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: Schindler's List (1993)

FADE IN: Context: lighting candles for the dead; Germans defeated Polish army; Jews branded and ordered to the cities.

Introducing the Hero: Schindler getting dressed, his clothing.

Hero's Capabilities: Schindler ingratiating himself with senior Nazi officers.

Antagonism: the German soldiers in Poland; degrading the Jews; thrown out of their houses; they'll shoot them if they take off their armbands.

Meeting the Mentor : Schindler looking for Itzhak Stern.

Call to Adventure / Pushing the Mentor into the Journey: Schindler tries to persuade Stern to help him build the company.

Refusal : Stern is sure he doesn't know anyone who would be interested.

Meeting Allies: meeting the Jewish traders in the church.

Antagonism Developed: the Jews have to enter the ghetto.

Devolved Hero: Schindler doesn't mind occupying the Jewish house; the owner pushed to the Ghetto.

Meeting the Shape Shifter: the Jew who works for the Germans.

Mentor provides a Magical Gift: Stern introduces the men with the money to buy the company.

Polarization between Hero and Mentor: Stern won't accept a drink.

Journey to the First Threshold: getting the factory organised; Schindler won't hire the more expensive Poles; Stern convinces his people that it is a good pace to work.

Overcoming foreboding and warnings of the First Threshold: life will be easier and safer in the factory; they make out they are essential workers.

Getting Past Threshold Guardians / Developing the Mentor: Stern helps people get into the factory; Stern convinces the administrators to issue the work permits.

The World of the First Threshold: the forging of pots and pans; training the workers.

Developing the Hero: Schindler prefers pretty typists.

Celebrating entry into the First Threshold : the group photos.

First Threshold Conflict: bribing the Nazi officials to purchase the factory goods; getting the orders.

Meeting Allies / Hero and Mentor Polarization: Schindler tries to thank Stern; Stern confused by Schindler and hesitant to share a drink.

Inner Cave / Hero's Backstory: Schindler's wife turns up.

Pulled to the Physical Separation: the machinist wants to thank Schindler.

Resisting the Physical Separation: Schindler confronts Stern; he is not in this business to save lives; "did you happen to notice that that man had one arm