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: Godfather (1972)

Call to Adventure: Sollozzo asks to meet with the Corleone's to discuss funding a drug running operation.

Refusal of the Call: Vito Corleone refuses drugs because he believes they will have a negative impact for the Mafia in the future.

Supernatural Aid: Michael has two mentors: Kay leads him to the good side and Vito pulls him towards the dark (