510+ STAGE HERO'S JOURNEY (MONOMYTH)
Critical Screenplay and Story Structure
The Hero's Journey (also known as the Monomyth) is the template upon which the vast majority of successful stories and Hollywood blockbusters are based upon. It is upon this structure that situations are superimposed. This is why stories such as Alien (1979), Gladiator (2000), Godfather (1972), American Beauty (1999), Annie Hall (1977) and many others (all deconstructed at www.clickok.co.uk/index4.html) appear to be different but are all constructed, almost sequence by sequence, in the same way.
The following blockbusters have all been structured around the Hero's Journey template: Titanic, 1997 - grossed over $600,000,000; Star Wars, 1977 - grossed over $460,000,000; Shrek 2, 2004 - grossed over $436,000,000; ET, 1982 - grossed over $434,000,000; Spiderman, 2002 - grossed over $432,000,000. So how come you don't know it inside out?
For a number of very valid reasons, if you want to write (and sell) successful stories, whether they're Hollywood blockbusters, Indie successes, novels or other story forms, you need to master the Hero's Journey in a very detailed way...
Buy the Complete 510+ stage Hero's Journey / Monomyth
Buy the Complete 510+ stage Hero's Journey / Monomyth
Hero's Journey steps include:
First Threshold
Every Hero goes to that place which he fears most.
Every Hero goes on a Journey. As is implied, the Journey is physical but also psychological: The Hero journeys from an Ordinary World to a New World and transforms from an Ordinary Self to a New Self (the physical journey induces the psychological transformation). A critical element of both journeys is the First Threshold.
Psychologically, the First Threshold is that place which the Hero fears most and from where he cannot return ("beyond here there be dragons"). This fear is exacerbated by the earlier Refusals, Interdictions and Dove and Hawk debates. In Dances with Wolves (Academy Award Winner Best Film, 1990), John Dunbar is initially afraid of the Frontier because it is unknown and afraid of the Indians who live there. In The Matrix (1999), Neo is afraid to learn the truth; once he has crossed over, he cannot return.
Physically, the First Threshold is some New Domain that is a polar opposite of the Hero's Ordinary World. It is a dangerous place, with dangerous and unfamiliar objects and inhabitants and is separated from the Ordinary World by physical barriers or markers (rivers, railroads, tunnels etc ) that the Hero must cross. In Dances with Wolves (Academy Award Winner Best Film, 1990), John Dunbar must cross the prairies to reach the Frontier; when he gets there he finds it to be the polar opposite of where he has come from - devoid of people and peaceful (he has just come from fighting in the civil war). In The Matrix (1999), Neo crosses over to find a world completely different to that from where he has just come - humans are in pods and managed by machines.
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Ultimate Boom
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.
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AntiHero
There are various types of Hero: a) the Good, Willing Hero (Star Wars, 1977), b) the Good, Unwilling Hero (Shawshank Redemption, 1994), c) the Anti-Hero (Raging Bull, 1980 and Goodfellas, 1990) etc…
Nevertheless, their stories all mirror the Hero's Journey template. The difference between Hero, Anti-Hero and other variations simply lies in situation, motivation and result:
Where the Hero's Ordinary World is idyllic (Lord of the Rings, 2003), the Anti-Hero's world is uncomfortable and riddled with conflict (Raging Bull, 1980). This tends to be because the Hero is interested in creating a State of Perfection for all the Worlds whereas the AntiHero is interested in creating a State of Perfection where s/he is at the centre and dominant over others.
Thus the following tendencies:
Where the Hero tends to embark on adventure for altruistic reasons (Willow, 1988), the Anti-Hero embarks for selfish reasons.
Where the Hero has good Mentors (Lord of the Rings, 2003), the Anti-Hero has Dark Mentors (Raging Bull, 1980). Dark Mentors tend to extol the benefits of absolute dominion as opposed to shared dominion.
Where the Hero resists dark temptations, the Anti-Hero gives in to them (Scarface, 1983).
The Anti-Hero's tendency is toward chaos. Thus s/he will create an empire and then subconsciously destroy it.
