Film Study: Functions of Myth

Joseph Campbell has discovered and written four basic functions of myth. Each one serves different aspects of information. The sociological function by Campbell, is the function of this report. Personally, I love each function, but especially Sociology, it set the rules, the laws, traditions, and customs to the world or story world. As I searched through my DVD collection, and skimmed my Netflix list, I found a movie called Zombieland. I decided to watch the movie from a research perspective. Trying to figure out if any myth function was detectable. The sociological function was more than apparent to spot.

Zombieland is the story of 4 survivors who survived a virus outbreak. Watching the citizens of their world turn into zombies, they find themselves on their own, with many obstacles and challenges. Everything is about survival in Zombieland. The world we knew, is gone. A new world presents itself. Are main character explaining his survival is based off a list of rules he has written to survive Zombieland. These rules apply, the movie uses sociological function. An example of this function can be found from the very beginning of the movie. The first four rules are the very intro of the movie. Rule #1 Cardio: says you must be in shape to outrun the zombies. You must outrun the zombies, or they will bite you. Rule #2 Double Tap: when in doubt, don't get stingy with your bullets. Make sure a zombie is completely dead. Once again, essential for survival. All the rules are for survival, except Rule #32: enjoy the little things.

The sociological function also indicates rulers. The rules and laws establish the rulers. Who they are, and why the rule. In Zombieland, the Ruler is you. There is no one to rule over you. Therefore, you must govern yourself. No rules! Surprisingly, the main character has established rules for himself in a world of no rules. These rules are based on survival. He has made these rules based on his experiences. A learn as you go process. This is why I find Zombieland so fascinating. A world designed with no rulers still has managed to set up rules with consequences. Absolutely fascinating, and unlike anything I have ever seen. A true masterpiece.

The Zombieland plot is a story of the hero’s journey. The main character started off alone, but realizes, he was lonely before the outbreak even happened. He is traveling back to his hometown to see if his parents are still alive. With little to no hope, just seeing a familiar face would be satisfying. On his journey he meets friends. Other people who have survived the outbreak. They too seem to be traveling and looking for something. Each character has their own story. The four become a family, and find out, they must rely on each other. Which is how the story ends after an epic zombie encounter at an infested amusement park battle. Totally epic movie.