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: Lord of the Rings (2001)

FADE IN: Context: the backstory of the ring; introducing Allies and Enemies: an alliance of men and elves fight the dark Sauron etc.

Introduce Hero in his Ordinary World: Frodo Baggins.

Introduce the Mentor: Gandalf.

Creatures in the Hero's Ordinary World: the people in the village.

Hero and Mentor relationship: "Gandalf, I'm glad you're back."

Foreshadow of the Journey: "you haven't aged a day."

Status and Capabilities of the Hero: Gandalf and Bilbo discuss Frodo.

Meeting Allies: Sam, Pippin et al.

Ally's Challenge: the girl.

Developing Characters and Relationships: at the party.

Call to Adventure : Bilbo disappears with the ring.

Interdiction: "there are many rings in this world and none of them should be used lightly