Where the Hero may sacrifice himself to prevent harm to others (Superman, 1978), the Anti-Hero will consciously set out to do harm (Goodfellas, 1990). This is of no consequence to the Anti-Hero, as the ultimate goal is dominion.
Where the Hero will evolve, the Anti-Hero will regress.
Where the Hero will achieve synergy (at the stage of the Ultimate Boon), the Anti-Hero will achieve alienation.
Where the Hero's allies will come to his aid, the Anti-Hero's allies will betray.
Where the Hero's gain is tangible and prized, the Anti-Hero's gain is dubious (Scarface, 1983).
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Hero's Journey Criticisms
The following article addresses some of the common criticisms thrown at the Hero's Journey and story structures and creative writing etc... in general. If you have any, and want them addressed in this article, please feel free to email kal@clickok.co.uk.
Criticism 1: It's formula.
The Hero's Journey is not a formula, it is a structure that guides the process of transformation, attachment or detachment, liberation etc. It is a pattern that reveals the process of unfolding a story, something that 99.9% writers do not know how to do. It shows you how to turn an idea into a story. It shows you how to appeal to an audience, which have subconscious expectations. It is the road map that the novice writer is unconsciously trying to find.
This criticism is a catch-all for any creative structure. It betrays a lack of understanding of story, creativity itself and the value of structure. The root of this argument is the absolute free-reign versus structure debate. Proponents of this criticism believe that structure inhibits creativity; they have not grasped how structure, up to a critical threshold, fosters creativity.They have not learnt to control structure and use it to maximize the idea-pool. Proponents of this criticism are blinded by creativity misconceptions and creativity myths and would be wise to learn about Managing Creativity, something that is taken seriously by Harvard and the Ivy league et al. We discuss this a little further in the free sample.
Criticism 2: It discourages originality.
The word "originality" is itself inappropriate. It implies a complete break with the past, which is never the case (it only seems so). Most of which seems original is a cumulative and incremental evolution of that which has been before. And it often only seems original to those with an untrained eye. Many creators are experts in the illusion of originality.
The Hero's Journey does not discourage originality. All the greatest stories (past and present) use it as a core pattern and those stories can hardly be described as unoriginal. At the time of writing, the top movies are "No Country for Old Men (2007)" and "There will be Blood (2007)" both of which were Oscar contenders and both of which follow the Hero's Journey pattern intricately and both of which can hardly be described as unoriginal. We discuss this a little further in the free sample.
Criticism 3: Why is one hero so special anyway?
The Hero is not necessarily a single individual. The Hero is representative of The Process and The Changing and many individuals or groups go through the process. For example, in The Incredibles (2004), the whole family goes through the process. In Little Miss Sunshine (2006), the whole family goes through the process. A pair is also common: Thelma and Louise (1991), When Harry met Sally (1989). Read Who or What is the Hero.
Criticism 4: The Hero is always a dude.
The Hero is not always a dude. There are many successful stories where the Hero is female: Million Dollar Baby (Academy Award Winner Best Film, 2004), Out of Africa (Academy Award Winner Best Film, 1985), Silence of the Lambs (Academy Award Winner Best Film, 1991). Read The Heroine's Journey.
Criticism 5: It's cheesy as hell.
It's not cheesy. All of the greatest stories (past and present) are based on it and these are not cheesy. It's only cheesy if you tell the story wrong and this is often the result of a LACK of understanding of the Hero's Journey. We discuss this a little further in the free sample.
Criticism 6: Alot of myths are shoehorned into the Hero's Journey.
So what? The myths are all examples to illustrate certain points, metaphors, symbolisms etc. Even with all these examples most people don't REALLY understand The Hero's Journey. In the Complete Hero's Journey...more than 510 stages of the journey you need to know about..., we use hundreds of examples from modern film and we are constantly being asked for more.
Criticism 7: It confuses personal growth with solving problems.
This criticism is itself a confusion.
Smaller problems may not require personal growth. Some larger problems do require it.
Personal growth is a transformation and the Hero's Journey is a process of transformation, hence you can link the Hero's Journey to personal growth.
