The Hero's Journey is the template upon which the vast majority of successful stories and Hollywood blockbusters are based upon. Understanding this template is a priority for story or screenwriters. The Hero's Journey: "Attempts to tap into unconscious expectations the audience has regarding what a story is and how it should be told. " Gives the writer more structural elements than simply three or four acts, plot points, mid point and so on. " Interpreted metaphorically, laterally and symbolically, allows an infinite number of varied stories to be created. Consider this: " Titanic (1997) grossed over $600,000,000 - uses the Hero's Journey as a template. " Star Wars (1977) grossed over $460,000,000 - uses the Hero's Journey as a template. " Shrek 2 (2004) grossed over $436,000,000 - uses the Hero's Journey as a template. " ET (1982) grossed over $434,000,000 - uses the Hero's Journey as a template. " Spiderman (2002) grossed over $432,000,000 - uses the Hero's Journey as a template. " Out of Africa (1985), Terms of Endearment (1983), Dances with Wolves (1990), Gladiator (2000) - All Academy Award Winners Best Film are based on the Hero's Journey. " Anti-hero stories (Raging Bull (1980), Goodfellas (1990) etc are all based on the Hero's Journey). Sex One critical element of the Hero's Journey is the Romantic Challenge. More often than not there are certain points in the story where the romantic challenge is conquered: a) Most usually the romantic challenge is given as a reward after having Seized the Sword [Meeting with the Goddess] and undergone the Rebirth Through Death [Woman as Temptress]. In Dances with Wolves (1990), John Dunbar marries Stands with a Fist after having defeated the Pawnee. In The Matrix (1999), Neo wins over Trinity after he has rescued Morpheus and saved her life (helicopter sequence). b) On occasion, the romantic challenge is conquered on attainment of the Ultimate Boon. In Raiders of the Lost Ark (1983), Marion attempts to bed Indy once they have secured the Ark. c) On occasion, the romantic challenge is conquered during the Transformation (Road of Trials). In such situations, the hero often has problems holding onto (him or her). In Lord of War (2005), Yuri tries to prevent Ava discovering that he is an arms dealer. Learn more... The Complete 188 stage Hero's Journey and FREE 17 stage sample and other story structure templates can be found at http://managing-creativity.com/ You can also receive a regular, free newsletter by entering your email address at this site. Kal Bishop, MBA ********************************** You are free to reproduce this article as long as no changes are made and the author's name and site URL are retained. |
