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...

Walk the Line (2005) deconstructed

FADE IN: Loop / Context: Folsom prison:

Meeting the Hero / Loop: Cash looking at the saw.

Ordinary World: back at home as a kid.

Foreshadow of the Romantic Challenge: June Carter Cash on the radio.

Foreshadow of the Outer Challenge: Ray (Father) banging on the door.

Building Inner Challenge: Cash with his younger brother in bed.

Hero's Capabilities: songs are easy.

Developing Outer Challenge: Dad angry while picking cotton.

Building Inner Challenge: Cash walking with his younger brother in the fields.

Building Inner Challenge: the dangerous saw.

Developing Hero's Capabilities: Cash practicing song writing.

Pushed to confront the Inner Challenge: Ray picks up Jack.

Inner Challenge: Jack dies.

Call to Adventure : "..you're nothing