Criticism 8: The Hero's Journey / Monomyth is a Hollywood construct.
It is not a Hollywood construct and applies to the greatest written stories too (past and present). If you analyse successful stories before the age of cinema, you will find that they all follow the Hero's Journey pattern intricately.See Screenplays versus novels.
In conclusion:
a) None of the criticisms we have ever come across are valid and demonstrate a frightening lack of understanding. Almost without exception, criticisms are made by individuals with a very poor understanding of screenwriting, storytelling, transformation, the Hero's Journey, creativity and creative writing.
b) THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU CAN DO TO IMPROVE YOUR WRITING (make it effective, sellable, readable, watchable etc) is to gain a TRULY deep understanding of the Hero's Journey.
Buy the Complete 510+ stage Hero's Journey / Monomyth
Hero's Journey examples [basic, highly simplified, deconstructions):
[there are many more examples if you goto the main web page]
[you need to start at the main web page]
The Godfather (1972) [Hero's Journey, Monomyth basic deconstruction]
[This is a HIGHLY generalised summary of the story; there are many, many aspects of the Hero's Journey that are missing from the following simplification]:
Call to Adventure: Sollozzo asks to meet with the Corleones to discuss funding a drug running operation.
Refusal of the Call: The Don thinks that getting involved with drugs is suicidal; it will lead to a loss of important contacts.
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Crossing of the First Threshold: Michael returns home, where the Family are in conference after the Don's shooting.
Belly of the Whale: Michael kills Sollozzo.
Road of Trials: Michael in Sicily, learning the Sicilian way of things.
Seizing the Sword: An aspect of this is Michael's marriage to Appollonia.
Near Death Experience and Rebirth: Sonny dies and so does Appollonia; Michael is reborn after that.
Atonement with the Father: Vito calls peace and meets with the heads of all the families.
Apotheosis: Vito realises that it was Barzini all along.
Ultimate Boon: The war grinds to a grudging halt and Michael is able to return from Sicily.
Refusal of the Return: Michael returns to Kay as the new head of the Family. Kay doesn't want to return to the new Michael.
Magic Flight: Michael tries to go legitimate in Vegas.
Rescue from Without: Vito dies. Barzini is causing havoc.
Crossing of the Return Threshold: Now Michael is free to break the peace - "you gave your word pop, I didn't give mine..."
Master of the Two Worlds: Michael is both good and evil: he “settles all business” while accepting that he will be Godfather to Connie's baby; the baptism in the church; Carlo is taken care off / Sonny is revenged.
Freedom to Live: Michael is accepted as the legitimate Godfather by Tessio et al. But the price for all antiheroes is high: he lies to Kay and alienates Connie.
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Basic Instinct (1992) [Hero's Journey / Monomyth basic deconstruction]
[This is a HIGHLY generalised summary of the story; there are many, many aspects of the Hero's Journey that are missing from the following simplification]:
Call to Adventure: Nick arrives with Gus to the murder scene.
Refusal of the Call: Nick argues with the Captain et al.
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Crossing of the First Threshold: Nick enters Catherine's house.
Belly of the Whale: Catherine in interrogation; the famous leg crossover scene.
Road of Trials: Nick follows and is obsessed with Catherine.
Seizing the Sword: Catherine gives Nick the book.
Near Death Experience and Rebirth:
Atonement with the Father: Nick is interviewed by Internal Affairs; Nick argues with Beth; Nick finds Catherine crying over Roxy.
Apotheosis: Nick thinks that maybe Roxy is the murderer; she tells of a Lisa Hoberman.
Ultimate Boon: Nick sees the pictures; Nick isn't sure that Catherine did it anymore. Nick goes to Berkeley; there is no Lisa Oberman. Nick finds Catherine with Hazel. Lisa Hoberman is Beth.
Refusal of the Return: Nick confronts Beth, slept with Catherine. Now he doesn't know who's lying.
Magic Flight: Nick goes home; Catherine is waiting for him; she tells him about the filing in Berkeley.
Rescue from Without: Nick confronts Gus, he thinks Beth is the murderer.
