The Hero's Journey (Monomyth) is the template upon which the vast majority of successful stories and Hollywood blockbusters are based upon. In fact, ALL of the hundreds of Hollywood movies we have deconstructed (see URL below) are based on this 188+ stage template.
Understanding this template is a priority for story or screenwriters. This is the template you must master if you are to succeed in the craft.
[The terminology is most often metaphoric and applies to all successful stories and screenplays, from The Godfather (1972) to Brokeback Mountain (2006) to Annie Hall (1977) to Lord of the Rings (2003) to Drugstore Cowboy (1989) to Thelma and Louise (1991) to Apocaplyse Now (1979)].
THERE IS ONLY ONE STORY
THE HERO'S JOURNEY:
a) Attempts to tap into unconscious expectations the audience has regarding what a story is and how it should be told.
b) Gives the writer more structural elements than simply three or four acts, plot points, mid point and so on.
c) Gives you a tangible process for building and releasing dissonance (establishing and achieving catharses, of which there are usually four).
d) Gives you a universal structural template upon which you can superimpose your situational story. This is why stories such as Alien (1979), Gladiator (2000), Midnight Cowboy (1969), American Beauty (1999), The Graduate (1967) and many others (all deconstructed at the URL below) appear to be different but are all constructed, almost sequence by sequence, in the same way.
and more...
*****Hero's Journey: Pulling the Hero in*****
The detective hero confronts the femme fatale client with the arrival of male client and the knowledge of the treasure. The hero's cynicism is further increased.
The female client attempts to persuade the hero to side with her.
A sexual relationship develops. It is made explicit that the hero is (or could be) overly infatuated with his client. In The Maltese Falcon (1939), Sam plays along with the O'Shaugnessey's game.
*****Shape Shifter Revealed and The Red Herring*****
The shape shifter's true nature becomes apparent [post the Rebirth through Death]. In The Incredibles (2004), Bomb Voyage assists the Incredibles to escape.
Red Herrings and misdirections are toyed with and implemented. In Star Wars (1977), Han considers "leaving this party." In Syriana (2005), we are led to believe that it is Whiting who will be sacrificed. In Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005), we are led to believe that Severus Snape is a threat.
*****Night Sea Journey*****
The Night Sea Journey is that passage that leads into the Near Death Experience. Certain characteristics are common, including:
Descent. Often the Hero moves physically downward, underground, below or similar. Metaphorically, this is a spiritual descent. In Star Wars (1977), Luke follows Leia down the shoot into the garbage section of the detention level.
Night. The Night Sea Journey often occurs at night.
Stealth. The Night Sea Journey is stealthily engaged in.
Dark. The Night Sea Journey often lacks sunlight (underground, tunnels etc). In The Shawshank Redemption (1994), Andy is in the hole for an impossibly long time. It's grim down there.
Cold. The Night Sea Journey often occurs in the cold.
Rain. Water is symbolic of baptism and rebirth.
Unfavourable Conditions. The Night Sea Journey is generally unpleasant. In Dances with Wolves (1990), the journey to retrieve the guns occurs at night, in the hard rain, with only a child for help and under extreme time pressure.
Spiritual Descent. Often we are privy to a glimpse of the Hero at his lowest. In Scarface (1983), Tony Montana is snorting his own supply. It's grim.
Weakness. In the darkness of the descent, the Hero is weak. Magical gifts fail them. In Scarface (1983), Tony Montana knows they are header for trouble because they are "not hungry anymore."
Conflict with Allies. With all the danger, the Hero conflicts with Allies. In Scarface (1983), Tony and Manny argue.
Comedy. It is not unusual for this stage of the journey to be comedic on some level. Death, tragedy and comedy are very close. In Dances with Wolves (1990), Stone Calf uses the gun as a rod instead of shooting it.
*****Symbolism*****
Symbolism is an underrated aspect of storytelling. The degree of symbolism used in the most successful stories and screenplays is enormous. In Brokeback Mountain (2005), the passing of the train symbolises Journey. Similarly, the mirror that Jack twist looks into symbolises reflection and dissatisfaction of the Ordinary Self.
*****Sirens of the Coming of The One*****
Previous to the Seizure of the Sword, some communication will reveal that the Hero is imminently about to gain the Expansion of Consciousness, an Enlightenment. In Dances with Wolves (1990), the women know that the there is something between John and Stands with a Fist.
Antagonists attempt to prevent this. In Star Wars (1977), Tarkin explicitly states that they must not be allowed to get away.
The Antagonists realise that the Hero's Expansion of Consciousness will lead only to conflict between them. In Star Wars (1977), Vader feels a disturbance in the force. He knows Obi Wan is near.
Learn more…
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The Complete 188 stage Hero’s Journey and other story structure templates can be found at http://www.clickok.co.uk/
The Managing Creativity and Innovation MBA dissertation, DIY creativity Audit, Powerpoint presentation and Good Idea generator software can be found at http://www.managing-creativity.com/
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Kal Bishop, MBA
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