Voglers Archetypes

Edge of Tomorrow

Fig 1: Poster 2014

Edge of Tomorrow directed by Doug Liman (2014) tells the story of an alien invasion, the aliens
have the ability to reset the day, giving them the tactical advantage of knowing what will happen on
that day. Bill Cage (Tom Cruise) is forced by his superior to fight in the war, as a campaign to get
more soldiers signing up. On his first day he dies, but due to deus ex machina circumstances he has
stolen the alien ability to reset the day. So he is forced to re-live the same day over and over, every
time he dies.

Ryan Brand

Vogler's Archetypes

Fig 2: Cage (2014)

According to Vogler's theory the hero is the classic protagonist of the story, who we the viewer side
with most. This is because we see elements of our self in the hero, this sense of self-identification
helps make escapism easier, and possibly has an effect on the level of enjoyment a viewer may have.
The hero is Bill Cage, but he is a reluctant hero. He does whatever it takes to escape the line of duty,
because he fears death; ironic because the film is centred on him dying constantly. His reluctance to
become a hero is a possible aspect that a viewer could relate with, simply put, his fear makes him
more relatable. Of course as the film progresses he becomes stronger, this is a common trope of the
hero archetype. By the end, Cage has gone through a character forming journey, and becomes the
full hero archetype.

Fig 3: The Omega (2014)

The shadow is characterized by being the hero's binary opposite, the hero must fight the shadow to
resolve the story and return equilibrium back to the setting. The Shadow is the Omega (the creature
controlling the aliens), although without context the aliens the humans fight at the beginning are
seen as the shadow. The truth is revealed later in the story, the aliens are hive minded, meaning a
single consciousness occupies multiple bodies, the omega is the primary controller of all of the aliens
which threaten the human race. Because of its high level of control, the omega is depicted as a
brain, meaning it is somewhat defenceless if you are able to breach its walls. This vulnerability is
exploited by Cage in order to defeat it and create a new equilibrium.
Ryan Brand

Vogler's Archetypes

Fig 4: Rita (2014)

The mentor guides or helps the hero, they do this by equipping the hero with skills and advice to use
in future battles. The mentor tends to be old, possibly because age is commonly associated with
wisdom, mentors also may have been a hero at some point. The mentor is Rita (Emily Blunt), Rita
was once the hero and had the same power as Cage. Rita is quite a young mentor, this is possibly
because of the time span in which the war takes place, in terms of rank she is seen as the strongest,
and also her knowledge of cages power makes her the only person equip to be the mentor. The film
makes a point of making Rita superior to all other soldiers, possibly to solidify her as the mentor.

Fig 5: General Brigham (2014)

The shapeshifter represents the inability to choose a side, this can be for various reasons, but is
commonly used for personal gain. The shapeshifter is General Brigham, We know that he is not a
villain throughout, but he is no friend to the hero. The General does not want to help Cage, and
makes it clear that he does not like him. Regardless of what Cage does he cannot convince the
general to help him, even if the fate of the human race is at stake. There is a moment where the
General reluctantly believes Cage and hands over the McGuffin, but then orders his guards to
capture Cage, showing his shapeshifter nature. The threshold guardian creates an obstacle the hero
Ryan Brand

Vogler's Archetypes

must get past to progress the story. General Brigham is also the guardian, throughout the story the
General has been in Cage's way. Once Cage is able to retrieve the McGuffin from the General, he is
able to pass the threshold.

Fig 6: Master Sergeant Farell (2014)

The Trickster adds humour and entertainment to the story, they tend to be witty and foolish. The
trickster is Master Sergeant Farell, although he doesnt act foolish he is witty and provides comedic
relief; his humour is usually at the expense of Cage. The Herald tells us what we do not realize,
stressing the importance of an event, they do this by giving information necessary for the hero to
take action. Dr Carter is the herald, he gives information necessary to defeat the shadow; he also
tells the hero the location of the McGuffin.
In conclusion the "Edge of Tomorrow" makes good use of Vogler's Archetypes, creating interesting
Characters like General Brigham, being both ally and enemy; which is a strange dynamic, making the
film feel more unique. Most of the characters did not seem generic, which overall made the film
more entertaining to watch.
Illustration list
Fig 1: Poster 2014 [Poster]. At: http://static.rogerebert.com/uploads/movie/movie_poster/edge-oftomorrow-2014/large_edge_of_tomorrow_ver5.jpg (Accessed on 08.10.15)
Fig 2: Cage (2014). At http://static4.businessinsider.com/image/5384ecdbeab8eaa458f4b401960/edge-of-tomorrow-tom-cruise.jpg (Accessed on 08.10.15)
Fig 3: The Omega (2014). At: http://taylorholmes.com/wpcontent/uploads/2014/06/edge_of_tomorrow_omega_time_travel_explained.jpg (Accessed on
08.10.15)
Fig 4: Rita (2014) From Edge of Tomorrow [Film Still] (Accessed on 08.10.15)
Fig 5: General Brigham (2014) From Edge of Tomorrow [Film Still] (Accessed on 08.10.15)
Fig 6: Master Sergeant Farell (2014) From Edge of Tomorrow [Film Still] (Accessed on 08.10.15)

Ryan Brand

Vogler's Archetypes