Crossing of the Return Threshold: Gus picks up Nick; he's found someone who knows all about Catherine and Hoberman.
Master of the Two Worlds: They find a blonde wig and a coat and an icepick. And the murder weapon in her apartment. The Captain congratulates Nick. Catherine meets Nick back at his place; she doesn't want to lose him.
Freedom to Live: Nick and Catherine in bed. Catherine doesn't kill him. But she had an ice pick under the bed.
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Little Miss Sunshine (2006) [Hero's Journey, Monomyth basic deconstruction]
[This is a HIGHLY generalised summary of the story; there are many, many aspects of the Hero's Journey that are missing from the following simplification]:
Call to Adventure: Olive wins a place in the contest, she needs to go to Rhode Island.
Refusal of the Call: this Sunday! Richard doesn't want to go; Dwayne resists.
Supernatural Aid: Grandpa gives advice: fuck a lot of women Dwayne; fuck lot of women kid.
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Crossing of the First Threshold: all in the van.
Belly of the Whale: Stan tells Richard that no-one's heard of him; nobody cares.
Road of Trials: the trials of the journey in the van.
Seizing the Sword: Olive sees Miss California.; getting Miss California's autograph; she eats ice-cream.
Near Death Experience and Rebirth: Richard takes care of grandpa's body.
Atonement with the Father: the twelve contestants in the Little Miss Sunshine contest; Olive isn't the prettiest.
Apotheosis: Olive becomes conscious of her figure; Richard is ignored.
Ultimate Boon: Dwayne and Frank come to a conclusion.
Refusal of the Return: don't want to go back.
Magic Flight: Dwayne goes out to the pier.
Rescue from Without: Frank consoles Dwayne.
Crossing of the Return Threshold: we better go back, the girls performance.
Master of the Two Worlds: the family supports her.
Freedom to Live: All getting in the VW smoothly.
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Dirty Dancing (1987) [Hero's Journey, Monomyth basic deconstruction]
[This is a HIGHLY generalised summary of the story; there are many, many aspects of the Hero's Journey that are missing from the following simplification]:
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Call to Adventure: Johnny walks in.
Refusal of the Call: Max warns Neil.
Supernatural Aid: Baby is the magician's prop.
Crossing of the First Threshold: through the doors into the New World, the dancers and the dancing.
Belly of the Whale: Baby threatens to have Bobby fired; I can't tell you this, Daddy.
Road of Trials: Johnny begins to teach Baby to dance.
Seizing the Sword: Baby goes to Johnny in the rain; Francis; it's a grown up name.
Near Death Experience and Rebirth: the abortion.
Atonement with the Father: Mo's wife sets up Johnny; Daddy can't trust Baby anymore; Baby tells Max and Pop that she was with Johnny all night.
Apotheosis: Baby apologises to Daddy. But you let me down too, Daddy.
Ultimate Boon: they caught the Schumachers.
Refusal of the Return: Johnny still gets fired; Pop doesn't listen to Johnnie.
Magic Flight: Johnny leaves.
Rescue from Without: finds out who knocked up Penny; takes his tip back.
Crossing of the Return Threshold: Johnny returns.
Master of the Two Worlds: Johnny and Baby dance.
Freedom to Live: Pop apologise. When I'm wrong I say I'm wrong.
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Se7en (1995) [Hero's Journey, Monomyth basic deconstruction]
[This is a HIGHLY generalised summary of the story; there are many, many aspects of the Hero's Journey that are missing from the following simplification]:
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Call to Adventure: in the coroner's office; we have ourselves a homicide.
Refusal of the Call: Captain refuses to take it seriously; this can't be my last duty, it's just going to go on and on; this should not be Mill's first assignment.
Supernatural Aid: Captain tells Somerset he can't leave all this.
Crossing of the First Threshold:
Belly of the Whale: dinner with Tracy and Mills in the house.
Road of Trials: hunting the murderer.
Seizing the Sword: I fucked her with the dildo.
Expansion of Consciousness: Mills cannot agree with Somerset.
Reward: Mills gets on the bed with Tracy.
