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.

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The Pull and the Push

One common characteristic of successful stories is the Pull and Push: that is, the action is pulled or pushed forward.

A good example is Planet of the Apes (1968):

a) There is no going back: when Taylor et al arrive their ship sinks: they must go forward.

b) Taylor et al will run out of food within 72 hours: they must move ahead quickly. The implementation of a time ultimatum is a common tool.

c) Taylor et al find the plant: they rush forward to find another.

d) When the apes capture Taylor et al, they physically take them to the First Threshold.

Another example is Gladiator (2000):

a) Maximus is forced to travel to and try to save his family.

b) Maximus is physically carried to the First Threshold by Juba, the Caravan et al.

c) Proximo forces the reluctant Maximus into the Arena where he has to fight.

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