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Home > 188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Washing Away The Old Self
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188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Washing Away the Old Self by Kal Bishop
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.
and more...
ABRIDGED TIPS AND EXAMPLES:
(goto www.clickok.co.uk for complete details and sets of examples)
*****Conquering the Romantic Challenge*****
It is post the Seizingof the Sword that the Romantic Challenge is conquered. In Brokeback Mountain (2005), Jack and Ennis are in bed.
*****Ultimate Boon*****
The Ultimate Boon is not necessarily for the Hero only. In Straw Dogs (1971), Janice kisses Henry.
*****Seizing the Sword*****
The Sword is a metpahor for an Expansion of Consciousness and represented by a tangible (most often fire (symbolising power), a bride (symbolising Romantic Conquest) or treasure). But it can be any tangible. In Syriana (2006), it is simply a post-it note. In Bonnie and Clyde (1967), it is the kidnapping of the owners of the car.
*****Washing away the Old Self*****
Symbolism is underrated. Post the First Threshold, a washing away of the old self is nortmal. In Brokeback Mountain (2005), Jack washes his clothes.
*****The Ultimate Boon*****
This is the prize that the Hero receives once Inner Challenges have been conquered, once he (or she) has broken through personal limitations. Characteristics include:
A Natural. The Hero tackles obstacles with ease, encounters no delaying obstacles and makes no mistake. The hero finds an inner resolve.
Synergy. When the hero and his allies break through the limitations of their egos, they begin to effectively work together to the same goal. In The Dirty Dozen (1967), Lee Marvin's challenge is to make his men operate as an effective unit. When Charles Bronson et al attain synergy - they overpower the Major's men in the war games sequence. The whole second act is constructed around the need to reach synergy. In Beverly Hills Cop (1984), Axel Foley, Taggart, Rosewood and Bogomil finally begin working together to tackle Victor Maitland.
Leadership. The hero is changed. He becomes the leader. He claims the throne. All doubts are removed. In Alien (1979), Ripley and Parker initially antagonise each other. After their apotheosis (that the military wants the Alien, it cannot be destroyed and that they are expendable), Parker and Lambert quickly fall into line.
Physical limitations are surpassed. In Alien (1979), Ripley realises that she has to nuke the Nostromo. In Carlito's Way (1983), Al Pacino realises that he must kill Kleinfeld (Sean Penn).
Dark Mentors are tackled. In Raging Bull (1980), Jake beats up Joey and knocks out Vickie.
Prize. Treasured gifts are received. In Romancing the Stone (1984), Jack and Joan retrieve the jewel.
*****Magic Flight*****
A flight (with an air of the supernatural), often away from the Greater Antagonism. In Brokeback Mountain (2005), Jack goes to Mexico.
*****Antagonist's Aids*****
It is not unusual for the Antagonist's Mentors or Lieutenant's roles to be made explicit at this stage (post Trial 3 and the conquest of the Outer Challenge). Conquering them will, after all, be one of the Final Catharses. In Star Wars (1977), Vader defers to Governor Tarkin. In Empire Strikes Back (1980), Vader defers to the Emperor. In Goldfinger (1964), Bond must deal with Goldfinger and the fearsome Oddjob. In Die Hard (1988), John Maclane must deal with Hans and the ferocious Karl. In Beverly Hills Cop (1984), Zack is demonstrably more vicious than Victor Maitland.
*****Foreshadow of the Inner Cave*****
Foreshadows are underestimated. In Brokeback Mountain (2005), Ennis showers. The sequence leads the heroes to the Inner Cave.
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/
You can also receive a regular, free newsletter by entering your email address at this site.
Kal Bishop, MBA
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