Near Death Experience: the Pride murder.
Rebirth: Somerset has decided to stay on.
Atonement with the Father: John Doe gives himself up; he cuts the skin off his fingers etc.
Apotheosis: the lawyer speaks; he will show the two bodies.
Ultimate Boon: John Doe leads the way.
Magic Flight: the helicopter; the conversation in the back of the car; the glaring contradiction conversation.
Refusal: you are here because I want you to be here.
Crossing of the Return Threshold: getting out of the car; lets go take a look.
Master of the Two Worlds: Mills kills John Doe.
Freedom to Live: where will you be – around; the world is a fine place and worth fighting for.
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WALL-E (2007)
[This is a HIGHLY generalised summary of the story; there are many, many aspects of the Hero's Journey that are missing from the following simplification]:
CALL TO ADVENTURE: these are the red lights, that lead Wall-E out from his Ordinary World and to the Edge of his Ordinary World.
REFUSAL OF THE CALL: At first, Eve refuses to acknowledge Wall-E.
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SUPERNATURAL AID: the Magical Gift that the Supernatural Aid is supposed to give the Hero is represented by the plant that Wall-E finds.
CROSSING THE FIRST THRESHOLD: Eve enters into Wall-E's trailer. For her, this is a New World. Here, she is a Fish out of Water.
BELLY OF THE WHALE: this is encompassed by the finding of life and the leaving of Earth.
ROAD OF TRIALS: Wall-E follows Eve around and avoids the other robots. The successful passing of the Road of Trials results in Eve recognising and assisting Wall-E.
DRAGON BATTLE: Eve watches as Wall-E survives the explosion of the spacecraft.
MEETING WITH THE GODDESS: Wall-E has saved the plant from destruction in the spacecreaft.
JOY OF INFANCY REGAINED: when Wall-E and Eve dance; the captain falls in love with the idea of dancing.
WOMAN AS TEMPTRESS: Eve convinces Wall-E to hide while she delivers the plant to the captain; caught in the trash compartment.
REBIRTH: Eve watches the hologram and sees how much Wall-E cares; the captain learns the secret from Auto; there is to be no return to Earth; the captain wants to take charge of the ship over Auto.
ATONEMENT WITH THE FATHER: the captain battles Auto.
APOTHEOSIS: the captain learns to walk again.
ULTIMATE BOON: the captain defeats Auto and takes control.
REFUSAL OF THE RETURN:
MAGIC FLIGHT: hyperdrive back to Earth.
RESCUE FROM WITHOUT: Eve takes Wall-E back to his home and repairs him.
CROSSING THE RETURN THRESHOLD: Wall-E becomes his old self.
MASTER OF THE TWO WORLDS: Wall-E and Eve hold hands.
FREEDOM TO LIVE: "...you can grow pizza plants..."; plantlife returns to Earth; Eve and Wall-E hold hands.
NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN (2007)
[This is a HIGHLY generalised summary of the story; there are many, many aspects of the Hero's Journey that are missing from the following simplification]:
CALL TO ADVENTURE: the dying Mexican wants some water.
REFUSAL OF THE CALL: Llewelyn doesn't have any water.
EXTRAORDINARY CAPACITY TO SURVIVE: Llewelyn doesn't need that much water in the desert.
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SUPERNATURAL AID: the dead Mexican by the tree gives Llewelyn the Magical Gift: the case of money.
ORDINARY WORLD: Llewelyn and Carla's trailer - their home.
CROSSING THE FIRST THRESHOLD: Llewelyn decides to to the stupid thing and give the Mexican some water.
BELLY OF THE WHALE: Llewelyn packs and leaves and sends Carla to her mothers.
PHYSICAL SEPARATION: leaving their Ordinary World and each other.
ROAD OF TRIALS: Llewelyn tries to stay away from Anton and Anton searches.
MEETING WITH THE GODDESS: Llewelyn finds the transponder and Anton finds Llewelyn; the Mexicans hire Carson.
WOMAN AS TEMPTRESS: Anton attempts to kill Llewelyn, who is seriously injured.
