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. 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 - The Antagonist's Mentor One often forgotten aspect of good screenplays and stories is the Mentor of both the Antagonist and the Supernatural Aid. Whilst it is common to acknowledge the existence of the Supernatural Aid as the Hero's Mentor, the Supernatural Aid himself often has a challenge and a guide. For example, in Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon (2000), Li and Shu Lien have an inner challenge (that they love each other) and a mentor in Sir Te. The antagonist also usually has a mentor - or in a slightly more complex version, the antagonist has a lieutenant who is more fearful than the antagonist himself. The point is to have two - not one - significant enemy to deal with. In Goldfinger (1971), Oddjob is scarier than the quite charming Goldfinger. In Star Wars (1977), Governor Tarkin is almost as scary as Vader. 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. |
