Joshua Doerksen
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DAY 15 ASSIGNMENT #2 – PROFOUND DIALOGUE
Joshua Doerksen Builds Meaning with Dialogue!
WHAT I LEARNED DOING THIS ASSIGNMENT:
Profound dialogue itself is enhanced with its own separate arc and bolsters the profound truth of the story.
EMOTIONAL DIALOGUE – STORY ARC
1.) ONE MAN CAN CHANGE THE WORLD.
a.) Bill and Edward are in WWII Sweden where they have crashed their plane on a O.S.S. recon mission to secure intel on the Nordsk Heavy Water Plant. The young Brit Edward argues with Bill to stay put for rescue instead of infiltrating the Nazi guard to sabotage the plant and secure more significant info. Bill says the line and runs off toward the plant. Edward follows and they blow up the facility.
b.) Bill attends a meeting of the Board of Directors with an agenda to strategize significant change within the operation. A discussion becomes heated. Bill gives a speech and says the line. He wants to make a change in himself and his legacy.
2.) NOW I AM BECOME DEATH, DESTROYER OF WORLDS.
a.) Working on the Manhattan Project, Bill looks on the Trinity experiment from the safety of a bunker. We see a brilliant flash of light dissolve into a giant mushroom cloud in the reflection of thick green goggles. The goggles are removed from the man’s face as he hangs his head in somber thought and we hear the voice of Robert Oppenheimer O.S.: “Now I am become death, destroyer of worlds.”.
b.) A heated exchange between Dr. Pratt and her superior Dr. Wilhelm transpires where Cynthia is abhorred over the use of electroshock therapy on a troubled patient. The emotion is evident, and Cynthia retorts with the Oppenheimer quip for maximum impact, personalizing the quote with “YOU ARE”.
c.) Bill and Edward look over the construction site of the Bishop Foundation. Prior to Edward’s response of: “An old friend once told me “One Man Can Change the World””, Bill leaves Edward with his dying wish, a mandate that is to become the very mission of the Foundation itself. In explaining the enormous scope of the task, Bill says: “For you I give enormous challenge when I am become death, destroyer of worlds then will seek YOU.”. With this line Bill is passing the baton to Edward.
3.) THE ONLY CHOICE MY FRIENDS, IS IN YOUR HEARTS.
a.) In an R.A.F. briefing, Edward sits with his squadron who are indifferent to the mission parameters. There is commotion as pilots erupt over the danger being imposed by United States intelligence under the guidance of Bill Bishop. The Commander yells to gain control of the crowd and Bill informs the group that he will be flying also, assuming the same risk as them. Immediately, the Commander reminds Bill of specific orders to remain on ground. Bill swiftly disregards and addresses the squadron: “The only choice my friends, is within your hearts.”.
b.) In a special conclave meeting of the Board of Directors a motion is set for a vote on Bill Bishop’s capacity to remain as CEO. Edward has the power to take control as Senior Director, though a betrayal to Bill Bishop in its very message. Edward shows us his true character and leaves the meeting with an open call to morality: “The only choice my friends, is within your hearts.”.
c.) When faced with the decision to agree to settlement with the Board or risk all in legal challenge, Bill poses a question to his soon to be benefactors of responsibility and says the line. The question itself is a call to arms and acceptance of duty, and represents for Bill, victory in the face of defeat.
4.) I THINK WE MEET HEROES EVERY DAY AND NEVER KNOW.
a.) Returning home from war, Bill is summoned to Washington where he is debriefed by General Groves who exclaims: “Look at you son, you’re an American Hero!”. Bill, who was never comfortable with his contributions to the war effort but seen it as a necessary means to an end, and who knew that he could exploit his contributions for gain both financially and politically if he so desired, shows true character and resolve by renouncing accolades of any sort when he retorts: “I think we meet heroes every day and never know. I’m nothing of the sort Leslie. We did a job. Plain and simple. The heroes won’t be coming home. Honor them.”.
b.) Touring one of his manufacturing plants, Bill meets with some front-line workers. The Executive group is largely unimpressed with the function of hourly staff, but Bill has always been fond of the blue-collar men and women who work with their hands. He addresses a small group of workers on the assembly line who are eager to resume production. Bill offers them a small pep-talk thank you while standing near a visibly pregnant employee and says the line while putting his arm around her shoulder. The appreciation and respect Bill shows in this scene is indicative of his character roots and also lends depth to the guilt he carries over leaving his struggling family on the farm so at a young age.
c.) Bill has not fully participated in therapy throughout the observation period, though intrigued by Dr. Pratt, and takes advantage of a private moment while she is on her afternoon rounds.
Bill is desperate to impart his own compassionate soul and love for people, and in a very rare introspective delve into his psyche his conversation with Dr. Pratt turns to altruism. Bill eludes to the people he has admired in his past and then focuses in on Dr. Pratt herself: “I think we meet heroes every day and never know.”.
5.) BEWARE THE DOG – CAVE CANEM
a.) Climbing aboard the fighter plane with Bill, pilot Edward remarks about the mission briefing and how quickly Bill was able to change the mindset of the squadron from that of a suicide mission to a general enthusiasm of a viable offensive strike. Bill responds with a short quip about the fall of the Roman Empire. He delivers the line: “Even the most imposing armies have chinks in the armor; the fight you awaken in a man’s heart will expose them. Cave Canem.”. Edward quietly repeats the Latin phrase to himself and translates as he straps into his seat: “Beware the Dog.”.
b.) Looking on as Dr. Pratt and Dr. Wilhelm exchange a heated dialogue, Bill remarks to himself: “Cave Canem.”, which essentially aligns Cynthia to his own character and arc – Fight the Good Fight.
c.) Bill chooses to accept a settlement the Board has offered in the 11<sup>th </sup>hour. The choice for Bill to walk away is at odds with his ego which compels him always to fight. He gives the small speech before signing the offer, ending it with the line “Beware the Dog.”. Here we see Bill’s final transition, he has accepted loss and found victory in defeat. Also, it is a foreshadow to the Bishop Foundation and a new legacy – the fight of Bill Bishop endures.
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DAY 15 ASSIGNMENT – PROFOUND DIALOGUE
Joshua Doerksen’s Height of the Emotion!
WHAT I LEARNED DOING THIS ASSIGNMENT:
Poignant dialogue enhances profound storytelling through creation of maximum emotion.
EMOTIONAL MOMENTS
1.) BILL BISHOP ADMONISHES HIS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Bill attends a meeting of the Board of Directors with an agenda to strategize significant change within the operation. A discussion becomes escalated with passionate pleas from the executive group to reopen an advanced technology project that Bill has closed.
Bill is facing his own mortality, concerned with leaving behind a legacy of value. Amid this struggle he grapples with fear, guilt, remorse, loss, and failure.
BILL
Many years ago, one man had a dream.
One man made a promise to himself.
One man stood in the face of fire.
One man built a legacy.
That legacy will not die as a bunch of zeros sitting in a bank account somewhere!
(beat)
One man, gentlemen –
One man can change the world.
2.) BILL REALIZES COURAGE AND CONVICTION DRIVEN BY COMPASSION
At the Sanitarium, Bill is enthralled with the beautiful young Doctor Cynthia Pratt. He is intrigued by her perseverance and resolve.
Dr. Pratt is largely reticent to the challenges amongst piers and patients alike, yet fiercely resilient in her mission of helping others. Bill happens on a heated exchange between Dr. Pratt and her superior Dr. Wilhelm where Cynthia is abhorred over the use of electroshock therapy on a troubled patient. The emotion is evident, and the stakes are high for Cynthia. The Oppenheimer quip hearkens back to Bill’s remorse over his involvement with the Manhattan Project.
DR. PRATT
Shock the mind and torture the soul, that’s your cure?
Conformity?
(forcefully hands over electrical leads)
Now YOU are become death…
3.) EDWARD DEFENDS BILL TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
In a special conclave meeting of the Board of Directors a motion is set for a vote on Bill Bishop’s capacity to remain as CEO. As Senior Director, and Bill’s “right-hand man”, Edward carries some clout in this decision but also poses considerable threat to those opposed.
Although the decision is clear for Edward; he is a loyalist and has always placed principle over pride, there is an ominous tone in the Board that bothers him tremendously. Essentially, the dreams and hopes of Bill Bishop are being exploited to maneuver a coup d’état.
