Hero's Journey: Character's True Nature and Time Pressure

The Hero's Journey is the template upon which the cast majority of successful screenplays are built upon. Films as diverse as Gladiator (2000), Million Dollar Baby (2004), Raging Bull (1980) and Scarface (1983) were all constructed around the Hero's Journey Template.

One aspect of the hero's character that is often developed is his true nature.

Frequently, this is hinted at in the Call to Adventure but illustrated later when the hero undergoes various stressful events. True nature is often demonstrated under pressure.

In The Godfather (1972), Michael Corleone visits his father in hospital to find that he is not being guarded and, consequently his life is in danger. While waiting for Tom Hagen et al to turn up an ally (Enzo, the Baker) is so nervous he is unable to light a cigarrette. Michael Corleone lights the cigarrette for him, with unwavering and calm hands.

In Lord of War (2005), when Vitaly unclips a grenade, Yuri calmly takes the clip and grenade out of his hand and reassembles it.

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