From our deconstruction of hundreds of Hollywood blockbusters at www.managing-creativity.com/

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: Sweet Smell of Success (1957)

FADE IN: Context: the city.

Meeting the AntiHero: Sidney Falco buys the paper.

Meeting the Antagonist: JJ Hunsecker's column.

Developing the AntiHero: Sidney walks into his office; Sidney avoiding people on the phone; JJ hasn't mentioned Sidney's client; Sidney short of money.

Developing Characters and Relationships: Sidney with his secretary [Loyal Ally].

AntiHero's Motivation: Sidney wants to reach the top.

First Threshold: in the bar.

Meeting AntiGoddess: Rita.

Meeting Hero's Mentor : Frank.

Meeting Hero: Steve.

Referencing the Antagonist: Hunsecker.

Meeting Goddess: Susie.

Call to Adventure : Susie will try to make Steve a good wife.

Refusal / Warning of the Antagonist: "..I'm telling him in the morning at breakfast