188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth) - Easy Screenwriting

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The 188 stage 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 188 STAGE 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) Tells you what to write. For example, at a certain stage of the story, the focus should be on the Call to Adventure and the micro elements within.

ABRIDGED TIPS, EXCERPTS AND EXAMPLES (188+ stages of the Hero's Journey (Monomyth) you need to know about...):

(simply go to www.clickok.co.uk for full details)

*****Night Sea Journey subplot*****

Just as the Hero suffers a Near Death Experience, so do subplot characters. In Brokeback Mountain (2005), Alma runs from Ennis and the house and finda another postcard from Jack. Lureen doesn’t say anything when they insult Jake; didn’t that piss ant used to ride bulls; he used to try.

*****Inner Challenge Reminder*****

Post Trial 3, the Hero is often reminded of remaining challenges. In Brokeback Mountain (2005), Ennis gives Alma the kids and Pop throws Jake the keys.

*****Taking Control*****

Post the Crossing of the Return Threshold and before the Master of Two Worlds and Selves, a hell of a lot happens that is rarely given mention. The Final Conflict (a metaphor for this stage) follows a distinct process. During this stage, it is post the letting go of the old self that the hero begins to command the situation. In Straw Dogs (1971), David commands Amy to "....stay there and do as you're told or I'll break your neck....." It is here that allies begin to have confidence. In Straw Dogs (1971), Amy complies.

Learn more…

WRITE THAT SCREENPLAY!

The Complete 188 stage Hero’s Journey and other story structure templates can be found at http://www.clickok.co.uk/

The Managing Creativity and Innovation MBA dissertation, DIY creativity Audit, Powerpoint presentation and Good Idea generator software can be found at http://www.managing-creativity.com/

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Kal Bishop, MBA

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