Chick 1 says:
Exciting! Another new series: Trope of the Week.
What is a trope? A trope is a device, motif, recurring theme, or even a cliche used in storytelling. It can be a character type, a specific line or style of dialogue, a plot device, even a type of location or set.
A trope itself is neither good nor bad. In fact, used appropriately it can be an effective tool. In storytelling, whether in literature or film or other media, a lot of information needs to be communicated to the audience without bogging down the pace with lots of backstory or exposition. A trope can be a kind of shorthand that the creator and audience have agreed on and recognize so the audience knows what to expect and can concentrate on more important parts of the plot.
When overused it can make the storytelling lazy or one dimensional. It then becomes a cliche and distracts from the story.
One of my favorite trope sources is the website tvtropes.org. It is a massive user-run collection of all tropes film, tv, literary, anime, video game, ad nauseum. I’m a bit of an addict.
This week’s trope is currently a popular one; the Manic Pixie Dream Girl. The Manic Pixie Dream Girl is, obviously, a female character type. She is pretty, spontaneous, non-conformist, and above all else, quirky. Cute and quirky are pretty much the two key ingredients for Manic Pixie Dream Girl. She is not usually the protaganist but is often used to rescue the male protaganist from his dull emotionless existence. She is full of the wonder of life and marvels at the delight that each moment holds.
The phrase was first used to describe Kirsten Dunst’s character in 2005′s Elizabethtown but the archetype has been around a lot longer than that, going all the way to Katherine Hepburn in Bringing Up Baby and back. Other Manic Pixie Dream Girls include Barbara Streisand in What’s Up Doc?, Sarah Jessica Parker in L.A. Story, Charlize Theron in Sweet November (with a twist of tragedy) and Natalie Portman in Garden State.
But the current reigning monarch of all Manic Pixie Dream Girls is Zooey Deschanel. Almost every role she plays, from (500) Days of Summer to Yes Man is some form of this type. Her new TV show New Girl (quite funny by the way) is almost entirely based on her embodiment of this archetype. On the flipside, a writer on this trope’s page points out that in Elf her character is pretty jaded and that Will Ferrell is actually the Manic Pixie Dream Guy.
Edit:(4/29/12) OK, this is what happens when I’m excited and I want to post an article. I post and then think about it and have more to say or correct. In regards to Zooey, she actually started out as the snarky best friend in movies like Abandon or Failure to Launch. In fact, her character was one of the few bright points in Failure. She only moved to Manic Pixie Dream Girl after movies mentioned above.
What Manic Pixie Dream Girls have you picked up on?
And now for your viewing pleasure, a couple of videos. First up, Zooey makes fun of her own reputation on SNL
And even better, the need to care for all these Manic Pixie Dream Girls roaming the streets has finally led to a home being set up for them. Enjoy.
4 Dirty Little Details About Inattentive ADHD
Medication Industry Inattentive ADHD Medication Industry who can prescribe adhd medication for adults
(Jenifer)
How Mini Car Key Cover Has Changed The History Of Mini Car Key Cover Replacement Key For A Mini Cooper
10 Mobile Apps That Are The Best For Car Key Locksmith Near
Me Locksmith For Car Keys
Five Killer Quora Answers On Strollers 3 Wheels Strollers 3 Wheels
Great tips. Regards.
007 casino royale смотреть online free online casino slots play olg online casino
Is Saab Keys As Vital As Everyone Says? how to get a saab replacement key (Natalia)
How To Outsmart Your Boss On Audi Car Keys Replacement replace Audi key
Where To Research Treat Anxiety Online anxiety treatment without Medication
10 Things You Learned In Preschool, That’ll Aid You In Attorneys For Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos Attorneys
It Is The History Of Treating Adult ADD In 10 Milestones non prescription adhd treatment (telegra.ph)
15 Of The Best Documentaries On Asbestos Attorneys Georgia mesothelioma Lawyers
What’s The Current Job Market For Replace Bifold Doors Professionals?
