From our deconstruction of hundreds of Hollywood blockbusters....

The Hero's Journey is the template upon which the vast majority of successful stories and Hollywood blockbusters are based upon. In fact, ALL of the Hollywood movies we have deconstructed are based on this template.

Understanding this template is a priority for story or screenwriters.

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) Interpreted metaphorically, laterally and symbolically, allows an infinite number of varied stories to be created.

and more...

Good Night and Good Luck (2005) - Hero's Journey [basic deconstruction]

FADE IN: Creatures in the Ordinary World / Allies and Enemies in the Ordinary World: the dinner; photographs etc.

Hero's Backstory and Status: the introduction onto stage.

Loop / Meeting the Hero: Murrow makes a speech.

Ordinary World: the lift; studio etc.

Context: narration.

Time Pressure: give me about a half an hour.

Two attractive people in the copy room.

Antagonism: having to sign the Loyalty Offer; if I don't sign it they'll fire me.

Antagonism: McCarthy speaking on film.

Meeting the Herald / Supernatural Aid: Fred gives directions; get out there and make some news.

Call to Adventure: lets investigate Milo.

Refusal: it's not McCarthy.

Refusal: Milo on film; Sig worried about the sponsors and his superiors.

Overcoming Refusal: Sig gives the go-ahead.

Sacrifice: I'll cover the loss of ads with Fred.

Warning: the colonels try to restrain Fred.

Conscious Decision: we got the film.

First Threshold:

Outer Cave: Murrow goes on air with the Milo issue.

Celebrating the crossing: cheers in the studio; the jazz singer.

Passing the Trial: the Liberace interview; Kent continues its advertising.

Middle Cave / Meeting the Shape Shifter: meeting Don; his wife left him; he's a Pinko.

Inner Cave: did you know Murrow was a communist.

Pushed to the Belly of the Whale: called to Paley's office.

Belly of the Whale: the meeting with Paley.

Physical Separation: we're going after McCarthy; if there is any skeleton in your closet, let us know now.; here we go.

Trial and Transformation 1:

Antagonism: McCarthy on film again.

Warning / Developing Characters and Relationships: Joe and Shirley are married; she's worried.

Paley phones; he's on Murrow's side.

Murrow goes on air and attacks McCarthy.

Waiting for the phones to ring. They're turned on and ring.

Trial and Transformation 2:

Don backs up Murrow on air.

Developing Characters and Relationships: I think everyone needs a scotch.

Reading from the early editions; it is Don that is attacked.

Fred meets Paley in the lift; no to specific persons doing McCarthy's rebuttal.

Milo is reinstated.

Trial and Transformation 3:

The CBS lawyers want to talk to Tom.

Annie Lee Moss on film; in the senate hearing.

Deciding what the show is;

Meeting the Oracle: McCarthy wants April 6.

Foreshadow of the Near Death / Rebirth: Don is worried.

Annie Lee Moss in the senate hearing; McCarthy leaves and the other senator objects to the action - I don't like to try people by hearsay evidence.

Journey to the Sword: preparing for and introducing McCarthy's rebuttal.

Seizing the Sword:

McCarthy's rebuttal.

Foreboding: Paley walking in the studio at night.

Foreshadow for the boon: Alcoa advert

Murrow responds to McCarthy's rebuttal.

Senate is investigating McCarthy.

Near Death Experience: Don killed himself.

Reward: Murrow mentiosn Don on his newscast.

Atonement with the Father: McCarthy in the army hearings.

Apotheosis: everyone knows that Joe and Shirley are married.

Ultimate Boon: Murrow and Fred are given an hour long programme on Sunday afternoons; lets do our first show about the downfall of television.

Antagonsim Resolution: McCarthy remains a Senator.

FADE OUT: Loop / Murrow's speech.

FADE OUT:

Kal Bishop, MBA

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