EDWARD
My fellow Directors, I believe we all know why I am called to speak now. This Board hears not my words, rather compels my decision. You seek formality.
(stands up from the table)
The only choice my friends, is within your hearts.
4.) BILL EXPLORES HIS PAST WITH DR. PRATT
Bill has not fully participated in therapy throughout the observation period, and he well knows that his “assessment” is largely predetermined. Bill did not expect, however, to become so enthralled with Dr. Pratt, and takes advantage of a rare private moment while she is on her afternoon rounds.
Bill is desperate to impart his own compassionate soul and love for people to his benefactors and is struggling to accomplish the feat in spite of his legacy. His conversation with Dr. Pratt turns to altruism.
BILL
I think we meet heroes every day and almost always never know.
5.) BILL ACCEPTS DEFEAT
Bill receives news from the lawyer that the Board has offered a settlement in the 11<sup>th</sup> hour before the Circuit Court renders its looming decision on Bishop Enterprises.
The choice for Bill to walk away quietly with control of his project and shareholder wealth is at odds with his ego, which compels him to fight for all that he has built in preserving a Bishop legacy.
BILL
I suppose the fight of the dog is not measured by bones alone. The greatest victory is won without war.
(quietly)
Beware the Dog.
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DAY 14 ASSIGNMENT – PROFOUND MOMENTS – IRONY DELIVERS INSIGHT
Joshua Doerksen Delivers Irony!
WHAT I LEARNED DOING THIS ASSIGNMENT:
I found opportunities for developing irony within my screenplay that existed in many of the identified conflicts. By accentuating these ironies, the audience is engaged in a subliminal deciphering of them which essentially lends to developing the profound truth of the movie.
IRONIES:
1.) Bill fights to keep the Board of Directors from developing a program that could save his own company from a terrible fate yet losing his own company restores his true legacy and saves Bill from a fate he personally considered worse than death.
2.) Bill can see in Dr. Pratt both the traits of the person he considers himself to be and the traits of the person that he wants to become.
3.) Edward’s loyalty to Bill is evident in a friendship that Bill values for being one of few in his life that were truly non-transactional, although actually is.
4.) Bill’s great successes in life are built on a perseverance through loss. Bill’s redemption of soul and spiritual growth will come through embracing that loss.
5.) Bill will realize true victory through defeat.
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DAY 13 ASSIGNMENT – PROFOUND MOMENTS – CONFLICT DELIVERS INSIGHT
Joshua Doerksen’s Delivers Insights Through Conflict
WHAT I LEARNED DOING THIS ASSIGNMENT:
I was able to find telling scenes in my screenplay that were lacking in excitement or intrigue and enhance the power of those insightful moments through the development of conflict.
CONFLICTS:
1.) POWER STRUGGLE
In the opening, a Board of Directors meeting is held to discuss an impending crisis predicted by the members and a mitigating plan to weather the storm in a critical business plan shift. The plan involves the reopening of a promising Technology Program that Bill seemingly killed without explanation.
We do not understand what the Program truly entails but the Board’s proposal to pursue its development includes details of interested parties including government and military. The conflict is set with Bill at odds against all interested parties for reasons we know only are very personal in nature.
The Power Struggle develops an intrigue into the true nature of Bill and the program itself.
2.) SELF-PRESERVATION
Dr. Pratt is a woman in a field of study predominantly comprised of men. The misogyny present in the workplace is evident even more so where Cynthia is a “trailblazer” of sorts, one of very few women forging their way into a position once largely considered impossible for women to hold, an “old-boys club” even.
Within the hierarchy of the hospital (established practice of medicine in general) Dr. Pratt is ostracized in every circle, from male colleagues to female counterparts in nursing, and from an administration who are all men.
Self-Preservation develops the true nature of Dr. Pratt and endears her character to the audience by way of perseverance.
3.) DILEMMA
Edward sets himself at odds with the Board of Bishop Enterprises with his staunch defense of Bill in a private meeting held without the Director. Edward’s loyalty to Bill, although an internal conflict, provides insight into his true nature and character and offers the audience a reason to like Bill through intrigue of this friendship. The conflict sets the stage for dilemma between pride and principle.
4.) LOSS
We learn through Bill’s journey in observation that despite his many successes lie great pain. This pain is not fully recognized, rather suppressed, by Bill and is expressed in his grief and guilt in the loss of his family relationships to his most recent friendship with Alan Turing (whom he could not save).
We are thus able to establish empathy for Bill with the audience in the conflict he has in confronting the pain of his life, a conflict he fights internally with emotions and resolve, and through confrontation with Dr. Pratt who recognizes the sad truth inside him.
5.) DEFEAT
Bill must experience defeat and accept it fully in a course to realize victory of self. The choice to give up a legal action (fight) for control of his company, leads to a settlement which solidifies the foundation for his legacy which he wanted most of all.
The conflict, again internal, is expressed through an all or nothing tenet that is challenged through conflict to bring about the profound truth that “A true legacy is one person making a difference in the world.”.
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DAY 12 ASSIGNMENT #2 – PROFOUND MOMENTS – ACTION DELIVERS INSIGHT
Joshua Doerksen’s Turn’s Insights into Action
WHAT I LEARNED DOING THIS ASSIGNMENT:
I have learned to practice bringing the profound moments in my writing through action where possible and to revisit all scenes that rely on dialogue to find a suitable actionable alternative. Actions truly speak louder than words in most cases.
NEW WAYS/ACTIONS:
1.) BILL REALIZES HIS PAIN THROUGH ANOTHER.
Bill agrees to undergo a psychiatric evaluation at a prestigious hospital to prove his mental clarity and ability to continue as Director of his own company. Although the stakes are incredibly high for Bill, his pride and ego hold him back from participating fully in the process and from an analytic standpoint, Bill is doing himself no favors. Throughout his initial therapy with the doctors Bill notices an attractive young therapist with whom he has no contact. Through a series of scenes in which Bill is resistant to his therapists and the general idea of being observed, Bill is himself observing Dr. Pratt. He sees her struggling to relate with co-workers, he sees her fighting back emotions in the face of misogyny, he sees her compassion for her patients (fellow man), he sees her working harder than everyone else to prove herself worthy in a profession dominated by men, and in all of this he sees his own character and PAIN mirrored in her actions, and he finally makes an attempt to talk to her.
2.) BILL SHARES THE GRIEF OF HIS PAST.
A private conversation with Dr. Pratt after a night terror reveals a horrifying memory that has haunted Bill for years. The event is recalled in flashback to the Manhattan Project and the Trinity experiment. An explosion is seen in the reflection of the viewers goggles from a bunker. The solemn expression in the aftermath of the successful detonation shows us a disconnect with the advances of scientific discovery and the ethics of war. News reel footage of the Atomic Bomb being loaded and delivered to the South Pacific and then the mushroom cloud image over Hiroshima dissolve into a defense department meeting at Los Alamos. Bill is present at the military presentation reviewing the devastation of the bomb on Hiroshima through classified film footage and pictures. Bill becomes violently ill at the sight of burnt men, women, and children and must leave the secure room. In his personal barracks, Bill burns a military credential associated with Bishop Enterprises.
3.) BILL ACKNOWLEDGES HIS GUILT/FAMILY ABANDONMENT.
Bill is sitting outside on the grounds of the hospital watching an old caretaker, close to his age, tending to the yard. With all the comings and goings of patients, doctors, aides and visiting families, Bill remains intently focused on the hard-working man. Suddenly, the keeper falls to the ground clutching his chest. Bill stands from the bench to cry out for help amidst the commotion of trying to shield patients from the emergency. Bill fights off an orderly trying to stay with the old-man and falls limp to the bench where he was sitting as medics stop working.
In a later scene, Dr. Pratt asks Bill about his feelings in that moment and Bill recalls his leaving the farm at an early age to follow his dreams, and later his drive to continue success in business at the expense of his family, culminating in the fear of his death without righting the wrongs he feels most guilty.
4.) BILL EXPRESES THE ANGER OF LOSS.
In a group therapy session, the discussion turns to homosexual ideologies and the doctor redirects to infer the “immorality” and “affliction” of same-sex oriented peoples. At the onset of the conversation Bill looks at a gold ring he wears on his right hand, a ring which we see in an earlier scene given him by Alan Turing. Bill is turning red in the face and writhing in anger as the conversation turns into a derogatory homophobic diatribe and Bill furiously throws his chair across the room and must be restrained.
