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188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth)- Hero's Journey- New Self
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 Apocaplyse 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).
d) Gives you a universal structural template upon which you can superimpose your situational story. This is why stories such as Alien (1979), Gladiator (2000), Midnight Cowboy (1969), American Beauty (1999), The Graduate (1967) and many others (all deconstructed at the URL below) appear to be different but are all constructed, almost sequence by sequence, in the same way.
and more...
*****Heros Journey: New Self*****
An incremental change is made explicit. The detective hero advances to his New Self a little. A tangible element of the Old Self is lost. In The Maltese Falcon (1939), Sam wants precious to get rid of Miles desk and change the sign on the door.
*****Physical and Psychological States*****
As the Hero undergoes his or her psychological Transformation, so s/he passes through physical sets that match or predict the psychological state.
For example, that is why you will often see rain, thunder and cloud previous to and during the Rebirth through Near Death Experience. That is why you often see large space and open views during the Apotheosis stage, because this stage is release, freedom and flow after having overcome an Inner Challenge and restrictions.
*****Elixir*****
It is in No Mans Land that the Hero (and audience) are reminded of the Elixir. In Brokeback Mountain (2005), Jake and Ennis ride through Brokeback. Jake tries to convince Ennis to move to Texas.
*****Transcendental Powers Remain Behind*****
Previous to the Crossing of the Return Threshold, all Transcendental Powers must remain behind. The Hero must fight his (or her) final battle alone - how else will he or she know that the Antagonisms (which in no small part are psychological) have certainly been overcome. In Bonnie and Clyde (1967), Buck is shot and Blanche captured.
*****Journey to the Sword*****
Following the meeting with the Oracle, the Hero journeys to Seize the Sword. In Brokeback Mountain (2005), Ennis sends a postcard to Jack.
*****Pulled into the Belly of the Whale*****
Pushes and Pulls are an underrated aspect of storytelling. Pushes and Pulls force the Hero et al from one stage of the journey to the next.
Inevitably, the Hero is forced (pulled or pushed) into the Belly of the Whale. In Dances with Wolves (1990), there is an Indian meeting to encourage familiarisation with the strange White Man. In Superman (1978), Clark Kent must leave the farm. In Thelma and Louise (1991), both are forced to flee from the bar after shooting Harlan.
Supernatural Aid Encouragement. If there is a Mentor involved, he (or she) will encourage the journey. In The Matrix (1999), Morpheus ensures things progress along.
Time Pressure in some form will push things along. In Star Wars (1977), storm troopers hunt the 'droids. In Titanic (1997), there is an iceberg warning.
*****Unbearable Antagonism*****
The Hero will suffer an Unbearable Antagonism that will force his hand (and push him past the stage of Lack of Commitment). In Star Wars (1977), storm troopers kill uncle Owen and aunt Beru. In The Incredibles (2004), Mr Incredible sees a person on the street being mugged. This causes him to snap.
*****Celebrating the Physical Crossing*****
A celebration marks the Crossing into the World of the Transformation. In Bonnie and Clyde (1967), Bonnie isnt worried that they've shot someone, shes happy about it in the cinema.
*****Physical Damage / the Beginning of the Transmogrification*****
It is somewhere in the First Threshold where the Transmogrification starts (often the Outer Cave). In Brokeback Mountain (2005), Ennis starts bleeding in the Middle Cave.
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The Complete 188 stage Heros Journey and other story structure templates can be found at http://www.clickok.co.uk/
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Kal Bishop, MBA
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