| FORWARD | | | | (War of the Worlds, 2005) and Heroes are |
| Kal Bishop's 188 stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth) is | | | | submerged underwater (Jaws, 1977). The role of |
| the template upon which the vast majority of | | | | water is ancient and works on the audience |
| successful stories and Hollywood blockbusters are | | | | subconsciously; it signifies baptism / dirt to cleanliness |
| based upon. In fact, ALL of the hundreds of | | | | / washing away the Old and emergence of the New |
| Hollywood movies we have deconstructed (see URL | | | | Self. |
| below) are based on this 188+ stage template. | | | | (For the Complete 188+ stage Hero's Journey simply |
| Understanding this template is a priority for story or | | | | go to ) |
| screenwriters. This is the template you must master | | | | ABRIDGED TIPS, EXCERPTS AND EXAMPLES: |
| if you are to succeed in the craft. | | | | *****Overcoming Doubt (into the Road of |
| [The terminology is most often metaphoric and | | | | Transformation and Trials)***** |
| applies to all successful stories and screenplays, from | | | | Though doubtful, the Hero is pulled into the |
| The Godfather (1972) to Brokeback Mountain (2006) | | | | Transformation. |
| to Annie Hall (1977) to Lord of the Rings (2003) to | | | | Encouragement. Mentors or some other force may |
| Drugstore Cowboy (1989) to Thelma and Louise | | | | encourage the Hero. In Dances with Wolves (1990), |
| (1991) to Apocaplyse Now (1979)]. | | | | the Indians meet and decide to engage with John. In |
| THERE IS ONLY ONE STORY | | | | Scarface (1983), Frank helps Tony's maturation into |
| SYMBOLISM | | | | dealer. In Gladiator (2000), Juba attempts to |
| There is far more symbolism in the most successful | | | | persuade Maximus to fight. And Proximo is intrigued |
| stories than is given credit. Symbolism communicates | | | | by him. |
| stages of the Journey and movement from one | | | | The importance of allies in aiding the Transformation |
| state to another. What is does is guide the audience | | | | is stressed. In Dances with Wolves (1990), Stands |
| in the required direction and convey subconscious | | | | with a Fist is needed. |
| messages. | | | | *****Foreshadow of the Rebirth***** |
| Examples include: | | | | It is the Foreshadow of the Rebirth (previous to the |
| Water. At the stage of the Near Death Experience, | | | | Near Death Experience) where chalenges and a |
| romantic lovers part in the rain (50 First Dates, 2004), | | | | change in response to them is made explicit. In Straw |
| protagonists are tortured with water (Green Mile, | | | | Dogs (1971), Amy doesn't want to hide in the study |
| 1999), protagonists happen to be on vessels that sink | | | | with him anymore. |