5.) BILL CREATES A NEW LEGACY IN THE FACE OF DEFEAT.
When Bill’s lawyer comes to the hospital with Edward to bring news of the settlement offer from the Board and to recommend acceptance of that offer in the fear of losing all to the judgement of the court, Bill says not a word.
Instead, Bill produces a gold pen from his breast pocket and hands it to Edward, essentially passing the baton and cementing the future of his legacy with firmly with Edwards judgement.
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DAY 12 ASSIGNMENT #1 – PROFOUND MOMENTS – ACTION DELIVERS INSIGHT
Joshua Doerksen’s Seabiscuit Analysis
WHAT I LEARNED DOING THIS ASSIGNMENT:
Largely a reinforcement of the previous lesson where action on the screen (“show don’t tell”) presentation lends to a much more profound audience experience than dialogue alone.
PROFOUND MOMENTS:
1. Tom Smith saves a frenzied horse from being killed.
Tom looks into the soul of the animal through its eyes, and we the audience, experience empathy in the kindness of the act, the gentle heart of Tom that calms the horse in a moment of fear and crisis, the cruel reality of human nature, and a spiritual oneness with life in all forms.
2. Charles is brought wheels in the factory to repair and remarks at the poor quality while dreaming of a better life.
When Charles quips: “they ought to build a better spoke” and receives the retort: “then what would you do?” he is provoked to thought and forced to decision. He can play it safe to survive a life of mediocrity or he can embrace his inner-drive and risk failure to achieve a life of fortune.
The risk is profound where business is nil for Charles bicycle shop. The pursuit of success is evident in a profound risk to attempt a repair of the Stanley Steamer and improve upon its design without prior experience. The reward is profound in building a fortune on speed and racing.
3. The meeting of Tom and Charles by the campfire.
Charles asks Tom what he saw in the horse he had saved. The audience can experience the emotion that Tom has around his love of horses and his value of all life. It is evident here that Charles has the same value of life and a spiritual appreciation of Tom’s unique gift. The lasting impression in dialogue “You know, you don’t throw a life away just ‘cause he’s banged up a little” resonates with the profound truth of the movie – second chances.
4. Annie Howard leaves Charles after struggling to clean the porch of her son’s spilled blood.
The visual lifeblood of her son lends us to feel with Annie in her grief, pain, anger, and resentment over the loss of a child. Further, Annie looking back at Charles as she leaves the ranch forever is a moment we empathize with them both, and the ranch itself becomes a living metaphor for second chances.
5. Red Pollard is left with Mr. Blodget to utilize his gift with horses and an opportunity for a better life.
The Great Depression was a profound reality in the United States for many families and its impact is reflected here in the desperation of Red’s parents. A devastating decision to all, and one that aligns Red to the story’s profound truth.
6. Unable to watch, Charles leaves the bull fight for a smoke.
We empathize with Charles in the idea of death of the bull representing loss in both marriage and child, but we also find in the moment a value of life, not just of the bull but of a life lived. Charles second chance is profoundly found out on the balcony where he meets his true love, Marcella.
7. Tom realizes that Seabiscuit needs Red.
Tom sees the same fight in the heart of both Seabiscuit and Red as each fight off multiple men at the same time.
8. Red and Seabiscuit lose by a nose at the S.A. Handicap.
Red realizes with Seabiscuit that they can win.
Red recognizes that Seabiscuit’s second chance is also his second chance.
9. Charles arguing with the surgeon over Red’s shattered leg.
Charles can do for Red what he could not for his own son, yet his own personal drive to win and his wants for Red cloud his perception of the surgeon’s news that Red will walk again, despite him never being able to race again.
The profound truth of second chances is further aligned with Red when Seabiscuit himself injures a leg. From injuries to blindness, love, loss, fear… the movie supplants second chances with multiple chances and furthers the truth of the movie to endless possibility of spirit in the face of limitation.
10. Red builds a brace to again ride Seabiscuit.
The ending is profound here
in many ways, although not simply for the winning of a race. The movie does not
have the luxury of surprise here as this is a historical account and we do know
the ending. What I find profound is a cumulative win across the transformational
characters. Charles has found second chances in life, love, and family, as does
Marcela. Tom has found second chances in life and love from the humble life of
an overlooked horse caretaker to a professional racing coach with a family and
surrounded with love. Red and Seabiscuit have both found purpose through their
second and third chances and their transformation is not in perseverance alone,
it is in the unrelenting spirit, trust and love that propels them to victory
and inspires the country. -
DAY 11 ASSIGNMENT – CHALLENGING OLD WAYS – LIVING METAPHORS
Joshua Doerksen’s Living Metaphors
WHAT I LEARNED DOING THIS ASSIGNMENT:
The importance of metaphor is largely through a “show don’t tell” premise which lends to much more profound tone than limiting the story to dialogue alone.
SHOULD WORK BUT DOESN’T WORK CHALLENGES
1. The Board of Directors recommend the reversal of a decision made by Bill on the Turing Tech Program.
OLD WAYS: Bill’s stubborn resolve.
CHALLENGE: Bill must defend his leadership.
2. Bill refuses the Board to reexamine the TTP Data.
OLD WAYS: Bill’s angry tirade. Fear.
CHALLENGE: Bill must defend his mental capacity.
Bill must agree to a psychiatric assessment to defend his leadership/protect his legacy.
3. Bill tries to impress upon Dr. Pratt his stature and genius.
OLD WAYS: Bill manipulates situations to his whim.
CHALLENGE: Dr. Pratt sees through the Bill’s façade.
Bill must truly be open to the process and trust another person to save himself.
4. Board of Directors litigate to remove Bill as CEO.
OLD WAYS: Bill fights to win the day in court.
CHALLENGE: The law is not strong in Bill’s favor.
Bill must accept the risk of losing it all.
5. Dr. Wilhelm provides a negative assessment of Bill’s mental health and capacity to operate as CEO.
OLD WAYS: Bill strategizes to out-maneuver adversaries.
CHALLENGE: Bill is out of time and options.
Bill must adapt quickly and settle his case before a judgement ruling.
LIVING METAPHOR CHALLENGES
6. The Psychiatric Dept. represents Bill’s genius – it is alive and present yet not truly understood by the outside world.
OLD WAYS: Bill’s standing “above” the masses.
CHALLENGE: Bill must realize his similarities to and join the masses.
7. Dr. Pratt is the personification of struggle. Her perseverance has won her position but there is the idea that as a trailblazer in her field, any satisfaction she may derive will come from herself. Others will benefit from her sacrifice before any recognition may be paid.
OLD WAYS: Bill recognizes in Dr. Pratt his own struggles – both old and new.
CHALLENGE: Bill is faced with the true meaning of legacy and selflessness in his struggles to gain relationship and understanding with Dr. Pratt. Each will learn from the other.
8. The Turing Tech Project is a manifestation of Fear, Guilt Pride and Failure to Bill.
OLD WAYS: Bill was friends with Alan Turing through his trials and ultimately to his untimely death. The two shared a genius that while different, complimented the other inexorably in the advancement of Artificial Intelligence.
CHALLENGE: Bill must come to recognize that the limitations of his friend are not his own, and that the Program itself does not define their friendship or his failure. Bill must grieve his loss and accept that even genius minds cannot escape its traumatic effect. Bill must accept his limitations, his reality, and his mortality through therapy.
9. Edward is the undying support and loyalty Bill does not have in his familial relationships. He will become the patriarch of a lasting legacy.
OLD WAYS: Bill left his family farm at a young age largely abandoning his responsibilities. Though successful and a good provider, Bill perpetuated the example for his wife, daughter, and son, where work and success came before duty to family.
CHALLENGE: Bill does not want his legacy to reflect his mistakes but the good that came of them.
10. B.E.R.T. – the experimental A.I. platform is a programmed statutory of every value held dear to Bill.
OLD WAYS: B.E.R.T. is the perfected vision of the values and morals that Bill wished he had come to earlier in life. The technology is advanced beyond anything currently known and presents a danger if allowed to be exploited.
CHALLENGE: Bill must learn to trust humanity if he truly wants to help humanity, and his creation, if protected from perversion, can work to that end.
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DAY 10 ASSIGNMENT – CHALLENGING OLD WAYS – COUNTEREXAMPLES
Joshua Doerksen’s Counterexamples
WHAT I LEARNED DOING THIS ASSIGNMENT:
The subtlety of Counterexamples in challenging character complexity can be more powerful than the action itself.
