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. Screenwriting Magazine: Hero's Journey; Out of the Frying Pan, Into the Fire A critical part of the Hero's Journey, post the Seizure of the Sword, is the Near Death Experience after which 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, which is representative of Zacks old world - and it happens after 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 claim the throne. In Unforgiven (1992), the Sheriff beats Clint Eastwood to a pulp - in the bar that is, in effect "his territory."? In A Fistful of Dynamite (1971), the main sequence is occupied by Dr. Villega. He is captured, tortured and forced to reveal the identities of his associates. John recalls his back-story and a similar situation in Ireland. Rod Steiger faces an execution at the hands of a firing squad. However, after the near death experience, it is not unusual for the hero to undergo another, more significant trial. In other words, the near-death-experience usually involves two trials. In Unforgiven (1992), Clint Eastwood does not easily recover from his beating. In Star Wars (1977), Luke et al are compressed by the garbage compactor, after Luke nearly dies at the hands of the Serpent. 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. |
