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: Manhatten (1979)

FADE IN: Context: pictures of Manhattan; a writer; versions of chapter 1.

Meeting the Hero in his Ordinary World: Isaac and Tracy with Yale and his wife.

Hero's Inner Challenge: second ex-wife writing a book about the break up.

Hero's frustration with his Ordinary World: "...I'm dating someone that does homework..."

Interdiction: Yale really likes Mary.

Developing the Loyal Ally: Yale happy in his Ordinary Word; he wants to stay in Manhattan to date.

Hero's Inner Challenge: Isaac talks to his ex-wife.

Hero's pushing out of his Ordinary World: Tracy thinks she's in love with Isaac; he tries to dissuade her.

Call to Adventure : Isaac meets Mary with Yale at the museum.

Developing the Romantic Challenge: Mary talking as they walk.

Refusal : who the hell does she think she is?

Hero's breaks from his Ordinary World: Isaac quits from the TV studio.

Resisting the First Threshold: Isaac worried about not having any money now that he's quit.

Creatures of the First Threshold: the MOMA opening speech.

First Threshold : Isaac meets Mary at the MOMA party.

Developing the Goddess: Isaac with Mary after the party.

Pushing toward the Physical Separation: "..are you going to stay with Yale?"

Pushing toward the Physical Separation: "..want to take a walk by the river