Film Study: Character Archetypes in “Underworld”

Sony Films "Underworld" Promotional Poster

Media Piece: Underworld

Release Date: 2003

Genre: Action, Fantasy, Suspense    

Character Archetypes

Hero: Selene

The hero’s journey is that of the seeker. When new information is presented to Selene, she journeys for answers. Who is Michael? Why is he so important? What are these new bullets the Lycan’s have created. Bullets that can kill vampires. Most of all, her past, her flaw, which is what she has been told about her past, and what happened comes into play. She finds out she was lied to. The discovery leads her to fulfill her destiny. She discovers her true enemy is Victor, her mentor. She learns the truth. The warrior function overtakes her, and she defeats her enemy.

Shadow: Lucian

 Selene was told that Lycan’s killed her family. They are her sworn enemy. Lucian is the leader of the Lycans. HE is Selene’s sworn enemy. The very shadow of her past. Lucian is raising an army of Lycans to fight the vampires. His intention is true to the shadow of the vampires. Although his true story is not what has been told. He is a shadow that sacrifices himself to restore justice and revenge his love. A noble act for a shadow if I might say so. In this movie, He is the shadow throughout. Only in the end does his character shift roles.

Companion: Michael

 Michael is the companion to Selene. At first it is her questions the connect the two. She is investigating Michael. Michael is confused and has no idea why he has been involved into a world he did not even know existed. He too, is a seeker. Michael & Selene accompany each other, seeking answers. Michael discovers he has the blood able to handle two bites and is able to become a new creation. Both vampire and Lycan. Lucian’s plan to defeat Victor. Michael has a part to play in the hero’s journey. In the end, he helps Selene defeat Victor. He helps Selene, which means he is a true Companion.  

Mentor: Victor

 Victor is Selene’s mentor. This is twisty because he also turns out to be the true shadow in the end. His motives are his own, and he hides them well. Maybe a little too true to the cause he is. He has a flaw past that becomes his destruction. He plays the ruler well. He plays the Mentor fantastic. Turns out, he is the one who killed Selene’s family, and only spared her, because she reminded him of his daughter whom he lost because of her love for Lucian. Victor chose his rule, even over his daughter for the very same cause of Michael’s situation. He is the ruler and the mentor but shifts roles and becomes the true villain in the end.

Shapeshifter: Kraven

 Kraven is a shapeshifter. He knows the truths and has held his tongue. He loves Selene and is on her side. He also knows Lucian’s true story and is also on his side. His actions serve a self agenda. Kraven wants to overthrow Victor and become an elder himself. His loyalty is to the vampires, but also himself. He takes multiple position and sides; He is the shapeshifter.

PMAI:

Revolutionary: Singe (balanced)

 Singe plays a Doctor of Science, who is dedicated to the revolution against the Lycian’s. Although he seems more unbalanced in the beginning, due to his tactics, He does seem more balanced by the end with his loyalty to what is right. He recognizes the Lycan’s have a new weapon. He is not afraid to change when circumstances change. He seems 100 percent dedicated to the vampires, but when the truth is revealed, he sides with Selene, tell her to bite Michael. He sides with more than science; he sides with fate. His actions are true to the revolution. He is the revolutionary.

Ruler: Victor (balanced)

 Victor is awakened (called) when order is in chaos. He is summoned by Selene to restore order. Victor is 100 percent to the rules of order, but it appears he has alternative motives. Although his motives are not honorable, his character as a ruler is perfectly balanced. He is not afraid to take charge, call the shots, and regain order. He is strong, wise, and highly served by his loyal subjects. Although the truth (His flaw past) is revealed, He does take charge and rules the situation.

References:

UNDERWORLD 2003 | ACTION, FANTASY, SUSPENSE In the Underworld, Vampires are a secret clan of modern aristocratic sophisticates whose mortal enemies are the Lycans (werewolves), a shrewd gang of street thugs who prowl the city's underbelly. No one knows the origin of their bitter blood feud, but the balance of power between them turns even bloodier when a beautiful young Vampire warrior and a newly-turned Lycan with a mysterious past fall in love. Kate Beckinsale and Scott Speedman star in this modern-day, action-packed tale of ruthless intrigue and forbidden passion ­ all set against the dazzling backdrop of a timeless, Gothic metropolis.