From our deconstruction of hundreds of Hollywood blockbusters.... The Hero's Journey is the template upon which the vast majority of successful stories and Hollywood blockbusters are based upon. In fact, ALL of the Hollywood movies we have deconstructed are based on this template. Understanding this template is a priority for story or screenwriters. The Hero's Journey: a) Attempts to tap into unconscious expectations the audience has regarding what a story is and how it should be told. b) Gives the writer more structural elements than simply three or four acts, plot points, mid point and so on. c) Interpreted metaphorically, laterally and symbolically, allows an infinite number of varied stories to be created. and more... Sample Movie Deconstructed: On the Waterfront (1954) FADE IN: the context; the waterfront. Introduce the hero: Terry (Marlon Brando)…"hey Joey…" Introduce the Antagonism: Charley (Rod Steiger) et al waiting; Joey is thrown off the roof. Hero's Character: Terry not too bright…"I thought they were going to talk to him…" Hero and Shape Shifter relationship: Charley to Terry: "come on, I'll buy you a drink..." Hero's Inner Conflict [subtext]: Terry responsible for Joey's death. Back Story: "he was the only one with the guts to speak up…," "don't say nothing, keep quiet, you'll live longer…" Meeting the Mentor: Father Barry. Meeting the Romantic Challenge: Edie. Call to Adventure: " I want to know who killed by brother…."" Meeting the Antagonist and his allies: Johnny et al. Antagonist's status: Johnny clearly in charge. Antagonist, Hero and Shape Shifter relationship: Johnny likes the kid. Hero's back story: "how come you never got an education…"; "remember when he [took a dive]." Hero's Inner Challenge: "you're not too funny tonight fat man…" Hero's ethics: "too much Marquis of Queensbury…" Antagonist's back story: Johnny tells us about himself. Hero and Antagonist relationship: "you got a real friend here..." Hero's Ally: "hey kid.." on the rooftop. Hero's True Nature: "don't allow them [the birds] to catch cold…" Reference to the Call to Adventure: they were Joey's birds. Reference to the Outer Challenge: the longshoremen talking about Joey's death; "he couldn't keep his mouth shut…;" the wide guys intimidating the men; reference to the antagonist, "Johnny Friendly, that great labour leader." Warning before crossing the First Threshold: "don't mess with those guys…" Refusal of the Call: the Waterfront Crime Commission (WCC); "I don't know nothing, I ain't seen nothing." Developing the Mentor and the Romantic Challenge: Father Barry and Edie talk…. Consciously agreeing to the Journey: "I've been thinking about your question and you're right…" The Unbearable Antagonism: no one can get a ticket to work; the fight at the dock. Magical Gift: the ticket. Hero and Romantic Challenge: Terry gives Edie the ticket. Foreshadow of the First Threshold: Father Barry says the Church is a safe place. Pushed to the First Threshold: Charley and Johnny want Terry to spy at the church meeting. Pushed to the Transformation: Father Barry preaches. Pushing Back the Hero: "what's he doing here." Physical Separation : the mob arrive with baseball bats; Terry rescues Edie; Dugan: "are you on the level," "if I stick my neck out, will you stick with it…" Warning against the Transformation : the bum tells Edie that Terry was there the night Joey was murdered. Transformation 1: Terry and Edie get closer in the park. Transformation 2: Edie's father warns against Terry. "I'm gonna stay pop, until I can find out who is responsible for Joey." Transformation 3: Edie meets Terry on the rooftop; he talks about the birds. Journey to the Sword: "you wanna get a drink?" Hero's Back Story and link to the Antagonist: Terry and Edie in the bar; Edie drinks alcohol. Refusing the Sword: Terry would like to help, but he can't. Seizing the Sword : Terry and Edie dance and almost kiss. Reminder of the Outer Challenge: the big man tells Terry to go and see Johnny. Foreshadow of the Final Conflict: Terry gets a subpoena. Pushed toward the Apotheosis: Edie tells Terry that Johnny had Joey killed; Terry is afraid to speak because he is a part of it; Terry is a bum. Night Sea Journey: Dugan has revealed everything to the commission; no more cushy job for Terry; gotta get rid of Dugan. Rebirth through Death : Dugan is killed. Atonement with the Father : Barry preaches; Terry knocks out one of the mafia hoods. Apotheosis : Terry tells Barry "I'm the one that set up Joey Doyle for the knock off..." Then he tells Edie. Pushed to confront Inner Challenge: the cop encourages Terry to talk about the time he took a dive..for his brother. Refusal : Shape Shifter has to make a decision: Charley is forced to get rough with his brother, though he doesn't want to. Inner Challenge conquered : in the car; "I coulda been a contender," "it was you Charley…" Reward: Terry knocks on Edie's door. Edie you love me; the kiss. Magic Flight: Terry walking through the alley; pursued by Edie; almost runs down by the truck. Rescue from Without : Terry finds Charley dead. Crossing the Return Threshold : Terry goes into Johnny's bar. Master of the Two Worlds : Terry testifies in court. Foreshadow of the Final Conflict: "you're dead…" New Self: Old allies disappear, new allies align: Tommy et al make their distance; Edie comes closer. Hand to Hand battle: "he's mine….you hear that, he's mine." Final Conflict: Terry and Johnny fight; Johnny wins but the men resist; Terry walks back to work. Learn more… The Complete 188 stage Hero’s Journey and other story structure templates can be found at http://www.clickok.co.uk/ You can also receive a regular, free newsletter by entering your email address at this site. Kal Bishop ********************************** You are free to reproduce this article as long as no changes are made and the author's name and site URL are retained. Kal Bishop is a management consultant based in London, UK. His specialities include Knowledge Management and Creativity and Innovation Management. He has consulted in the visual media and software industries and for clients such as Toshiba and Transport for London. He has led Improv, creativity and innovation workshops, exhibited artwork in San Francisco, Los Angeles and London and written a number of screenplays. He is a passionate traveller. He can be reached at http://www.clickok.co.uk/
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