Introduction: The Birth of a Symbol
Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) stands as a unique entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), serving as both a period piece and a superhero origin story. Directed by Joe Johnston, the film transports audiences back to the tumultuous era of World War II, presenting a narrative that balances patriotic fervor with nuanced commentary on heroism and propaganda. Unlike many superhero films that rely on contemporary settings, this movie successfully captures the aesthetic and moral complexities of the 1940s while laying the groundwork for the modern superhero genre.
The film follows Steve Rogers (Chris Evans), a frail but determined young man from Brooklyn who repeatedly fails to enlist in the U.S. Army due to his physical limitations. His unwavering commitment to serving his country catches the attention of Dr. Abraham Erskine (Stanley Tucci), a German scientist who has defected to the United States. Erskine selects Steve for Project Rebirth, a secret military experiment that transforms him into the super-soldier Captain America. The narrative then follows Steve’s journey as he becomes a symbol of hope during the war, ultimately facing the Red Skull (Hugo Weaving), the Nazi officer who became the first recipient of the Super-Soldier Serum.
Historical Context and Setting
The Authenticity of the 1940s Setting
The film meticulously recreates the World War II era through its production design, costume choices, and cinematography. The production team, led by production designer Rick Heinrichs, studied thousands of photographs from the period to ensure accuracy. The film opens with a sepia-toned sequence that immediately establishes the historical setting, transitioning to full color when Steve receives the serum—a visual metaphor for his transformation from ordinary to extraordinary.
The film’s depiction of wartime America is particularly noteworthy. Scenes of recruitment drives, war bond rallies, and propaganda posters are not merely background elements but integral parts of the narrative. For instance, the sequence where Steve, as Captain America, performs in a USO show for troops is both entertaining and revealing. The show’s campy, theatrical nature contrasts sharply with the grim reality of war that Steve later encounters, highlighting the disconnect between propaganda and actual combat.
The Role of Technology and Science
The film presents an interesting blend of historical accuracy and speculative fiction. While the Super-Soldier Serum is fictional, it reflects real historical concerns about scientific advancement during wartime. The Manhattan Project, which developed the atomic bomb, was contemporary to the film’s setting, and the film subtly references the ethical dilemmas of scientific research during war. Dr. Erskine’s warning that “the serum amplifies what is inside” serves as a philosophical commentary on the nature of power and responsibility.
Character Analysis
Steve Rogers/Captain America: The Reluctant Hero
Chris Evans delivers a compelling performance as Steve Rogers, capturing both his physical transformation and his moral consistency. What makes Steve an interesting protagonist is that his heroism predates his physical enhancement. As Dr. Erskine notes, “The serum amplifies what is inside. It won’t make you a better person; it will make you a stronger version of who you already are.” This establishes that Steve’s true strength lies in his character, not his physical abilities.
The film effectively shows Steve’s development from a determined but physically limited individual to a symbol of hope. His initial struggles with the serum’s effects—his disorientation and the physical pain of transformation—are portrayed with realism. The scene where he wakes up in the 1940s hospital, confused and disoriented, is particularly poignant, showing the human cost of his transformation.
The Red Skull: A Villain with Depth
Hugo Weaving’s portrayal of Johann Schmidt/Red Skull is one of the film’s highlights. Unlike many one-dimensional villains, Schmidt is given a backstory that explains his motivations. His obsession with power and his belief in the superiority of the Aryan race are rooted in his own insecurities and desire for validation. The film cleverly uses the Tesseract (an Infinity Stone) as both a plot device and a symbol of Schmidt’s hubris.
The Red Skull’s transformation is visually striking, with the serum causing his face to become a red, skull-like visage. This physical transformation mirrors his moral decay, serving as a visual metaphor for how his pursuit of power has corrupted him. The film doesn’t shy away from showing the Nazi ideology’s destructive nature, making Schmidt a more compelling villain than typical comic book antagonists.
Supporting Characters: Bucky and Peggy
Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) serves as Steve’s best friend and moral anchor. Their friendship is the emotional core of the film, and Bucky’s eventual fate (falling from a train in the Alps) sets up his future as the Winter Soldier in later MCU films. The film shows their camaraderie through small, intimate moments—like when Bucky gives Steve a pep talk before his transformation or when they share a drink after Steve’s first USO show.
Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell) is a standout character who defies the typical damsel-in-distress trope. As a member of the Strategic Scientific Reserve (SSR), she is intelligent, capable, and assertive. Her relationship with Steve develops naturally, built on mutual respect rather than physical attraction. The scene where she shoots at Steve during his training, testing his reflexes, establishes her as an equal rather than a subordinate. Her line, “I know my value. Anyone else’s opinion doesn’t really matter,” encapsulates her character’s strength.
Themes and Symbolism
Patriotism vs. Propaganda
The film explores the complex relationship between patriotism and propaganda. Captain America becomes a symbol used by the government to sell war bonds and boost morale, but the film questions whether this is an appropriate use of a superhero. The USO show sequences are particularly telling—Steve is dressed in a ridiculous costume, performing for cheering crowds, while real soldiers are fighting and dying overseas. This creates a tension between the symbolic value of Captain America and the reality of war.
The film doesn’t condemn patriotism outright but suggests that true patriotism requires action, not just symbols. Steve’s decision to rescue Bucky and the other prisoners from Hydra’s base is a turning point where he moves from being a propaganda symbol to a true hero. This transition is visually represented by him discarding the flashy, theatrical costume for a more practical, military-style uniform.
The Nature of Heroism
The film presents a nuanced view of heroism. Steve Rogers is not a traditional action hero; he is often outmatched physically and relies on his wits and determination. His heroism is defined by his moral choices rather than his physical abilities. The film emphasizes that true strength comes from character, not power. This is exemplified in the scene where Steve, as a small, frail man, throws himself on a grenade to protect his fellow soldiers—a selfless act that earns him the serum.
The film also explores the burden of heroism. Steve’s transformation isolates him from his peers and creates expectations that he must live up to. The scene where he visits Bucky’s apartment after his presumed death is heartbreaking, showing the personal cost of being a hero. The film suggests that heroism is not about glory but about sacrifice and responsibility.
The Ethics of Science and Power
The Super-Soldier Serum serves as a metaphor for the ethical dilemmas of scientific advancement. Dr. Erskine’s warning that “the serum amplifies what is inside” is a central theme. The film contrasts Steve’s use of the serum for good with Schmidt’s use of it for evil, highlighting that technology is neutral; its morality depends on the user. This theme resonates with real-world debates about scientific ethics, such as the development of nuclear weapons or genetic engineering.
Cinematic Techniques and Visual Storytelling
Color Palette and Visual Style
The film employs a distinct color palette to differentiate between eras and moods. The 1940s scenes are rendered in warm, sepia tones with muted colors, evoking the look of old photographs and newsreels. When Steve receives the serum, the film shifts to vibrant, saturated colors, symbolizing his transformation and the hope he brings. In contrast, the scenes involving the Red Skull and Hydra use cold, metallic blues and grays, creating a sense of technological menace.
The cinematography by Shelly Johnson effectively captures the scale of the action sequences. The film’s opening sequence, which shows Steve’s transformation in a laboratory, uses close-ups and rapid cuts to convey the intensity of the process. The final battle in the Hydra base is shot with a mix of wide shots to show the scope of the conflict and close-ups to emphasize the emotional stakes.
Sound Design and Music
The film’s score by Alan Silvestri combines orchestral themes with period-appropriate music. The main theme for Captain America is heroic and uplifting, while the Red Skull’s theme is ominous and dissonant. The use of period songs like “Star Spangled Banner” and “It’s a Long Way to Tipperary” adds authenticity to the scenes set in the 1940s.
The sound design is particularly effective in the action sequences. The sound of the serum being administered is visceral and unsettling, while the sounds of the Hydra weapons are futuristic and menacing, creating a contrast between the familiar and the alien. The film’s use of silence in emotional moments, such as when Steve discovers Bucky’s death, enhances the impact of those scenes.
Historical Accuracy and Creative License
What the Film Gets Right
The film accurately depicts several aspects of World War II. The portrayal of the U.S. Army’s recruitment process, the role of women in the military (through Peggy Carter), and the general atmosphere of wartime America are well-researched. The film also correctly shows the existence of Nazi occultism and interest in supernatural artifacts, which was a real historical phenomenon (though exaggerated for the film).
