The Hero′s Journey (Monomyth) is the template upon which the vast majority of successful stories and Hollywood blockbusters are based upon. In fact, ALL of the hundreds of Hollywood movies we have deconstructed (see URL below) are based on this 188 stage template.
Understanding this template is a priority for story or screenwriters. This is the template you must master if you are to succeed in the craft.
[The terminology is most often metaphoric and applies to all successful stories and screenplays, from The Godfather (1972) to Brokeback Mountain (2006) to Annie Hall (1977) to Lord of the Rings (2003) to Drugstore Cowboy (1989) to Thelma and Louise (1991) to Apocalypse Now (1979)].
There Is Only One Story
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) Gives you a tangible process for building and releasing dissonance (establishing and achieving catharses, of which there are usually four).
…..further details at www.clickok.co.uk
Abridged Tips And Examples:
*****Conquest of the Romantic Challenge*****
The conquest of the Romantic Challenge is the Hero’s Reward (post the Rebirth through Death). This is what is commonly referred to as the Mystical Marriage.
Rewards are referenced. In Dances with Wolves (1990), Kicking Bird’s wife brings up the topic of John’s relationship with Stands with a Fist.
*****Character Development*****
It is during Trial 2 that character development occurs most frequently. However, each aspect of character relates to Transformation on some level. In Bonnie and Clyde (1967), Bonnie recites her poetry, which will later be published and signify Clyde’s Transformation.
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The Complete 188 stage Hero’s Journey and other story structure templates can be found at clickok.co.uk/ clickok.co.uk/
The Managing Creativity and Innovation MBA dissertation, DIY creativity Audit, Powerpoint presentation and Good Idea generator software can be found at managing-creativity.com/ managing-creativity.com/
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Kal Bishop, MBA
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