Understanding this template is a priority for story or screenwriters:
The Hero’s Journey:
? Attempts to tap into unconscious expectations the audience has regarding what a story is and how it should be told.
? Gives the writer more structural elements than simply three or four acts, plot points, mid point and so on.
? Interpreted metaphorically, laterally and symbolically, allows an infinite number of varied stories to be created.
The Hero’s Journey is also a study of repeating patterns in successful stories and screenplays. It is compelling that screenwriters have a higher probability of producing quality work when they mirror the recurring patterns found in successful screenplays.
The Hero’s Journey is also a study of conventions. Before screenwriters can decide whether to accept or reject the conventions, they must appreciate their purpose and value.
Consider this:
? Titanic (1997) grossed over $600,000,000 ? uses the Hero’s Journey as a template.
? Star Wars (1977) grossed over $460,000,000 – uses the Hero’s Journey as a template.
? Shrek 2 (2004) grossed over $436,000,000 – uses the Hero’s Journey as a template.
? ET (1982) grossed over $434,000,000 – uses the Hero’s Journey as a template.
? Spiderman (2002) grossed over $432,000,000 – uses the Hero’s Journey as a template.
? Out of Africa (1985), Terms of Endearment (1983), Dances with Wolves (1990), Gladiator (2000) ? All Academy Award Winners Best Film are based on the Hero’s Journey.
? Anti-hero stories (Raging Bull (1980), Goodfellas (1990) etc) are all based on the Hero’s Journey.
? Heroine?s Journey stories (Million Dollar Baby (2004), Out of Africa (1980) etc) are all based on the Hero’s Journey.
Hero’s Journey and making the transformation real
A number of tools can be employed to make the Transformation (also known as the Road of Trials) real.
a) Grow the antagonist at the same time as you transform the hero.
perry belcher