Homework: Genre and Narrative Analysis

Characters

Hero: Derek Zoolander

False hero: Maury/Mugatu

Villain: Mugatu

Princess: Matilda

Helper: Hansel

Donor: J.P. Prewett

Narrative

Equilibrium: Derek Zoolander is a top male fashion model, sweeping prizes for his looks, attitude and swagger.

Disturbance: He finally loses an award to Hansel; a younger, better looking model with a new type of attitude.  Derek loses confidence and as a further result of losing the award to Hansel and also after having had a critical article from journalist Matilda Jeffries, the protagonists modelling career appears to be finished. 

He briefly attempts returning to work with his father (Larry Zoolander) and brother (Scrappy Zoolander) as a miner back in his hometown.  However, after a day of work, the well-moisturised, pampered model realises (along with the rest of the world) he is not cut out to lift massive chunks of coal.

After reaching an all time low, Derek reaches the light at the end of the tunnel (or so it seems) in the form of Jacobim Mugatu who offers him a fashion shoot opportunity in front of guest such as Fred Durst, Donald Trump and the Prime Minister of Malaysia.  Though Mugatu had previously refused to work with Derek for any show, Derek accepts Mugatu's offer to star in the next runway show as he is becoming desperate.  The fiendish fashion figure takes him to a day spa, where Derek is conditioned to hypnosis, unknowingly; with the hope he will attempt the assassination of the Malaysian Prime Minister when the song "Relax" by Frankie Goes To Hollywood is put on by DJ-to-be Mark Ronson.

Amongst all the drama with Mugatu, Derek still feels he has a personal vendetta with Hansel.  He challenges him to a "walk-off", a challenge so imperative only one man can be the judge…David Bowie!

Derek loses embarrassingly after attempting to repeat a stunt performed by Hansel that leaves him in a lot of pain.

With help from an anonymous phone call (which turns out to be J.P. Prewett, a hand model), Derek and his love interest, Matilda have reason to believe that Mugatu is evil.  However, before J.P. can explain more, Katinka, Mugatu's chief henchwoman, and her aides attack the group, forcing Derek and Matilda to flee. They decide to go to Hansel's home, the last place they believe Mugatu will think to look.  On entry, Derek learns how much of an inspiration he was to Hansel and how much Hansel admires him.  Additionally, during the stay, Derek realises he loves Matilda.

Derek and Hansel beak into Maury's offices to find evidence of the assassination plot, but cannot operate his computer to find them.  Derek leaves for the show, Hansel following with the computer in hand, believing that, as told to him by Matilda, 'the files are inside the computer' (that's right; literally "imside" the computer…what an idiot).

Her attempts thwarted Matilda seeks the help of Hansel to prevent DJ 'Mark Ronson' from playing the dreaded "Relax".  Hansel complies, fighting for the outright song, resulting in confusion for the spectators but most notably for Derek as whilst the song switches between "Relax" and "Rockit" by Herbie Hancock as the resurrected model alters his trance state in accordance with the song playing.  Hansel eventually unplugs the system leaving Mugatu powerless and the attempted assassination foiled.

Having been unsuccessful in trying to cover up the conspiracy, with one last hurrah, Mugatu launches a ninja star straight at the Prime Minister but Derek stops him and the star in mid-air by unleashing his ultimate model look, 'The Magnum', which stuns everyone.

Mugatu is then arrested and Derek thanked by the Prime Minister.

Resolution: Derek, now with new love, Matilda, opens 'The Derek Zoolander Centre for Kids Who Can't Read Good and Wanna Learn to Do Other Stuff Good Too' and has son(Derek Zoolander Jr.) who at age 1 is shown to already have his first modelling look.  Furthermore, in Derek's hometown, Larry Zoolander acknowledges his son's achievements.