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: Incredibles (2004) deconstructed

Introduce Hero, Romantic Challenge and Loyal Ally (Bob [Mr Incredible], Helen [Elastigirl] and Lucius [Frozone]).

Hero in Ordinary World: being a superhero, saving the cat, "I got time," hero's capabilities etc.

Introduce Antagonist: we meet Buddy [Syndrome] as a boy. Antagonist's back story.

Develop Hero and his Romantic Challenge: Bob with Helen on the rooftop.

Antagonist Motivated: Bob rejects Buddy.

Going on a Journey: Bob and Helen get married; their challenges made explicit.

Foreshadow of the Journey: Bob tempts fate; "we're superheroes, what could happen?"

Call to Adventure: all superheroes retired.

Refusal of the Call: Bob resists "retirement."

Hero pulled into the Journey: the situation is out of Bob's control.

First Threshold: Bob as an insurance agent.

This World is diametrically opposite to the Ordinary World Bob has just come from: Insurance office is grey and grim.

Hero and his Romantic Challenge developed: Bob and Helen's relationship developed while she's giving the baby a bath.

Hero's True Nature revealed: under pressure, Bob helps the old lady.

Introduce Interdictor: we meet Bob's boss.

Introduce Ally and Inner Challenge: we meet Dash and his desire to reach his potential but is held back.

Introduce Ally and Inner Challenge: we meet Violet and her self-conscious apprehension tangibly illustrated by her reaction to the boy.

Hero Frustrated: Bob restrained in his car; trashes the car.

Inner Cave: everyone around the dinner table; challenges and conflicts developed

Foreshadow of the Journey: Bob reads the paper; old superheroes gone missing.

Physical Separation: Lucius arrives and Bob drags him off; dead of night; haste; deception.

Reminiscing: Bob and Lucius discuss Old Times.

Foreshadow of the Journey: Mirage watches