I.) OLD WAYS: LEGACY IS POWER
CHALLENGES:
The Board of Directors essentially condemn the current state of Bishop Enterprises pointing to slow decline in market standing and questioning Bill’s capacity as Director.
Bill lambastes the Board for placing the priority of economics over principle, which is a sentiment contrary to their executive function. Bill asserts his mandate:
“I want the Bishop name to mean more than a fancy sign on a skyscraper! I want to know that Bishop Enterprises means more than a trust fund I left behind when I’m gone!”.
The challenge is to Bill’s definition of legacy.
COUNTEREXAMPLES:
The Board of Directors of Bishop Enterprises have lost trust in Bill’s leadership capabilities and strategize to remove him as Director. This is a direct Action/Consequence of Bill’s stalwart resolve to follow his own beliefs despite the feelings of others.
II.) OLD WAYS: FEAR. PRIDE.
CHALLENGES:
Bill vehemently squashes the prospect of reexamining the Turing Tech Program citing his original decision; the viability of the research itself and the instability of experimental technology. It is a departure from his earlier thinking and a decision born of fear – possibly even guilt and remorse.
COUNTEREXPAMPLES:
The Board believes the TTP is the right course of action to survive a dynamic market shift of the 1970’s. Though the hallmark of the company has always been progressive forward thinking in technology advancement, Bill is resistant to explore the option that seems most aligned with the company’s mission and likely to solidify a legacy on which it was founded. Bill’s past behavior is mirrored by his own Board of Directors.
III.) OLD WAYS: RELATIONSHIPS ARE TRANSACTIONAL.
CHALLENGES:
The Board has taken the action to remove Bill as Director of his own company questioning his mental capacity. This action reinforces for Bill the idea that loyalties run thin where money and power are threatened.
COUNTEREXAMPLES:
Edward stands alone in defending Bill to the Board. He places his loyalty above all else in what he truly believes to be just. Edward’s resolve in this matter is remarkable, and it demonstrates to Bill what he had not previously recognized in his personal life.
CHALLENGES:
Dr. Pratt is simply unimpressed by status or influence with respect to Bill. She can see beyond his genius and stoic façade through to a fragility of heart. The foundation of this relationship, of which his entire working legacy hangs in the balance, cannot be purchased or manipulated.
COUNTEREXAMPLES:
Bill sees in Dr. Pratt the struggle of success he so often persevered himself. Though he has experienced the gentle, compassionate care of Dr. Pratt, he recognizes the misinterpretation of her cold exterior like posture within the confines of the rigid institutional domain.
IV.) JUSTICE IS EQUITABLE FOR ALL. IGNORANCE.
CHALLENGES:
When forced to decide whether to fight for his company or his soul, Bill not only learns to define true legacy, he realizes a truth he had long overlooked: justice is not always equitable.
COUNTEREXAMPLES:
In fighting for his company Bill is presented with a victory he would not normally have seen as such. The settlement offered by the Board essentially represents all that he currently values yet everything he would have previously resented. Bill prevails in his fight without fighting at all.
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DAY 9 ASSIGNMENT #2 – SHIFTING BELIEF SYSTEMS
Joshua Doerksen’s Old Ways Challenge Chart
WHAT I LEARNED DOING THIS ASSIGNMENT:
I further defined my story’s profound truth through fully exposing or developing the Old Ways and Challenges. My story gained depth on a more subliminal or intellectual level.
OLD WAYS:
Legacy is Power.
CHALLENGE:
Bill Bishop is confounded with the idea of legacy. His principles and work ethic are without question, yet his name represents little more to the world than wealth and power. When control of his corporation is threatened the Old Ways are challenged in the sense that Bill must defend himself despite having spent a lifetime proving himself. Money and power alone will not save him from being removed from the Directorship of his own company and the stigma of mental health where his own stability is concerned impacts the very idea of his legacy.
OLD WAYS:
Relationships are Transactional.
CHALLENGE:
Bill has come to believe in life that relationships are little more than transactional and that love, especially in his personal life, follow suit. This notion is challenged when he is presented with Dr. Pratt and Edward’s loyalty – a loyalty that is based on principle over pride and love of Bill’s character. Bill’s idea of what solidifying a legacy actually represents to him (inner-peace and absolution of guilt and remorse), is challenged by the idea of character.
OLD WAYS:
Justice is Equitable for All. Pride. Ignorance.
CHALLENGE:
Bill’s values of Justice and Equality are challenged when he is on the outside looking in. Through that challenge he realizes a true passion for Justice and the Law while redefining his definition of legacy; one person can make positive change.
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DAY 9 ASSIGNMENT #1 – SHIFTING BELIEF SYSTEMS
Joshua Doerksen’s 12 Angry Men Analysis
WHAT I LEARNED DOING THIS ASSIGNMENT:
Each paradigm shift in a movie need not be necessarily “action packed”, in fact the more profound shifts are subtle and introspective where it challenges our own personal beliefs on a much more internal level.
OLD WAYS:
Assumption of Guilt, General Disinterest of Jury Duty.
CHALLENGE:
When Henry Fonda initially stands alone before 11 opposed jury mates, he does not stand for the blind defense of a defendant, but for defense of the value a human life – all human life.
Fonda challenges the Constitutional obligations of his fellow jurors to establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. In this action he is not only challenging their Old Ways but also the societal impacts that those old ways or beliefs might have on society as a whole and ultimately, in democracy.
OLD WAYS:
Prejudice/Racism, Ignorance, Lacking Sense of Duty.
CHALLENGE:
The Non-Guilty jurors are dispelling the myth that social inequity does not exist in the U.S.A., or even further, in their own back yards. As comments of “bad neighborhoods” and “those people” flourish within arguments of a Guilty verdict, they ironically challenge the same. The idea that children of the day are less disciplined, did not “call their father Sir”, or could benefit from the tougher Old Ways of parenting is a profound statement that the Old Ways were not so great and were even traumatic to some of the men of the jury in their own youth.
OLD WAYS:
Assumption, Complacency.
CHALLENGE:
The “Knife” represents morality in general. The idea that the illegal switchblade was so rare perpetuates the Old Ways or idea of a complacent people that life is not changing, and that there is not disparity and injustice in America that predicates violence. Producing an identical blade merely shatters the perception of a morally sound and safe society while profoundly washing away that ignorance.
The testimony of witnesses proves the existence of bias and prejudice where people have exploited their values, choosing vanity and public exposure or attention at the expense of human life, simply because of race of color.
The blind faith in the Defense Attorney represents complacency in the Justice System or the Democratic System as a whole. The 11 Non-Guilty jurors initially take the haphazard “ignorance is bliss” attitude with respect to the Defendant having had his day in court and fair representation, thus negating their obligation to deliberate the case on its merits themselves. The Old Ways are challenged as the faults are exposed with the representation and interpretation of evidence and it re-enforces the idea of a checks and balances system that requires each citizen to do their part. In this, their duty as an American itself is challenged, and the idea of every man’s singular contribution or duty to society is established as the New Way.
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DAY 8 ASSIGNMENT – PROFOUND ENDINGS
Joshua Doerksen’s Profound Ending
WHAT I LEARNED DOING THIS ASSIGNMENT:
There is a metaphor in my profound ending that I had not seen evident in building the structure of the screenplay. Through analyzing the profound ending by way of defining the Transformational Changes, scenes became much clearer in purpose to proliferate the shift of thought that support the New Way of Life to be revealed.
A.) PROFOUND TRUTH
– True legacy is ONE person making a difference.
– In the end, Bill Bishop gives up the fight in court, resigns as CEO of his company, agreeing to a settlement. The settlement provides a division of resources that would indefinitely fund the “Bishop Foundation”, whose charter stipulates and advocacy for issues as determined by Bill Bishop and a new chosen Board. Bill installs Edward as the Director, seemingly giving up only actually showing that his trust in others and his support of those endeavors that may help generations to come will be his legacy.
B.) THE CHANGE
– Bill is at ease with his sense of legacy, and his outlook is not focused on his mortality – rather the knowledge that he will be leaving a lasting impression through helping others.
– Bill has learned to let go of the things he cannot control and to accept those realities as his own.
– Dr. Pratt has realized her own strength and courage through Bill Bishop. Though her direction remains the same, her resolve is further solidified, and she learns to pick her battles. She accepts her role as a “trailblazer” of sorts and that her life and mission will not be perfect, but they will make things better for those to come after her.
