From our deconstruction of hundreds of Hollywood blockbusters at www.clickok.co.uk/ 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: Groundhog Day (1993) FADE IN: Context: clouds. Meeting the Hero in his Ordinary World: Phil is a weatherman. Foreshadow of a Journey: "..I'm going to the Groundhog festival..." Resisting the Journey: "..I want to stay an extra second in Punxatawney..." Meeting the Shape Shifter: Larry. Meeting the Romantic Challenge: Rita. Journey to the First Threshold: in the van. Foreshadow of the Elixir: "..I'm probably leaving PBS..." Developing Characters and Relationships: Phil, Larry and Rita in the van. Developing the Romantic Challenge / Border of the First Threshold: Rita has booked a B&B for Phil. First Threshold: waking up in his bedroom; the routine of the first day. Meeting Allies and Enemies: Ned Ryerson et al. Transformation Marker: the puddle. Fish out of water in the First Threshold: Phil walking clumsily through the crowd. Resisting the Physical Separation: The highway is shut because of the blizzard; "I'm a celebrity in an emergency..." First Threshold: reliving Groundhog day again. Physical Separation: "...no tomorrow - no consequences; we can do whatever we like..."; getting arrested. Trial 1: punching Ned; not stepping in the puddle. New Self: "...I don't have to worry about anything...""...[this town] is beginning to grow on me..." Trial 2: Bedding Nancy Taylor. Trial 3: Robbing the bank and dressing as Bronco with the money. Meeting the Oracle: Phil wants Rita. Journey to the Sword: slowly winning Rita over day by day... Threshold Guardian: Rita resists coming in. Seizing the Sword: kissing Rita. Pushed to the Near Death Experience: Rita just won't sleep with Phil; Phil depressed. Rebirth through Death: the car crash; the electric toaster; the truck; jumping off the building. Reward: the "I'm God " sequence; Rita believes Phil; Rita spends the day with Phil; Rita stays the night. Atonement with the Father: seeing the opportunities; Phil sets out to improve himself; giving the old man money; bringing Rita and Larry coffee; reading; learning to play the piano; ice sculpting; sending Ned running. Apotheosis: "...sometimes people just die...""...not today..." Ultimate Boon: Rita asks Phil out for a cup of coffee. Refusal: "...can I take a rain check...I have some errands to run..." Magic Flight: Phil saves lives and helps everyone in town. Rescue from Without: Rita sees Phil playing the piano. Master of Two Worlds: everybody thanks Phil. Elixir: Rita buys Phil; "...I love you too..." Freedom to Live: "...lets live her..." 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. |
