From our deconstruction of hundreds of Hollywood blockbusters....

The Hero's Journey is the template upon which the vast majority of successful stories and Hollywood blockbusters are based upon. In fact, ALL of the Hollywood movies we have deconstructed are based on this template.

Understanding this template is a priority for story or screenwriters.

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) Interpreted metaphorically, laterally and symbolically, allows an infinite number of varied stories to be created.

and more...

Sample Movie Deconstructed: Die Hard (1988)

Introduce the Hero and the Mentor; Mentor gives the Hero a Magical Gift [we meet John McClane on the aircraft; make fists with your toes].

Hero's Status and Capabilities [he's a cop].

Hero on a Journey [with a teddy bear; to see his kids].

The World of the First Threshold [party at the Nakatomi corporation].

Meet the Romantic Challenge and the Shape Shifter [Holly and Harry]. Shape Shifter challenging the Hero for the affections of the Romantic Challenge [Harry hits on Holly].

Inner Challenge and other Allies [the kids want Daddy home; marital troubles]; Romantic Challenge referenced [good idea to make up the spare bed].

Hero views the World of the First Threshold [