The film’s depiction of Hydra as a Nazi science division is consistent with historical accounts of Nazi interest in advanced technology and occultism. The organization’s use of advanced weaponry, while fictional, reflects the real Nazi interest in “wonder weapons” like the V-2 rocket.
Creative License and Fictional Elements
The film takes significant creative license with the Super-Soldier Serum and the Tesseract. While the serum is fictional, it serves as a useful plot device to explain Steve’s abilities. The Tesseract, an Infinity Stone, is a purely fictional element that connects the film to the larger MCU.
The film’s timeline is also compressed for narrative purposes. In the comics, Captain America’s origin is set in 1941, but the film sets it in 1942-1945. The film also condenses the war years into a few key events, which is necessary for a two-hour film but sacrifices some historical detail.
Comparison to Other WWII Films
Contrast with Traditional War Films
Captain America: The First Avenger differs from traditional WWII films like Saving Private Ryan or The Thin Red Line in several ways. While those films focus on the brutal reality of combat and the psychological toll of war, Captain America uses the war as a backdrop for a superhero origin story. The film’s action sequences are more stylized and less graphic than those in traditional war films.
However, the film shares some thematic elements with traditional war films, such as the importance of camaraderie and the moral complexities of war. The scene where Steve rescues Bucky and the other prisoners from the Hydra base has the same emotional weight as similar scenes in more realistic war films.
Comparison to Other Superhero Films
Compared to other superhero origin films like Iron Man or Batman Begins, Captain America: The First Avenger is more grounded in historical reality. While Iron Man uses contemporary technology and Batman Begins uses a fictional city, Captain America is set in a real historical period with real-world events. This gives the film a unique texture and allows it to explore themes of patriotism and propaganda in a way that other superhero films cannot.
The film also stands out for its lack of cynicism. While many modern superhero films feature dark, brooding heroes, Steve Rogers is fundamentally optimistic and idealistic. This makes him a refreshing contrast to characters like Batman or Wolverine.
The Film’s Legacy and Impact
Within the MCU
Captain America: The First Avenger serves as a crucial foundation for the MCU. It introduces key characters (Steve Rogers, Bucky Barnes, Peggy Carter) and concepts (the Tesseract, Hydra) that become central to later films. The film’s ending, with Steve waking up in the modern era, sets up his fish-out-of-water story in The Avengers (2012).
The film also establishes the moral compass of the MCU. Steve Rogers’ values—honor, duty, and self-sacrifice—become the ethical foundation for the Avengers. His conflict with Tony Stark in later films (such as Captain America: Civil War) stems from their different interpretations of these values.
Cultural Impact
The film has had a significant cultural impact, particularly in its portrayal of a hero who is defined by his character rather than his powers. Steve Rogers has become an icon of integrity and moral courage, inspiring discussions about what it means to be a hero in the modern world.
The film also sparked renewed interest in the Captain America character and the WWII era. It led to a more nuanced portrayal of patriotism in popular culture, moving beyond simplistic nationalism to explore the complexities of national identity and moral responsibility.
Conclusion: A Timeless Hero in a Historical Setting
Captain America: The First Avenger succeeds as both a period piece and a superhero film by grounding its fantastical elements in historical reality and exploring timeless themes of heroism, sacrifice, and moral integrity. The film’s strength lies in its character development, particularly Steve Rogers’ journey from a determined but physically limited individual to a symbol of hope. Chris Evans’ performance captures both the physical transformation and the moral consistency of the character, making Captain America a relatable and inspiring hero.
The film’s exploration of patriotism and propaganda remains relevant today, prompting viewers to consider the relationship between symbols and reality, and between national pride and moral responsibility. Its historical setting provides a unique lens through which to examine these themes, making it more than just another superhero movie.
While the film takes creative liberties with history and science, it does so in service of a compelling narrative that honors the spirit of the era it portrays. Captain America: The First Avenger stands as a testament to the power of storytelling to blend history, fantasy, and philosophy into a cohesive and entertaining whole. It reminds us that true heroism is not about superpowers but about the choices we make when faced with adversity—a message that resonates across time periods and genres.
