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: Star Wars (1977)

FADE IN: Context: galaxy far, far away. Empire versus the Rebellion etc.

The Antagonism; Good versus Evil polarization: Darth attacks Leia's ship; Darth versus Leia; Leia taken hostage (Sword).

Heralds seek a Hero: Herald's journey dangerous, full of obstacles, near death experience, separation: C3PO and R2 escape Vader's clutches.

Heralds pursued: Stormtroopers after the droids.

Meeting the Interdictor (Uncle Owen) and the Hero (Luke).

Call to Adventure: Heralds and Hero Sacred Meeting: Luke gets Leia's message.

Interdiction: Uncle Owen forbids Luke to seek Obi Wan.

Yearning for the Transformation: Luke looking at the moons.

Breaking the Interdiction: Luke forced to pursue R2.

Mentor Guardians / Near Death Experience: the sand people.

Meeting the Mentor : Obi Wan magically appears.

Safe Haven: Obi Wan takes Luke back to his home.

Spiritual guidance, back story and magical gifts (light sabre).

Refusal : Luke cannot go with Obi Wan.

Antagonism Developed (Outer Cave): the Empire has taken control; fear of the Death Star will keep the individual star systems in line.

Unbearable Antagonism: Uncle Owen and Aunt Beru murdered.

Antagonism Developed (Middle Cave): Leia interrogated with needles.

Conscious Decision to Transform: