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. The Hero's Journey is also a study of repeating patterns in successful stories and screenplays. It is compelling that screenwriters have a higher probability of producing quality work when they mirror the recurring patterns found in successful screenplays. The Hero's Journey is also a study of conventions. Before screenwriters can decide whether to accept or reject the conventions, they must appreciate their purpose and value. 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. " Heroine's Journey stories (Million Dollar Baby (2004), Out of Africa (1980) etc) are all based on the Hero's Journey. Hero's Journey and the Transformation The Transformation (also known as the Road of Trials) tends to follow a pattern of passive learning and then active doing. Often there are three trials- two are passive and the last is active. In Elizabethtown (2005), Drew confronts his father in a coffin (passive and learning), then meets his family (passive and learning) and then saves Samson in the car (active and doing). In The Matrix (1999), Neo first learns martial arts through simulation (passive and learning), then in combat with Morpheus (passive and learning) and then has to prove he has learnt by jumping the building (active and doing). 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. |