For viewers interested in both World War II history and superhero narratives, this film offers a unique and satisfying experience that bridges the gap between past and present, reality and fantasy, and ordinary and extraordinary.# Captain America: The First Avenger - A WWII Film Review
Introduction: The Birth of a Symbol
Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) stands as a unique entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), serving as both a period piece and a superhero origin story. Directed by Joe Johnston, the film transports audiences back to the tumultuous era of World War II, presenting a narrative that balances patriotic fervor with nuanced commentary on heroism and propaganda. Unlike many superhero films that rely on contemporary settings, this movie successfully captures the aesthetic and moral complexities of the 1940s while laying the groundwork for the modern superhero genre.
The film follows Steve Rogers (Chris Evans), a frail but determined young man from Brooklyn who repeatedly fails to enlist in the U.S. Army due to his physical limitations. His unwavering commitment to serving his country catches the attention of Dr. Abraham Erskine (Stanley Tucci), a German scientist who has defected to the United States. Erskine selects Steve for Project Rebirth, a secret military experiment that transforms him into the super-soldier Captain America. The narrative then follows Steve’s journey as he becomes a symbol of hope during the war, ultimately facing the Red Skull (Hugo Weaving), the Nazi officer who became the first recipient of the Super-Soldier Serum.
Historical Context and Setting
The Authenticity of the 1940s Setting
The film meticulously recreates the World War II era through its production design, costume choices, and cinematography. The production team, led by production designer Rick Heinrichs, studied thousands of photographs from the period to ensure accuracy. The film opens with a sepia-toned sequence that immediately establishes the historical setting, transitioning to full color when Steve receives the serum—a visual metaphor for his transformation from ordinary to extraordinary.
The film’s depiction of wartime America is particularly noteworthy. Scenes of recruitment drives, war bond rallies, and propaganda posters are not merely background elements but integral parts of the narrative. For instance, the sequence where Steve, as Captain America, performs in a USO show for troops is both entertaining and revealing. The show’s campy, theatrical nature contrasts sharply with the grim reality of war that Steve later encounters, highlighting the disconnect between propaganda and actual combat.
The Role of Technology and Science
The film presents an interesting blend of historical accuracy and speculative fiction. While the Super-Soldier Serum is fictional, it reflects real historical concerns about scientific advancement during wartime. The Manhattan Project, which developed the atomic bomb, was contemporary to the film’s setting, and the film subtly references the ethical dilemmas of scientific research during war. Dr. Erskine’s warning that “the serum amplifies what is inside” serves as a philosophical commentary on the nature of power and responsibility.
Character Analysis
Steve Rogers/Captain America: The Reluctant Hero
Chris Evans delivers a compelling performance as Steve Rogers, capturing both his physical transformation and his moral consistency. What makes Steve an interesting protagonist is that his heroism predates his physical enhancement. As Dr. Erskine notes, “The serum amplifies what is inside. It won’t make you a better person; it will make you a stronger version of who you already are.” This establishes that Steve’s true strength lies in his character, not his physical abilities.
The film effectively shows Steve’s development from a determined but physically limited individual to a symbol of hope. His initial struggles with the serum’s effects—his disorientation and the physical pain of transformation—are portrayed with realism. The scene where he wakes up in the 1940s hospital, confused and disoriented, is particularly poignant, showing the human cost of his transformation.
The Red Skull: A Villain with Depth
Hugo Weaving’s portrayal of Johann Schmidt/Red Skull is one of the film’s highlights. Unlike many one-dimensional villains, Schmidt is given a backstory that explains his motivations. His obsession with power and his belief in the superiority of the Aryan race are rooted in his own insecurities and desire for validation. The film cleverly uses the Tesseract (an Infinity Stone) as both a plot device and a symbol of Schmidt’s hubris.
The Red Skull’s transformation is visually striking, with the serum causing his face to become a red, skull-like visage. This physical transformation mirrors his moral decay, serving as a visual metaphor for how his pursuit of power has corrupted him. The film doesn’t shy away from showing the Nazi ideology’s destructive nature, making Schmidt a more compelling villain than typical comic book antagonists.
Supporting Characters: Bucky and Peggy
Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) serves as Steve’s best friend and moral anchor. Their friendship is the emotional core of the film, and Bucky’s eventual fate (falling from a train in the Alps) sets up his future as the Winter Soldier in later MCU films. The film shows their camaraderie through small, intimate moments—like when Bucky gives Steve a pep talk before his transformation or when they share a drink after Steve’s first USO show.
Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell) is a standout character who defies the typical damsel-in-distress trope. As a member of the Strategic Scientific Reserve (SSR), she is intelligent, capable, and assertive. Her relationship with Steve develops naturally, built on mutual respect rather than physical attraction. The scene where she shoots at Steve during his training, testing his reflexes, establishes her as an equal rather than a subordinate. Her line, “I know my value. Anyone else’s opinion doesn’t really matter,” encapsulates her character’s strength.
Themes and Symbolism
Patriotism vs. Propaganda
The film explores the complex relationship between patriotism and propaganda. Captain America becomes a symbol used by the government to sell war bonds and boost morale, but the film questions whether this is an appropriate use of a superhero. The USO show sequences are particularly telling—Steve is dressed in a ridiculous costume, performing for cheering crowds, while real soldiers are fighting and dying overseas. This creates a tension between the symbolic value of Captain America and the reality of war.
The film doesn’t condemn patriotism outright but suggests that true patriotism requires action, not just symbols. Steve’s decision to rescue Bucky and the other prisoners from Hydra’s base is a turning point where he moves from being a propaganda symbol to a true hero. This transition is visually represented by him discarding the flashy, theatrical costume for a more practical, military-style uniform.
The Nature of Heroism
The film presents a nuanced view of heroism. Steve Rogers is not a traditional action hero; he is often outmatched physically and relies on his wits and determination. His heroism is defined by his moral choices rather than his physical abilities. The film emphasizes that true strength comes from character, not power. This is exemplified in the scene where Steve, as a small, frail man, throws himself on a grenade to protect his fellow soldiers—a selfless act that earns him the serum.
The film also explores the burden of heroism. Steve’s transformation isolates him from his peers and creates expectations that he must live up to. The scene where he visits Bucky’s apartment after his presumed death is heartbreaking, showing the personal cost of being a hero. The film suggests that heroism is not about glory but about sacrifice and responsibility.
The Ethics of Science and Power
The Super-Soldier Serum serves as a metaphor for the ethical dilemmas of scientific advancement. Dr. Erskine’s warning that “the serum amplifies what is inside” is a central theme. The film contrasts Steve’s use of the serum for good with Schmidt’s use of it for evil, highlighting that technology is neutral; its morality depends on the user. This theme resonates with real-world debates about scientific ethics, such as the development of nuclear weapons or genetic engineering.
Cinematic Techniques and Visual Storytelling
Color Palette and Visual Style
The film employs a distinct color palette to differentiate between eras and moods. The 1940s scenes are rendered in warm, sepia tones with muted colors, evoking the look of old photographs and newsreels. When Steve receives the serum, the film shifts to vibrant, saturated colors, symbolizing his transformation and the hope he brings. In contrast, the scenes involving the Red Skull and Hydra use cold, metallic blues and grays, creating a sense of technological menace.
The cinematography by Shelly Johnson effectively captures the scale of the action sequences. The film’s opening sequence, which shows Steve’s transformation in a laboratory, uses close-ups and rapid cuts to convey the intensity of the process. The final battle in the Hydra base is shot with a mix of wide shots to show the scope of the conflict and close-ups to emphasize the emotional stakes.
Sound Design and Music
The film’s score by Alan Silvestri combines orchestral themes with period-appropriate music. The main theme for Captain America is heroic and uplifting, while the Red Skull’s theme is ominous and dissonant. The use of period songs like “Star Spangled Banner” and “It’s a Long Way to Tipperary” adds authenticity to the scenes set in the 1940s.
The sound design is particularly effective in the action sequences. The sound of the serum being administered is visceral and unsettling, while the sounds of the Hydra weapons are futuristic and menacing, creating a contrast between the familiar and the alien. The film’s use of silence in emotional moments, such as when Steve discovers Bucky’s death, enhances the impact of those scenes.
Historical Accuracy and Creative License
What the Film Gets Right
The film accurately depicts several aspects of World War II. The portrayal of the U.S. Army’s recruitment process, the role of women in the military (through Peggy Carter), and the general atmosphere of wartime America are well-researched. The film also correctly shows the existence of Nazi occultism and interest in supernatural artifacts, which was a real historical phenomenon (though exaggerated for the film).
The film’s depiction of Hydra as a Nazi science division is consistent with historical accounts of Nazi interest in advanced technology and occultism. The organization’s use of advanced weaponry, while fictional, reflects the real Nazi interest in “wonder weapons” like the V-2 rocket.
Creative License and Fictional Elements
The film takes significant creative license with the Super-Soldier Serum and the Tesseract. While the serum is fictional, it serves as a useful plot device to explain Steve’s abilities. The Tesseract, an Infinity Stone, is a purely fictional element that connects the film to the larger MCU.
The film’s timeline is also compressed for narrative purposes. In the comics, Captain America’s origin is set in 1941, but the film sets it in 1942-1945. The film also condenses the war years into a few key events, which is necessary for a two-hour film but sacrifices some historical detail.
Comparison to Other WWII Films
Contrast with Traditional War Films
Captain America: The First Avenger differs from traditional WWII films like Saving Private Ryan or The Thin Red Line in several ways. While those films focus on the brutal reality of combat and the psychological toll of war, Captain America uses the war as a backdrop for a superhero origin story. The film’s action sequences are more stylized and less graphic than those in traditional war films.
However, the film shares some thematic elements with traditional war films, such as the importance of camaraderie and the moral complexities of war. The scene where Steve rescues Bucky and the other prisoners from the Hydra base has the same emotional weight as similar scenes in more realistic war films.
Comparison to Other Superhero Films
Compared to other superhero origin films like Iron Man or Batman Begins, Captain America: The First Avenger is more grounded in historical reality. While Iron Man uses contemporary technology and Batman Begins uses a fictional city, Captain America is set in a real historical period with real-world events. This gives the film a unique texture and allows it to explore themes of patriotism and propaganda in a way that other superhero films cannot.
The film also stands out for its lack of cynicism. While many modern superhero films feature dark, brooding heroes, Steve Rogers is fundamentally optimistic and idealistic. This makes him a refreshing contrast to characters like Batman or Wolverine.
The Film’s Legacy and Impact
Within the MCU
Captain America: The First Avenger serves as a crucial foundation for the MCU. It introduces key characters (Steve Rogers, Bucky Barnes, Peggy Carter) and concepts (the Tesseract, Hydra) that become central to later films. The film’s ending, with Steve waking up in the modern era, sets up his fish-out-of-water story in The Avengers (2012).
The film also establishes the moral compass of the MCU. Steve Rogers’ values—honor, duty, and self-sacrifice—become the ethical foundation for the Avengers. His conflict with Tony Stark in later films (such as Captain America: Civil War) stems from their different interpretations of these values.
Cultural Impact
The film has had a significant cultural impact, particularly in its portrayal of a hero who is defined by his character rather than his powers. Steve Rogers has become an icon of integrity and moral courage, inspiring discussions about what it means to be a hero in the modern world.
The film also sparked renewed interest in the Captain America character and the WWII era. It led to a more nuanced portrayal of patriotism in popular culture, moving beyond simplistic nationalism to explore the complexities of national identity and moral responsibility.
Conclusion: A Timeless Hero in a Historical Setting
Captain America: The First Avenger succeeds as both a period piece and a superhero film by grounding its fantastical elements in historical reality and exploring timeless themes of heroism, sacrifice, and moral integrity. The film’s strength lies in its character development, particularly Steve Rogers’ journey from a determined but physically limited individual to a symbol of hope. Chris Evans’ performance captures both the physical transformation and the moral consistency of the character, making Captain America a relatable and inspiring hero.
The film’s exploration of patriotism and propaganda remains relevant today, prompting viewers to consider the relationship between symbols and reality, and between national pride and moral responsibility. Its historical setting provides a unique lens through which to examine these themes, making it more than just another superhero movie.
While the film takes creative liberties with history and science, it does so in service of a compelling narrative that honors the spirit of the era it portrays. Captain America: The First Avenger stands as a testament to the power of storytelling to blend history, fantasy, and philosophy into a cohesive and entertaining whole. It reminds us that true heroism is not about superpowers but about the choices we make when faced with adversity—a message that resonates across time periods and genres.
For viewers interested in both World War II history and superhero narratives, this film offers a unique and satisfying experience that bridges the gap between past and present, reality and fantasy, and ordinary and extraordinary.