| The Hero's Journey is the template upon which the | | | | all based on the Hero's Journey.o Heroine's Journey |
| vast majority of successful stories and Hollywood | | | | stories (Million Dollar Baby (2004), Out of Africa |
| blockbusters are based upon. Understanding this | | | | (1980) etc) are all based on the Hero's Journey. |
| template is a priority for story or screenwriters: | | | | Structured Road of Trials |
| The Hero's Journey:o Attempts to tap into | | | | The stage of the Transformation, also known as the |
| unconscious expectations the audience has regarding | | | | Road of Trials, is one of the most deliberate and |
| what a story is and how it should be told.o Gives the | | | | structured parts of a screenplay. |
| writer more structural elements than simply three or | | | | A number of things are happening here.a) The hero |
| four acts, plot points, mid point and so on.o | | | | transforms.b) The transformation must seem feasible |
| Interpreted metaphorically, laterally and symbolically, | | | | and hence time is stretched.c) Other characters, |
| allows an infinite number of varied stories to be | | | | often the antagonists, are developed. In fact, it is |
| created. | | | | convenient to develop other characters at this stage |
| The Hero's Journey is also a study of repeating | | | | BECAUSE time needs to be stretched.d) Passive and |
| patterns in successful stories and screenplays. It is | | | | Proactive actions characterize the hero's |
| compelling that screenwriters have a higher probability | | | | transformation. |
| of producing quality work when they mirror the | | | | In Gladiator (2000), while Maxmus is training to |
| recurring patterns found in successful screenplays. | | | | become a gladiator, we learn about Commodus and |
| The Hero's Journey is also a study of conventions. | | | | his plans. |
| Before screenwriters can decide whether to accept | | | | In Silence of the Lambs (1991), we begin to learn |
| or reject the conventions, they must appreciate their | | | | about Buffalo Bill while Hannibal helps Clarice through |
| purpose and value. | | | | her transformation. |
| Consider this:o Titanic (1997) grossed over | | | | In The Matrix (1999), Neo begins his transformation |
| $600,000,000 - uses the Hero's Journey as a | | | | by learning martial arts by simulation (passive), then |
| template.o Star Wars (1977) grossed over | | | | through instruction by Morpheus (passive) and then |
| $460,000,000 - uses the Hero's Journey as a | | | | he has to jump the building (active). |
| template.o Shrek 2 (2004) grossed over | | | | Learn more... |
| $436,000,000 - uses the Hero's Journey as a | | | | The Complete 188 stage Hero's Journey and FREE 17 |
| template.o ET (1982) grossed over $434,000,000 - | | | | stage sample and other story structure templates |
| uses the Hero's Journey as a template.o Spiderman | | | | can be found at |
| (2002) grossed over $432,000,000 - uses the Hero's | | | | You can also receive a regular, free newsletter by |
| Journey as a template.o Out of Africa (1985), Terms | | | | entering your email address at this site. |
| of Endearment (1983), Dances with Wolves (1990), | | | | Kal Bishop, MBA |
| Gladiator (2000) - All Academy Award Winners Best | | | | You are free to reproduce this article as long as no |
| Film are based on the Hero's Journey.o Anti-hero | | | | changes are made and the author's name and site |
| stories (Raging Bull (1980), Goodfellas (1990) etc) are | | | | URL are retained. |