– Edward’s convictions grow stronger through the inspiration, his mission becomes clear and his sense of purpose is renewed. His loyalty, integrity, and passion remain intact and he is full of gusto again.
C.) PAYOFFS
– “Turing Tactical”, the A.I. project Bill was protecting stays secure within his Bishop Foundation.
– Bill’s guilt and horror around his participation in the Atomic Bomb is mitigated by his renewed sense of legacy to advocate for people who could not otherwise do so for themselves.
– Dr. Pratt wins a moral victory over her superior Dr. Wilhelm, and though it may make things more difficult for her in her future, she has gained the respect and admiration of her colleagues and co-workers.
– Edward is rewarded for his loyalty to Bill, although with responsibility and a renewed sense of purpose, and that proves to be the greatest reward he could hope for.
D.) SURPRISING
– In the finale we expect to see Bill Bishop dying, but he does not. Rather, he “walks off into the sunset” secure in the knowledge that he has done the right thing for himself and others.
– The Board of Directors relent in their pursuit of the “Turing Tactical” project and slowly change their focus on re-inventing the Bishop brand by acknowledging some of the very genius in Bill Bishop that they were once so opposed.
– Dr. Pratt confesses her profound love for Bill (in a paternal way) which Bill reciprocates, eluding to the daughter he has no relationship with. In doing so, Cynthia and Bill share very painful and personal memories which in turn brings their relationship full circle.
– We learn what the “Turing Tactical” Project really is, and that it’s future is far from over.
E.) PARTING IMAGE/LINE
– Bill Bishop shakes hands with Edward as he is getting into his car to drive away from the Bishop Foundation. Bill is passing the baton to Edward. Bill has not only shown his resiliency and true character at this point and has now shown that he has accepted the idea of relinquishing control in his life. His trust of Edward is manifest in the actions of driving off into the sunset, and his last words to Edward – the same words spoken by Edward to Bill in a previous scene from a battle in WWII – “It only takes ONE.”.
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DAY 8 ASSIGNMENT – CONNECTING WITH AUDIENCES
Joshua Doerksen’s Connection With Audience
WHAT I LEARNED DOING THIS ASSIGNMENT:
I was very surprised to learn more myself about my characters as I defined each their personalities. Though the categorical descriptions seemingly wrote themselves, I felt I gained a much more intimate knowledge of each and I found that scenes started to develop for my story in that alone. I also learned that each of the categories are somehow linked to the other in aligning with an audience connection and it helps to define each character’s transformational journey in that process.
INTENTIONAL CHARACTERS:
Bill Bishop
Dr. Cynthia Pratt
Edward Mullins
A.) RELATABILITY:
Bill – Although wealthy and a man of a dying generation, he is self-made, a hard-worker, and appreciates blue-collar grit and perseverance. He is challenged with having to again prove himself to others, dealing with mortality and leaving behind a legacy.
Bill’s wealth and age are apparent in the opening where he tours his own manufacturing plant. His appreciation of line workers over executives show us an appreciation for an “honest day’s work” and being in touch with the common man.
Still within the opening scenes, Bill expresses his “waning time on this earth” and want to “leave behind something more than a trust fund or fancy sign on a building with my name on it!”, when he defends the status of his company to the Board.
Cynthia – A survivor who scrapped and struggled to gain her position and continues to do so after attaining her degree and “earning her star”.
We meet Cynthia later in the story (Act IIa), arguing with her superior over a treatment protocol for a patient. We see that she is scrappy and unafraid to stand-up for what is right. Also, that she can hold her ground in a time, and in a profession, where few other women could or did.
Edward – From the opening board meeting scene, Edward is uneasy with the executive assessment and condemnation of the current state of business at Bishop Enterprises. He is older, although not as old as Bill, and he does not have the same authority, though he has his own strong morals and has been loyal to the company for many years.
Edward represents a character who has some authority but is careful where to use it. He must discern where best to tread and it usually lay somewhere in the middle-ground despite his true beliefs. His strong moral beliefs come to light when he finally stands up to defend Bill from the attack of the Board and later resigns to align with Bill completely.
B.) INTRIGUE
Bill – From the opening we know little of Bill other than he is wealthy, powerful, aging, and in jeopardy of losing his company to the sharks of the corporate world. We see his vast empire and fortune in the sprawling grounds and buildings and the influence he has within, but the intrigue stems from how he came to be.
Bill’s history is eluded to by Edward when coming to his defense in the Board Meeting and cites his shared history with Bill who has “done many great things in his lifetime, including building this very corporation from sweat and dirt!”. We don’t know the entire story in the first 30 minutes, but surely know there is more.
Cynthia – Although we see Cynthia as a fighter, we also see her “compose” herself after confrontation with authority – her eyes tell a story of hurt. And where she fiercely advocates for her patients behind the scenes, her compassion for her patients up front and personal seems a little distant or guarded. We are not fully sure just where she came from, if she is simply cold or limited, or exactly what she is trying to “prove” in this lifetime.
Edward – Aligned with Bill, we know little of his origin in the first 30 minutes, but we understand it to be closely linked. Bill is British and has a strong accent yet makes a remark of serving with Bill in WWII on a C.S.S. mission. We do not have all the details, but there is a story in that alone.
C.) EMPATHY
Bill – From the beginning we empathize with Bill: one man ganged up on by an entire boardroom. He walks slowly with a cane and looks fatigued which makes his age not only evident, but of some consequence to him. His board is trying to assume control of a business that he worked a lifetime to build, in turn taking something away from him when he already is losing in life.
Cynthia – Away from the scenes (superiors, colleagues, and patients), Dr. Pratt is woefully alone. We see very little support from fellow doctors. Nurses (all women) are kept at a distance from what seems a mandated hierarchal division of the day in the medical field. We sense that she is hurting on another level as well, and yet wants to do good for all her patients. We want to feel sad for her struggles and her loneliness.
Edward – Alone on an island seems to describe Edward best. He has opinion and a very strong sense of morality but little authority to exercise either. In a time of relative precarity he is definitely between a rock and a hard place, forced into decision between his laurels and livelihood.
D.) LIKABILITY
Bill – We like Bill almost instantly from the moment he arrives at his company driving in his own car while his executives arrive in limos. From the interaction we see between him and his staff he is a man’s man. Despite his vast wealth and corporate power, he places little interest in the executive function of his company, and this makes him relatable to us. He is also liked by others we relate to ourselves. That he has resources beyond our comprehension yet seems not at all pretentious in that regard is endearing. We see him as genuine and sincere.
Cynthia – Dr. Pratt is bright and beautiful and if not for a very intentional “professional style” she would most definitely be a bombshell! We like her from the instant we see her because her beauty shines through her pain and vulnerability, and where she could win over almost anyone by virtue alone, she has far too much integrity to do so. She is kind and caring in her own distant way, though not untenable, and we feel as though we want to “save” her as much as she saves others.
Edward – Mr.
Mullins is suave, polished, and pure. He has
a baritone voice that when paired with his accent gives him instant credibility and lends to his intelligence. Humility is omnipresent with him in his
actions, his polite way with service
staff and the like, and his loyalty to friends
and convictions alike. We see this in the way he runs to Bill’s defense and quickly takes up stake in the battle of a lifetime. -
DAY 6 ASSIGNMENT – TRANSFORMATIONAL STRUCTURE
Joshua Doerksen’s Transformational Structure
WHAT I LEARNED DOING THIS ASSIGNMENT:
I found that my story was dis-jointed without “proper” structure and that as I better defined gradients the story developed a different tone and flow. I also discovered that my Change Agent and Transformational Characters were not correctly identified and I realized the benefits and possibilities to fluidity and flexibility within the story itself.
LOGLINE: An aging and eccentric, wealthy industrialist must fight the Board of Directors of his own company to prove his sanity and preserve his legacy.
CHANGE AGENT: Board of Directors (Bishop Enterprises)
TRANSFORMATIONAL
CHARACTERS: William “Bill” Bishop
Dr. Cynthia Pratt (Psychiatrist)
MINI MOVIE 1 – STATUS QUO AND CALL TO ADVENTURE
We start at the sprawling grounds of Bishop Enterprises, where it all began for the proud Bill Bishop, who is touring the facility led by a group of executives with white coats, hardhats and clipboards. Bill is well liked in the factory, smiling and waiving to various workers and shaking hands with others.
