Aranique Brown
Humanities I – Honors
Timothy W. Kandel, PH.D., Course Instructor
Report: Ghostbusters
1984
Date Due of Report: October 31st, 2014
Ghostbusters, a classic film about three university students who become known widely for their success in capturing ghosts, was produced and published in 1984 by Ivan Reitman. Dan Akroyd, Harold Ramis, and Rick Moranis also take credit for the writing of the film. This blockbuster movie visits Mesopotamian mythology by discussing figures used in mythology such as Gozer and Zuul, ultimately telling the tale of the three scientists who had to overcome these supernatural creatures.
The introduction of the three main characters, Peter Venkman, Ray Stantz and Egon Spengler, is considered to be one of the most important moments in the film. One of their first customers is a worried manager of a hotel. He explains that he has a supernatural problem up on the twelfth floor, and the ghost busters were there to take care of it in no time. The most interesting part, however, had to be their equipment. Peter describes it as an “unlicensed nuclear accelerator,” and mentions something about the danger that came with crossing streams, which later becomes relevant in the final scene. As per usual, the ghost busters get their jobs done, even though they had happened to cause severe damage to the ballroom, which was supposed to be used for a formal gathering once they had successfully disposed of the ghost.
Another interesting detail of the film is Peter Venkman and Dana Barrett’s relationship. Peter falls in love with Dana, who came to the ghost busters in need when she discovered Zuul in her refrigerator and her eggs began cooking themselves on her counter. They flirt quite vigorously (which is almost one-sided, all of the comments coming mostly from Peter), and when they part Peter does his research on Zuul. He gives her information on Zuul, and she finally agrees to go on a date with him. Dana later becomes or is possessed by Zuul, who is waiting for the Keymaster, Gozer, an ancient