[Emily McClemont]

In watching Edgar Wright’s Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010), the influence of Joseph Campbell is nearly impossible to ignore. I think that both Rachel and Emily do an effective job outlining the Campbellian structure present throughout the film by providing specific instances that align to Scott Pilgrim’s (Michael Cera) journey as a hero figure. I am curious as to whether anyone agrees with my thinking that Scott’s sister, Stacey Pilgrim (Anna Kendrick) and roommate, Wallace Wells (Kieran Culkin) occupy the “mentor” role outlined by Campbell. The characters work together to convince Scott of the inappropriate nature of his relationship with Knives (Ellen Wong) and support him throughout his journey by attending his “Battle of the Bands” concerts and instilling his confidence while defeating Ramona’s (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) seven evil exes. Does anyone find this accurate, as well?

[Jeanna Foti]

Emily,

I definitely agree with you. During the film, Scott was very hesitant to move forward and continue to defeat Ramona’s evil exes. Stacey and Wallace together helped Scott to think reasonably and realize how he wanted to move forward. Wallace had a larger part in mentoring Scott because he lived with him and was around Scott’s problems more often. There were, however, a few times where Scott was willing to brush off Wallace, until Wallace sent his speedy texts to Stacey. Stacey’s immediate phone calls validated Wallace’s advice and made Scott think twice. So I agree that both Wallace and Stacey together were able to provide some advice for Scott in his heroic journey.

[Darby Daly]

 

Emily,

I’ve seen this movie several times, and after reading and learning about Joseph Campbell I certainly have a different perspective on the movie. I definitely agree with your idea that Stacey Pilgrim and Wallace Wells are Campbellian mentors to Scott throughout the movie. He is constantly going to them for help and support when he is faced with a problem. It was also interesting to see how the two mentors worked together in order to make sure that Scott did not fail or give up. If it had not been for these two Campbellian mentors, then it is entirely possible that Scott would not have been successful in his “Battle of the Exes.”

[Heather Lubey]

Emily,

I definitely agree with your assertion of Stacy and Wallace as Campbellian mentors to Scott throughout his journey. Campbell notes that “what such a figure represents is the benign, protecting power of destiny” (Campbell 71). This notion definitely comes into play during the fight scenes themselves, which either Stacy or Wallace are typically present for. For example, they make comments that prompt Scott’s defeat of Matthew Patel, and Wallace is the one to provide the skateboard that leads to Lucas Lee’s downfall. It is also interesting to note that Campbell identified two common types of “mentors,” which are the “little old crone or old man,” or “the helpful crone and fairy godmother” (Campbell 69, 71). Scott Pilgrim vs. the World puts an almost comic spin on these two types of mentors, as the “old man” is merely a few years older than Scott, but seemingly much wiser, and the “fairy godmother” is a younger sister who has an almost supernatural insight into Scott’s thoughts and actions. The combination of the two provide a modern version of Campbell’s “supernatural aid” that is more appropriate for such a recent film (Campbell 69).

[Author]

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