The tour makes its way to an executive room of the Research and Development wing where a presentation is waiting.
“1977; the dawn of a new age – THE COMPUTER AGE!”
The Board of Directors deliver a pitch for a strategic business shift using their example of the manufacturing plant, emphasizing the “outdated” and “obsolete” processes in practice and the need to re-invent the Bishop brand. They are in agreement to re-open an Artificial Intelligence program that Bill had ordered closed.
Bill is infuriated by the reproof of his company and the question of his vision. He lambastes the Board with a visceral tirade in defense, setting him at odds with the executive body.
CHANGE AGENT: Board of Directors – Bishop Enterprises
T.C.(s): Bill Bishop, Plant Workers, Dr. Pratt
OLD WAYS: Rigid, Proud, Unapologetically Focused
VISION: To “Re-invent the Bishop Brand”!
CHALLENGE: The Board must convince Bill to modernize.
WEAKNESSES: Fear of losing control, mortality and legacy.
MINI MOVIE 2 – LOCKED INTO CONFLICT
The Board of Directors calls a secret meeting to discuss the fitness of Bill to continue as Director and CEO of Bishop Enterprises. Though it is agreed that Bill has always been an eccentric of sorts they are reluctant to make the move and insist instead on an independent psychiatric assessment of Bill.
Bill refuses to comply with the request, locked firmly into his stagnant vision of the company and solidifying his legacy.
Bill is visited by his lawyer and close friend of many years who explains just how precarious the situation is. The lawyer tries to talk sense and finally produces for Bill the legal document drafted by the Board to remove him as Director and CEO; it is signed by all members, including Bill’s wife Elizabeth.
Bill reluctantly agrees to comply with the Board’s request in hopes to secure his position and save his legacy.
OLD WAYS: Denial. Anger. Conflicting Visions.
CHALLENGE: Bill and Board struggle for survival of Bishop Enterprises. Changing Marketplace.
WEAKNESSES: Fear. Pride.
MINI MOVIE 3 – HERO TRIES TO SOLVE PROBLEM – BUT FAILS.
Bill arrives at the University Psychiatric Unit, an old whitewashed sanitarium building on beautiful grounds with lots of foliage – peaceful.
Bill checks in at reception with his lawyer and Elizabeth and is met by the Director, Dr. Wilhelm who tries to comfort him. Bill reads over the voluntary admission paperwork and pauses in thought before signing. He kisses his wife goodbye before being escorted to a private room.
Bill attends several therapy sessions over the next few days and is generally dismissive and defensive with the clinicians, until he meets Dr. Pratt who immediately disarms him by her virtue alone. A quick series of questions from the young doctor has Bill stripped to his very core, leaving him in an instant to re-evaluate the very reason he is there.
CHANGE AGENT: Dr. Pratt rattles unflappable Bill.
VISION: You will find your legacy inside yourself.
OLD WAYS: Narcissism, Always right attitude.
NEW WAYS: Open to exploring new insights of himself.
CHALLENGE: Forced to comply with Psychiatric Assessment.
WEAKNESSES: Fear. Pride. Guilt.
MINI MOVIE 4 – HERO FORMS A NEW PLAN
Bill resolves to prove himself a good man to Dr. Pratt despite being shaken by her. He shares that he is haunted at night by flashbacks of his involvement on the Manhattan Project and Hiroshima bombing.
Dr. Pratt is very compassionate with Bill and they talk at length about Bill’s history and the rise of his business empire. As Bill shares his struggles with his past, Dr. Pratt shares some personal information of her own struggles breaking into specialty medicine as a woman, and she confounds Bill with a question of his very own misogynistic tendencies and their very origin.
Dr. Pratt recommends a pharmaceutical protocol which Bill vehemently rejects.
An initial report is sent to the Board and Bill’s lawyer indicating that Bill is yet resistant to therapy. A longer period of observation is suggested.
The Board schedules a meeting to debate and Bill’s lawyer visits with the news. Bill has a “psychotic” break and is restrained.
VISION: Bill will save himself THROUGH his legacy.
OLD WAYS: Bill disagrees with Doctors. Pride in history.
NEW WAYS: Bill is drawn to a quiet strength in Dr. Pratt and sees that differently from his own. Bill wants approval and acceptance from Dr. Pratt.
MIDPOINT: The Board votes to invoke interim control of Bishop Enterprises and re-opens the A.I. Program in a bid for US Military Contracts that Bill had vowed never again to pursue.
OLD WAYS: Bill and the Board are opposed in ideology. Bill is in jeopardy of losing control of his company.
CHALLENGE: After making some progress in therapy, Bill still has a lot to learn about himself and to prove to the Doctors.
CHALLENGE: Failure to prove his sanity will cost his company.
WEAKNESSES: Too proud to see the faults in his ways.
MINI MOVIE 5 – HERO RETREATS & THE ANTAGONISM PREVAILS
Bill withdraws into himself after being challenged by Dr. Pratt.
Bill is re-evaluating his life and history, integrating into the routines of the sanitarium and aligning with residents there.
Bishop Enterprises is undergoing massive changes. Labor positions are being terminated in favor of electronic systems integration.
Research and Development have uncovered a vault of information on the A.I. Program that Bill had not intended anyone to see. It includes an experimental study of a human subject preserved through “organic systems robotics”, a concept Bill had secretly researched with Alan Turing.
The Board moves to finalize “hostile takeover” by using research as added evidence against Bill’s capacity to lead.
A high court approves the motion and sets trial, ruling that interim control of Bishop Enterprises remains with the Board.
VISION: Bill’s legacy is solidified in his genius.
OLD WAYS: Bill struggles with others opinion. Board is moving closer to taking Bishop Enterprises from Bill. Elizabeth is taking sides against her husband. Dr. Pratt embattled in her struggle against stereotype and misogyny.
NEW WAYS: Bill accepts the truth about his marriage. Bill recognizes and aligns with Dr. Pratt in her struggles.
BETRAYING CHARACTER: Dr. Wilhelm files a report against wishes of Dr. Pratt to declare Bill “psychologically unfit” for leadership.
CHALLENGE: Though Bill is slowly gaining enlightenment about himself, he is failing to prove his sanity to the Board. Fear of losing himself in loss of business. Fear of loss of legacy. Fear of not overcoming guilt and grief from his past.
MINI MOVIE 6 – HERO’S BIGGER, BETTER PLAN
Dr. Pratt takes Bill for a walk on the grounds. Bill is silent. Dr. Pratt stops by a stream and after some peaceful quiet she shares a story of her troubled childhood and her struggle to follow her dreams. Bill realizes that it is not his past that need define him. He breaks down in front of Dr. Pratt in having the epiphany.
Dr. Pratt sneaks Bill off the unit on a day-pass to visit his lawyer. They develop a legal strategy to defend Bill in court. It is a long-shot to say the least.
OLD WAYS: Bill and Dr. Pratt both follow their hearts.
NEW WAYS: Dr. Pratt disobeys protocol. Bill is not afraid to lose – “fight the good fight”.
CHALLENGE: Bill must prove his “innocence”.
WEAKNESSES: Preserving morality before victory.
MINI MOVIE 7 – CRISIS & CLIMAX
Bill continues his therapy with Dr. Pratt with a new perspective on legacy, values, and self-worth.
Bill assembles a high-end legal team to overturn the Board of Directors and regain control of his Bishop Enterprises.
Bill wins an injunction to halt any further development of his A.I. Program.
Edward, a senior member of the Board and confident of Bill (fought in WWII together) resigns to assist Bill in his action.
The trial begins and the prospects look bad for Bill, though he mounts a tremendous defense of his character. Though when asked on testimony “Do you love your wife?”, Bill gives a surprising answer (against counsel advice), admitting that he believed he failed many people in his life, and that he had great remorse for the mistakes he had made.
A sincere and moving final statement from Bill leaves the Justice uncertain in judgement and retires the court for deliberation.
Late in the evening a courier arrives with a last-minute settlement agreement for Bill. An offer to provide his estate with resources and funding towards a “Bishop Foundation” with which Bill can direct in his private pursuits. Bill is advised to accept the offer, however, he counter-offers to include sole ownership of the A.I. project, an offer most likely to sink any chance of settlement altogether.
The courier returns an agreement at the 11<sup>th</sup> hour before the Justice is set to deliver his findings to the court. Bill steps down as CEO and Director of Bishop Enterprises, he lets go.
