typically, fairytales follow trends set by a series of recurring characters: the hero, heroin (or damsel in distress), mirror, a villain or monster, and sometimes a guardian. They often involve fairies, witches, wizards, goblins, giants, talking animals, trolls, gnomes or elves. Magical enchantments are often the leading drive within the story. The plot will often include a quest, a struggle between good and evil (which explores human strengths and weaknesses), and a search or battle for love. Story lines will tend to have an underlying message or meaning that most people will experience or can relate to.

Currently, there seems to be a trend of traditional fairytales told in an unusual way in mainstream cinema. Although these stories are often told to children, they have been adapted to suit an adult audience; examples include: Red Riding Hood (2011), Mirror Mirror: The Untold Adventures of Snow White (2012), and Snow White and the Huntsman (also 2012).

Developing a Plot

My initial thought was to explore the legend of Robin Hood; to introduce the well-known characters (such as Little John; King John or the Sheriff of Nottingham), but to tell only the beginning of his adult life as he becomes the figure that he is known for. A prequel, which only reveals the iconic character as part of the stories conclusion; keeping the identity of the characters hidden but suggested throughout the film. I would combine the legend with factors of a fairytale as I think that the two concepts could work well combined. 

I decided to research dates and ideas that focus around story of Robin Hood, so that I would be able to refer to these to create a consistent story... (notes are written in purple)

- Robin Hood would have been around during the time of the Third Crusade (or the late 12th century)

- 'Robin Hood' has been documented in 1230 in official documents as Robertus Hood, as failing to appear in court. Robin could be known as Robert or Rob before his character is revealed.

- King John (the Duke of Aquitaine) fought with his brother when he was 18 (in 1184). He was the youngest of five sons and was not expected to inherit any significant areas of land. John in fact became his father's (Henry II of England) 'favourite' child and at the age of 11, was appointed the Lord of Ireland (1177), and also given ownership of lands in England. In 1185, his father sent him to rule Ireland, but was sent home in his first six months as a leader after failing to meet up to Henry's expectations. The film could either be set during his time in Ireland (although this will prove difficult in location decisions) or his time in England afterwards. This would explain his bad position at the time of Robin Hood and would form a more convincing character. However, I am not convinced by following the story with the actual figure of King John. I would prefer to use a Sheriff of Nottingham instead of making assumptions about an actual historical figure. However, the timeline of his life may help to consider the intended dates in the storyline. 

- Richard became King in 1189.

- The year of 1184 was a leap year, starting on Sunday. Fairytales traditionally refer to Midnight as the deadline to a quest. A leap year might make this pattern more difficult, but interesting to explore.

- The economy was beginning to weaken in the middle of the thirteenth century. In some cases, lands were completely abandoned. This may help in considering location; it could explain why Robin Hood was able to hide so well and may create a backing story for the area that the Merry Men would locate to.

Characters

The essential stories for a plot following this structure would be: Robin Hood, Maid Marian and the Sheriff of Nottingham. During my brainstorming, I identified specific personality traits or stages of their backing story which I could strongly picture in my characters. I have already contacted actors to play Robin and Maid Marian.

'Robin' - 19

Goody (turned around)

Traveller – cartographer (resent; was once a fisherman at sea)

Used to be a grave robber (now changed and misunderstood)

Broken hearted

Insane characteristics

Discerning – good at understanding people

Shows clear leadership skills

Brave and noble hearted - hero

'Maid Marian' - 18

Goody

Bartender and bar owner (on very low wages, currently within a shed, although this is not unusual given the state of the economy)

Chatty/good with customers

Loud (which could be seen as aggressive)

Finds it hard to create lasting relationships

Very opinionated and true to herself

Talks very clearly and with a thick accent

Assertive

Good-natured

Eccentric

Robin visits the bar through his travelling, and befriends Marian. This connection goes back for many years.

He has also known the other (male lead) for a long time – back in his grave robbing days, and has since made enemies after realizing his unjust work ethics.

Marian has only heard of the other male lead through newspapers and she is unknown to him. Perhaps the threat to her economy (lead by the Sheriff in his demand for taxes) is putting her pub in danger.

'Sheriff' - 18

Baddy

Eccentric

Disliked

Mercenary merchant

Rich

Tireless and short-tempered

Foolish

Dramatic

Gambler

Robin and Marian offer a gamble to the other character, which he takes and loses. However, it is not possible for him to refuse the right to the item. He bets due to his own foolishness and inability understand unfamiliar logic and understanding.