Replace Bifold Doors
“The Fridge-Freezer Awards: The Most Stunning, Funniest, And Weirdest Things We’ve Ever Seen Where To Buy Fridge Freezer
Why Wall Mounted Fireplace Should Be Your Next Big Obsession stone fireplaces
Honda Replacement Key Uk Isn’t As Tough As You Think honda accord key replacement Cost
How Do You Know If You’re Ready To Go After Treadmill Foldable Electric walking electric treadmill (Luke)
It’s The Complete Guide To Asbestos Attorneys asbestos Lawsuit
Ten Asbestos Attorneys That Really Change Your Life Asbestos Attorneys
Car Key Programming Near Me: 11 Things You’re Forgetting To Do
car keys cut and Programmed near Me
A Comprehensive Guide To In Wall Fireplace
From Start To Finish Stone Fireplaces
20 Myths About ADHD Diagnosis UK Private: Dispelled private Adhd assessment exeter
You’ll Never Be Able To Figure Out This Upvc Window Doctor’s Tricks upvc window Doctor
10 Quick Tips About Asbestos Exposure Attorney Asbestos
Attorneys (http://Www.Dermandar.Com)
12 Companies Leading The Way In Window Repairs upvc windows repairs near me
7 Simple Changes That Will Make A Big Difference In Your Treatments Of ADHD alternative treatments for adhd (Jerrell)
5 Things Everyone Gets Wrong In Regards To Car Keys Cut spare key cutting (Holley)
You’ll Never Guess This Bifold Door Repair Near Me’s Secrets
bifold Door repair Near me (Telegra.ph)
The 10 Most Scariest Things About Glass Repair Near Me double glazing glass
repair (Francine)
9 Lessons Your Parents Teach You About Electric Fireplace Suite UK Electric fireplace suite uk
How Do You Know If You’re Are Ready For Wood Burning Stove
For Sale Modern Wood Burning Stove
You’ll Never Guess This Private Adhd Assessment Near Me’s Tricks Adhd Assessment For Young Adults
Local Auto Locksmith: 10 Things I’d Like To Have Known In The Past cheap auto locksmith (nagievonline.com)
Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety And Depression Tools To Streamline Your Everyday Lifethe Only Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety And Depression Trick Every Individual Should Know best adhd medication for adults with anxiety and depression
5 Private ADHD Assesment Projects That Work For Any Budget Private assessment For adhd Uk
Is Wood Burning Stove As Vital As Everyone Says? outdoor woodburner stove
The Steve Jobs Of Repair Double Glazing Meet Your Fellow Repair Double Glazing Enthusiasts.
Steve Jobs Of The Repair Double Glazing Industry double glaze window Repair
Are Mesothelioma Not Caused By Asbestos As Vital As Everyone Says?
mesothelioma Lawsuit
10 Failing Answers To Common Toto 4d Questions: Do You Know The Right Ones?
토토사이트
The Complete Guide To Pragmatic Demo 프라그마틱 (Llamaturnip38.werite.net)
Guide To Built-In Electric Fire For Media Wall: The Intermediate Guide Towards
Built-In Electric Fire For Media Wall built-in electric fire for Media wall
What’s The Current Job Market For Bifold Door Seal Replacement Professionals?
bifold door seal replacement
What Experts Say You Should Be Able To Electric Fireplaces
What L Shaped Bunk Beds Uk Should Be Your Next Big Obsession Kids L Shaped Bunk Beds
Responsible For The Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Budget?
10 Fascinating Ways To Spend Your Money asbestos lawsuit
What’s The Job Market For Treadmill Foldable Electric Professionals?
treadmill foldable electric (Willysforsale.com)
See What Upvc Door Hinges Replacement Tricks The Celebs Are Making Use Of
Upvc Door Hinges Replacement (Parrott-Kronborg-2.Technetbloggers.De)
30 Inspirational Quotes About Vauxhall Zafira Key Fob
Replacement Replacement key for vauxhall movano
Why Electric Fireplace Wall Mounted Is More Difficult Than You Think wood Fireplace
The Best Automatic Folding Mobility Scooters Tricks To Transform
Your Life best automatic folding Mobility scooter – Bookmarkick.com -
11 “Faux Pas” That Are Actually OK To Create With Your ADHD Medication over the counter adhd
medication for adults (massey-short-3.technetbloggers.de)