NEW WAYS: Bill’s legacy lays within himself and his morals.
VISION: The future is yet unwritten, as is legacy.
CHALLENGE: Losing control of company, Facing truths.
WEAKNESSES: Pride. Uncertainty.
MINI MOVIE 8 – NEW STATUS QUO
Bill completes a therapy program with Dr. Pratt.
The Bishop Foundation is established.
Bill installs Edward as Director of the Foundation with a heavy focus on Law with respect to disenfranchised or otherwise vulnerable peoples. Bill also aligns with a society, as benefactor, to promote the advancement of women.
The A.I. Project is revealed as a dead-end study of little value, that is without the genius of Bill Bishop. We learn that the program potential could yield advancements in technology that the government would likely move to possess. Bill wants to establish a pilot project to help mankind, without recognition, to be his final legacy.
We end with the passing of Bill Bishop and the torch passing to Edward. It is a massive responsibility to be sure.
NEW WAY: Bill Bishop has left a legacy that will endure, though few may truly realize.
PROFOUND TRUTH: A true legacy is ONE person making a difference in the world.
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DAY 5 ASSIGNMENT – THE THREE GRADIENTS
Joshua Doerksen’s Three Gradients
WHAT I LEARNED DOING THIS ASSIGNMENT:
Creating Strong Gradients for my Lead Character will Force a Strong Change that will define the Transformational Journey.
1. EMOTIONAL GRADIENT: FORCED CHANGE
2. A.) DENIAL
B.) Bill Bishop cannot believe his sanity is in question.
Bill does not accept that he has created the emptiness he now feels in his life.
C.) CHALLENGE: Board of Directors insist on Mental Assessment/Fitness to perform duties as CEO.
WEAKNESS GRADIENT: Narcissism/Pride
A.) ANGER
B.) Bill reluctantly complies with Board insisted assessment.
Bill is defensive and dismissive with therapists and he withdraws into himself.
C.) CHALLENGE: Bill is not in charge – he has no control over his memories or emotions.
WEAKNESS GRADIENT: Regret/Remorse
A.) BARGAINING
B.) Bill tries to impress Dr. Pratt with depth of personality and emotional growth as he participates freely in his therapy.
C.) CHALLENGE: How can Bill make Dr. Pratt think highly of him and prove his own sanity.
WEAKNESS GRADIENT: How has Bill not realized his own emotional issues/deficit?
A.) DEPRESSION
B.) Bill is replaying his life in his mind and is haunted with some painful memories of loss.
Bill questions his own sanity and capacity to function as CEO of his own company, and his own worthiness in leaving a legacy at all.
C.) CHALLENGE: Bill loses any care or concern for his company or his drive for success.
WEAKNESS GRADIENT: Bill has lost his purpose and his definition for meaning of life/legacy.
A.) ACCEPTANCE
B.) Bill realizes how he has suppressed his fears over time.
Bill epiphany has him ecstatic and he recognizes that his behaviors will be characterized as “impulsive” and he may be considered unfit to run his company.
Bill chooses to risk losing his company over returning to his old ways (or ironically conforming to his established business model).
C.) CHALLENGE: Bill accepts the error of his old ways but must still choose to risk his company over his legacy.
WEAKNESS GRADIENT: EGO V. AUTHENTICITY
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Day 4B Assignment
Joshua Doerksen’s Analysis of Dead Poets Society
1. CHANGE:
Freedom to think for one’s self and follow one’s own dreams without regard for the conformity to societal norms, rules or wishes of others.
TRANSFORMATIONAL JOURNEY:
BOYS ARRIVE – Establish school norms/expectations.
BOYS MEET KEATING – Encouraged/Pushed to think freely.
BOYS REBEL – Resurrect the Dead Poets Society.
BOYS RISK – Confess love, Pursue passions, Dream.
BOYS LOSE – Paddling, Neil’s Suicide, Keating Fired.
BOYS LEARN – Stand up for beliefs “O’ Captain, My
Captain!”
2. CHANGE AGENT:
Most certainly this is Keating. He has relative experience in relating to his class being an alumnus of Welton himself, and he has also seen the world having recently taught in a prestigious school in England. Keating is in a long-distance relationship with a woman (which is merely eluded to), and this offers a parallel emotional experience to the Boys of the “Society” in yearning for love seemingly beyond reach.
TRANSFORMABLE CHARACTER:
The Boys of the Dead Poets Society collectively are the Transformable Character(s), although I think that a specific case for Neil as possibly the most singular or pronounced transformation could be made here. The Boys deliver the CHANGE effectively through their rebellion against the directly opposing forces of the academy.
OPPRESSION:
Quite obviously the Academy and Faculty (with the exception of Keating), and the societal norms of the day, especially demonstrated in Neil’s family experience where misogyny ruled the day, that leave little or no room for personal desires or opinion outside the patriarchy.
3. We are lured into the PROFOUND JOURNEY through Keating who reminds us of a simpler time that shares similar challenges to the present and by the tenet “Carpe Diem”, by which the Dead Poets Society is resurrected by the Boys and acts as the vehicle to connect us further to the story of Keating and the journey the Boys press forward with.
4. OLD WAYS: Conformity to the system/patriarchy
NEW WAYS: Confidence to stand-up for beliefs, dreams, desires and freedom of thought.
5. BOYS CONFORM TO SCHOOL RULES
BOYS CHALLENGE NORMS AND CONFORMITY
BOYS LOSE (DISCIPLINE/DEATH/FIRING)
BOYS FORCED TO VIOLATE MORALS – CONFORM TO STANDARDS
BOYS REBEL FROM WELTON IN SALUTE TO KEATING
6. The OLD WAY is challenged by Keating’s push to be authentic to one’s self and think freely.
The CHALLENGED BELIEFS are those of Conformity, Societal Norms, Misogyny, Patriarchy, and the Ability to Follow One’s Passion Despite Pressure to Abide by the Latter.
7. MOST PROFOUND MOMENTS:
– Keating at Dinner with McAllister sharing passages.
– Boys find Keating’s book and resurrect the Dead Poets Society.
– Neil makes the decision to pursue acting dream.
– Knox following his heart and professing love.
– Dalton publishes article and pranks phone call from God at assembly. Does not “squeal” on interrogation and paddling discipline.
– Neil disobeys his father and performs. Returns home, we see Mother’s unhappiness, Father’s OCD controlling behavior and pain, and Neil ends his life with his Father’s gun.
– Cameron betrays the Boys and Keating
– Todd must violate his morals and sign letter.
– Boys salute Keating
8. MOST PROFOUND LINES:
– “But only in dreams can men be truly free. ‘Twas always thus, and always thus will be.”
– “I went to the woods because I wanted to live deliberately.”
– “You must strive to find your own voice because the longer you wait to begin, the less likely you are going to find it at all.”
– “Language was developed for one endeavour, and that is… to woo women.”
– “…Answer. That you are here – that life exists, and identity; that the powerful play goes on and you may contribute a verse. What will your verse be?”
– “No matter what anybody tells you, words and ideas can change the world.
9. ENDING/PAYOFF:
– The Boys fight through adversity to realize the truth in Keating’s teaching be it in love, passion, truth, freedom and authenticity to self.
– The Boys show their lessons learned in each their own actions of rebellion (with the exception of Cameron), leading up to the finale where they risk discipline and the threat of expulsion to salute Keating as a send-off Thank You for enlightening them to the possibilities that exist in the world when one thinks for themselves.
10. PROFOUND TRUTH:
– Anything is possible in the world when you open your mind to ideas and change from the conformity of a stagnant society.
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Day 4 Assignment
Joshua Doerksen’s Lead Characters
WHAT I LEARNED DOING THIS ASSIGNMENT:
I learned that my Main Character does not have to shoulder the responsibility of ALL change in the story and that Supporting Characters can affect the change and drive the story forward in several different ways.
LOGLINE: An aging, wealthy industrialist must fight the Board of his own company to prove his sanity until he learns that true legacy cannot be purchased.
CHANGE AGENT: Dr. Cynthia Pratt
– A brilliant, young psychiatrist, vibrant and beautiful, who seeks to defy the conformity of her own profession, especially in the misogynistic stereotypes perpetuated in the teachings of the day.
– She reaches Bill in a way that no man ever could, and she disarms him with her femininity and compassion first but endears to him with her strength and her drive.
