From our deconstruction of hundreds of Hollywood blockbusters and Academy Award Winners....

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...

Below is a deconstruction of a classic transformation that sticks rigidly to the Hero's Journey.

Hero's Journey: Desperate Housewives 02.05; basic deconstruction

FADE IN:

Everyones backstory.

A Story: Lynnette tries to help Nina relax; taking her to a singles bar.

Credits.

Theme: everyone in this world needs someone they can depend upon.

Inciting Incident / Call to Adventure

B Story: Lonny asks Susan to join his new agency.

C Story: Carlos meets the new lawyer and rejects him.

D Story: Brie threatens to sue if they don't release Rex's body.

A Story: Nina wants Lynnette to join her at the singles bar.

E Story: Betty delivers Edie's mail and sees the news.

Communion: Brie tells all that Rex's body has been released; invites them to the funeral.

Belly of the Whale

C Story: Carlos and Gabrielle at marriage counseling.

B Story: Mike tells Susan she shouldn't trust Lonny; he doesn't give second chances; she tells Julie that she sent Zach away and is afraid Mike won't forgive her when he finds out.

A Story: Nina threatens Lynnette if she doesn't go drinking with her; go get him for me!

E Story: Betty writes a letter; Kalib thinks it is better not to escape.

Trials

B Story: Susan goes over to Lonny's to give him the new contract

C Story: the lawyer gives Gabrielle an unexpected visit. Push to the Atonement: the lawyer will convince Carlos to trust him.

Atonement

B Story: Susan runs from Lonny.

E Story: the cops get the letter from Betty.

D Story: Brie gets Rex's body and is given the note.

C Story: the lawyer convinces Carlos to let him represent him.

A Story: Nina won't let Lynnette go home; Lynnette plays the femme fatale and suddenly Nina's not interested anymore.

Communion: Brie buries Rex.

Close Theme

Brie has lost a faithful friend.

Carlos has a determined advocate.

Lonny alone.

FADE OUT

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