STORY STUDY - MEDIUM: FILM - “Hancock”

Cynicism aside, when a superhero saves the city from some crime or disaster, they are praised by the people.

But what happens when the hero saves the day, and everyone, for legitimate reasons, complains when they do?

That’s the world that Hancock gives us.

Directed by Peter Berg, and written by Vince Gilligan and Vincent Ngo, Hancock is centered on John Hancock, an alcoholic superhero who does his job of stopping criminals in Los Angeles CA, but in doing so causes millions of dollars in property damage (THERE’S the cynicism in play). He has the power of flight, super-strength, and is bulletproof.

One day, he saves public relations spokesperson Ray Embry from being hit by a train. While everyone on site promptly blames Hancock for stopping the train by colliding with it (as opposed to picking up the car and flying it away), Ray steps in to defend Hancock for saving his life.

Ray offers to help Hancock improve his image. While he’s against the idea, Hancock knows it’s for the best for everyone.

That’s really all I can say without giving too much, but that’s really all there is to it.

Hancock does something different in that there is no real villain that goes on the similar journey as the hero, and then goes down a more sinister path. A villain does show up, but he shows up until half way through.

The film also takes advantage of the idea of a superhero interacting with humans not in awe, but with disgust. It even presents the idea of a superhero interacting with criminals he put away.

One of the key points of the film is Hancock “willingly” going to prison (for outstanding warrants). This is Ray’s plan to prove to him and Los Angeles that the city really does need him. Once he arrives, he is public enemy #1… for about 3 seconds when he demonstrates why you shouldn’t mess with a guy with superpowers. What he does is certainly one of the film’s biggest laughs.

Another element is the mythology of Hancock’s species. It’s clearly explained, but it’s only through dialogue so no flashback scenes or any visual aid. For me personally, it’s a unique backstory that I would like to see explored or showcased whether as a comic book or some other medium.

I vaguely recall how I came across this movie. I want to say that I saw the title, and it was about a superhero. Seeing the poster just made me confused even more. After all, it doesn’t give any kind of superhero vibe. However, once I read the premise (before the trailer came out), I was suddenly interested.

Hancock ultimately is a superhero character study film: an alcoholic superhero that lives in a trailer learning how to be a better hero, one that thinks logically and is not easily fueled by anger, which ultimately makes him a better person.