TRANSFORMABLE CHARACTER(S): Bill Bishop, Psychiatrists
– A self-made billionaire and genius who built and empire in the rise of early industry of the USA. Bill ran-away from a farm in the mid-west at an early age and put himself through school to become a chemical engineer. A number of products he invented revolutionized industry in the 1920-30’s and he amassed a vast fortune.
– Bill gained political influence working on the Manhattan Project after volunteering his services for the CSS in WWII.
– The dropping of the Atomic Bomb would haunt Bill the rest of his life and he moved to “re-invent” his corporation on the rise of computer technology.
– Bill fought to keep his advanced designs from political or military control and this caused him to become extremely involved in the legal arena, of which he valued as an integral part of democracy and strengthened his belief in the rule of law.
– Bill put his career and business before all else, including family, and he lost sight of all that was truly important despite fighting for causes that he believed would solidify a lasting legacy for the Bishop name.
OPPRESSION: The Board of Directors – Bishop Enterprises
– The BoD are moving to remove Bill as CEO of his own company due to his stalwart resolve to resist change of business practice that the Board deems necessary for survival in the new age of technology.
– The BoD have become increasingly threatening to Bill under the pressure to produce for stakeholders and “insider” pressure from government to allow collaboration for military and security purposes.
– The BoD have attacked Bill’s state of mind and capacity to run Bishop Enterprises and have used the example of a sudden heart-attack to prove Bill’s lack of fitness and inability to lead the corporation forward.
BETRAYING CHARACTER: Dr. Willhelm
– The Director of Psychiatry at the Observation Hospital Bill Bishop is undergoing evaluation.
– Dr. Willhelm “butts” heads with Dr. Pratt frequently and resents her being assigned under his tutelage. He has begrudgingly taken her on internship due to pressure from the Medical Board. They do not share the same ideology.
– Dr. Willhelm quite likes Bill and if not for the “new-age” therapy that he is responding to with Dr. Pratt, he would be very much involved with him.
– Dr. Willhelm is starting to see the merits of Dr. Pratt and her new ideologies when he bows to the pressure of the “old-school”.
– Dr. Willhelm reverses his recommendations of Bill’s psychiatric assessment from an earlier breakthrough acknowledgment with Dr. Pratt and subsequently, a high court finds the Board of Directors to be victorious in their Corporate Take-over of Bishop Enterprises.
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Day 3 Assignment
Joshua Doerksen’s Transformational Journey
WHAT I LEARNED DOING THIS ASSIGNMENT:
I learned that my Main Character/Bill Bishop’s Transformational Journey can be shown to and experienced by an audience through deliberate conflicts that he must address, each of which attacking his façade one-by-one that comprise the list of his OLD WAYS.
LOGLINE: An aging, wealthy industrialist must fight the Board of his own company to prove his sanity until he learns that true legacy cannot be purchased.
OLD WAYS: – Arrogant
– Unrelentingly Driven to succeed at any cost
– Unapologetic
– Stubborn
– Refuses to acknowledge limitations of old age.
– Fiercely supports justice within the legal system and rule of law.
– Believes that wealth, power and political influence alone equate to a legacy of “good”.
NEW WAYS: – Humility
– Kindness and Compassion
– Acutely aware of the Human Condition
– Repentant
– Believes that the importance of doing good for his fellow man is not the same as leaving a legacy of wealth and history.
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Joshua Doerksen’s First Three Decisions
WHAT I LEARNED DOING THIS ASSIGNMENT:
I learned that my story is fluid and flexible to be told within several genres without losing its core message.
PROFOUND TRUTH:
True success, self-worth, and legacy cannot be bought.
CHANGE MOVIE WILL CAUSE WITH AN AUDIENCE:
Character Arc: William “Bill” Bishop shifts from a self-made billionaire, genius industrialist; unapologetic and unrelentingly driven in the pursuit of wealth and leading his field, to an afflicted, aging man in a sanitarium; under observation for senility and mental fitness at the insistence of the board of directors of his own company, conflicted with his past, facing the impending loss of everything he built and wanting to leave a different legacy of good.
Audience Change: The Audience now believes that money alone does not buy happiness and that change is possible in all beings, through all acts large or small.
ENTERTAINMENT VEHICLE:
Metaphor – Life on Earth is a beginning – a practice for what’s yet to come, and more importantly, it is the opportunity we all are given to learn.
World – Historical events (aligned) with particular attention to Business and Law.
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Josh Doerksen’s Analysis of Groundhog Day
1.
a.) CHANGE: Phil Connors looks inward to find true happiness.
b.) TRANSFORMATIONAL JOURNEY: Phil learns that his old ways of self-serving behavior are self-defeating and that he is not a happy person. We engage on a journey with Phil through sarcasm and humor in his interactions with people and watch him change in the pursuit of a meaningful relationship with Rita. Phil discovers his genuine self through the care and love of other people.
2. LEAD CHARACTERS
a.) CHANGE AGENT: Rita – she is the pure antithesis of the egotist Phil but a reflection of the genuine Phil.
b.) TRANSFORMABLE CHARACTER: Phil – he is loveable in his humor and sarcasm and has a great skill of connecting with people despite not being genuine.
c.) OPPRESSION: The Groundhog Day phenomenon.
3. We are LURED into the PROFOUND JOURNEY by the connections Phil makes with people despite not being genuine, and the prevailing idea that Phil is not happy with himself despite his egotistic front.
The CONNECTION to the story is caused by Phil’s desire for a meaningful relationship with Rita and his PROFOUND JOURNEY to become a better person.
4. PROFOUND JOURNEY: Find happiness within yourself.
a.) PHIL:
OLD WAYS – Egoism, Self-aggrandizing, Sarcasm, Protectionist/Promiscuous in relationship.
NEW WAYS – Genuine, Kindness/Compassion, Humor, Loving and Vulnerable in relationship.
b.) RITA:
OLD WAYS – Affable, Kindness/Compassion, Fear of Judgement, Protectionist/Fear of Vulnerability in relationship.
NEW WAYS – Loving, Kindness/Compassion, Non-Judgemental, Genuine and Vulnerable in relationship.
5. GRADIENT OF CHANGE
Phil transitioned from being narcissistic, egotistical and a generally unhappy person through steps of being:
– Perturbed and Dismissive
– Manipulative and Promiscuous
– Depressed and Hopeless
– Open and Intuitive
– Compassionate and Genuine
– Loving and Happy
6. The OLD WAY of being for Phil was challenged by his resistance to change which he was ironically forced to face through the Groundhog Day Phenomenon. Each morning he woke anew to the previous day reset which he had resisted. Phil was given the opportunity to experience learning by trial and error of who he truly was and what was truly happiness for himself, though he would only realize this through self-reflection. He attempted to utilize the opportunity for self-gain before learning that true fulfillment was something entirely different. Phil was able to change by embracing the human experience instead of denouncing it.
7. The MOST PROFOUND moments of Groundhog Day:
– Phil breaks the pencil and wakes to it new
– Phil realizes his true desire for Rita
– Phil & Rita do NOT kiss (first snowball fight)
– Phil tries to save the homeless man.
– Phil connects with Rita by telling the truth
8. The MOST PROFOUND lines of Groundhog Day:
– PHIL: “I’m a god. I’m not THE God. I don’t think.”
– PHIL: “Well maybe the real God uses tricks, you know? Maybe he’s not omnipotent, he’s just been around so long he knows everything.”
– PHIL: “Nobody loves me. I don’t love me!”
– NURSE: “Sometimes people just die.”
– PHIL: “What if there was no tomorrow?”
– PHIL: “I’m just trying to talk how normal people talk. Isn’t this how they talk?”
– RITA: “I’m amazed…How you can start a day with one expectation and end up so completely different.”
– RITA: “You’re not a god. Believe me. This is years of Catholic School speaking.”
– RITA: “Is this what you do with eternity?”
– PHIL: “The worst part is that tomorrow you will have forgotten all about this…”
– PHIL: “Do you know what today is?… Today is Tomorrow!”
9. The ending pays off the set-ups by showing the capacity for change in both Phil and Rita.
10. The PROFOUND TRUTH is that people can be very similar despite their outward differences, and are capable of positive change and love.
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Hi Cheryl,
I only just got access to the course tonight. I have everything but the pdf Matrix Analysis. Is there a link for this?
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Joshua Doerksen
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