The Hero's Journey is the template upon which the overwhelming majority of successful stories and Hollywood blockbusters are primarily based upon. Understanding this template could be a priority for story or screenwriters:
The Hero's Journey:
o Tries to tap into unconscious expectations the audience has relating to what a story is and the way it should be told.
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o Offers the author more structural elements than merely three or four acts, plot points, mid purpose and so on.
o Interpreted metaphorically, laterally and symbolically, allows an infinite range of assorted stories to be created.
The Hero's Journey is also a study of repeating patterns in successful stories and screenplays. It's compelling that screenwriters have a higher probability of producing quality work after they mirror the recurring patterns found in successful screenplays.
The Hero's Journey is also a study of conventions. Before screenwriters will decide whether to accept or reject the conventions, they must appreciate their purpose and value.
Take into account this:
o Titanic (1997) grossed over $600,000,000 - uses the Hero's Journey as a template.
o Star Wars (1977) grossed over $460,000,000 - uses the Hero's Journey as a template.
o Shrek two (2004) grossed over $436,000,000 - uses the Hero's Journey as a template.
o ET (1982) grossed over $434,000,000 - uses the Hero's Journey as a template.
o Spiderman (2002) grossed over $432,000,000 - uses the Hero's Journey as a template.
o Out of Africa (1985), Terms of Endearment (1983), Dances with Wolves (1990), Gladiator (2000) - All Academy Award Winners Best Film are primarily based on the Hero's Journey.
o Anti-hero stories (Raging Bull (1980), Goodfellas (1990) etc) are all based mostly on the Hero's Journey.
o Heroine's Journey stories (Million Dollar Baby (2004), Out of Africa (1980) etc) are all primarily based on the Hero's Journey.
Hero's Journey and Rebirth through Death
A important part of the Hero's Journey, post the Seizure of the Sword, is that the Close to Death Experience once that the hero is reborn.
In An Officer and a Gentleman (1982), Zack Maya is beaten to near death by Sgt. Foley - this happens in the martial arts gym, that is representative of Zacks previous world - and it happens when his argument with Paula.
In Al Pacino Scarface (1983), Elvira tempts Tony down this path with the words "I don't sleep with the help." This encourages Tony to say the throne.
In Unforgiven (1992), the Sheriff beats Clint Eastwood to a pulp - within the bar that is, in effect "his territory."
In A Fistful of Dynamite (1971), the most sequence is occupied by Dr. Villega. He's captured, tortured and made to reveal the identities of his associates. John recalls his back-story and the same situation in Ireland. Rod Steiger faces an execution by the hands of a firing squad.
Learn more...
The Complete 188 stage Hero's Journey and FREE 17 stage sample and alternative story structure templates can be found
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Kal Bishop, MBA
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Author Resource:-
Watson Gray has been writing articles online for nearly 2 years now. Not only does this author specialize in Screenwriting (Writing and Speaking ), you can also check out his latest website about:
