Lecture Notes: Shrek (2001) Overview
Introduction
- Title: Shrek (2001)
- Based on: Book by William Steig
- Screenplay Credits: Ted Elliott, Terry Rossio, Joe Stillman, Roger S.H. Schulman
- Additional Dialogue: Cody Cameron, Chris Miller, Conrad Vernon
Opening Sequence
- Setting: Begins with a fairy tale book narrative.
- Narration by Shrek: Introduces a princess cursed to await true love's kiss.
- Transition: Shrek discards fairy tale as unrealistic.
Shrek's Home and Swamp
- Shrek's Lifestyle: Lives independently in a swamp.
- Town Villagers: Attempt to confront Shrek, believing ogres dangerous.
- Shrek's Defense: Uses intimidation to scare off villagers.
- Discovery: Finds a notice about the capture of fairy tale creatures.
Capture of Fairy Tale Creatures
- Scene at Forest: Creatures being captured and sold.
- Characters Introduced: Pinocchio, Donkey, and others.
- Donkey's Introduction: Caught but escapes with Shrek's help.
Shrek and Donkey's Journey
- Meeting Donkey: Donkey seeks companionship.
- Agreement: Shrek reluctantly allows Donkey to stay.
- Objective: Shrek aims to negotiate with Lord Farquaad to reclaim his privacy.
Lord Farquaad's Quest
- Farquaad's Intentions: Seeks to marry Princess Fiona to become king.
- Contest: Knights challenged to rescue Fiona.
- Shrek's Involvement: Wins contest unintentionally; tasked to rescue Fiona.
Journey to Rescue Fiona
- Shrek and Donkey's Adventure: Travel to Dragon's Keep.
- Challenges: Cross dangerous terrain; Donkey confronts fears.
- Rescue: Shrek saves Fiona from dragon, revealing unexpected prowess.
Fiona's Reality
- Revelation: Fiona transforms into an ogre by night.
- Concealed Identity: Hides her curse, fearing rejection.
Relationship Developments
- Bonding: Shrek, Donkey, and Fiona grow closer through shared experiences.
- Fiona and Shrek's Connection: Mutual appreciation despite appearances.
- Misunderstanding: Shrek overhears Fiona and misinterprets her words.
Climax at DuLoc
- Wedding Crash: Shrek interrupts Fiona and Farquaad's wedding.
- True Love's Kiss: Shrek and Fiona realize their love.
- Transformation: Fiona embraces her ogre form.
Conclusion
- Resolution: Fiona and Shrek marry, choosing love over appearances.
- Celebration: Characters enjoy a joyous wedding celebration.
- Theme: Acceptance and love transcend appearances.
Key Themes and Motifs
- Identity and Acceptance: Overcoming prejudices and embracing true selves.
- Love and Transformation: Love's power to bring change and acceptance.
- Friendship and Loyalty: Shrek, Donkey, and Fiona's evolving relationships.
Symbolism
- Swamp: Represents Shrek's isolation and eventual community.
- Dragon: Initially a threat, becomes an ally.
- Onion Motif: Layers symbolize complexity of characters.
Important Quotes
- Shrek: "Ogres are like onions...they have layers."
- Fiona: "By night one way, by day another."
- Donkey: "That's what friends do! They forgive each other."
These notes aim to summarize the key elements and themes of the Shrek script, providing insight into the story's narrative arc, character development, and underlying messages.