ATONEMENT WITH THE FATHER: Carson tells Llewelyn who Anton is.
APOTHEOSIS: Llewelyn plans to give up the money, send Carla to safety and seek Carson's assistance.
ULTIMATE BOON: Carson finds the money.
REFUSAL OF THE RETURN: Anton picks up the phone; there is no way back - Llewelyn's accountable and so is Carla if he doesn't bring the money.
MAGIC FLIGHT: Carla leaves with her mother.
RESCUE FROM WITHOUT: Carla calls the Sheriff.
CROSSING THE RETURN THRESHOLD: the lady by the pool distracts Llewelyn, the shootout at the pool when the Sheriff arrives.
MASTER OF THE TWO WORLDS: the Sheriff's talk with his Pop.
FREEDOM TO LIVE: the Sheriff retires; Anton escapes with his life.
THERE WILL BE BLOOD (2007)
[This is a HIGHLY generalised summary of the story; there are many, many aspects of the Hero's Journey that are missing from the following simplification]:
CALL TO ADVENTURE: this is initiated when Paul Sunday arrives to tell Daniel Plainview that there is oil on his family's land.
REFUSAL OF THE CALL: where Eli Sunday makes it difficult to buy the Sunday ranch at quail prices; where Daniel is resistant giving the money to setup a church.
SUPERNATURAL AID: the realtor helps Daniel buy up all the land.
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CROSSING THE FIRST THRESHOLD: Daniel prepares to drill the oil and has to manage the townspeople.
BELLY OF THE WHALE: Daniel is forced to build a church and involve himself with the townspeople and their religious zeal.
ROAD OF TRIALS: Daniels' attempt to drill the land and fend off Eli and the townspeople.
MEETING WITH THE GODDESS: when the gusher finally comes in and Daniel can react more honestly with Eli and his son.
WOMAN AS TEMPTRESS: Daniel finds out his "brother" is a fake.
ATONEMENT WITH THE FATHER: Daniel finally runs into Bandy, who forces him to turn to the church to atone for his sin.
APOTHEOSIS: Daniel admits in church that he abandoned his son.
ULTIMATE BOON: Daniel's son returns.
REFUSAL OF THE RETURN: Daniel's son has changed; he is not willing to forgive his father; things will not be as they were.
MAGIC FLIGHT: Eli leaves; everyone moves on.
RESCUE FROM WITHOUT: Daniel's son gets married is the physical marker.
CROSSING THE RETURN THRESHOLD: Daniel's son and Eli turn up at Daniel's house.
MASTER OF THE TWO WORLDS: Daniel forces Eli to admit that he is a false prophet and tells him he drank his milkshake.
FREEDOM TO LIVE: Daniel is done.
IRON MAN (2008)
[This is a HIGHLY generalised summary of the story; there are many, many aspects of the Hero's Journey that are missing from the following simplification]:
CALL TO ADVENTURE: The Call to Adventure here is the journalist questioning Stark's moral elasticity; that which induces him to sell arms.
REFUSAL OF THE CALL: The Refusal of the Call is stark's denial that his actions are morally corrupt.
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SUPERNATURAL AID: The Supernatural Aid here is Yinsen, who saves Stark's life, gives him a temporary heart and sets him on the right path.
CROSSING THE FIRST THRESHOLD: This is the movement from the desert and into the terrorists' world; the movement into the Cave.
BELLY OF THE WHALE: This encompasses Stark's return from the terrorist hostage situation and his refusal to do something new. He had "his eyes opened there." Obadiah attempts to prevent him from making the Physical Separation.
ROAD OF TRIALS: Part of this is encompassed by Stark's journey to develop the Iron Man suit.
MEETING WITH THE GODDESS: The Bride Theft aspect of this is encompassed by the romantic scene between Stark and Potts on the balcony.
WOMAN AS TEMPTRESS: The Near Death aspect of this is encompassed by the airforce's non-identification of Iron Man as an unknown entity and the near-destruction of him by the jet. The New Self aspect is encompassed by Stark saving the pilot's life - now he is a saver of men and not a destroyer.
ATONEMENT WITH THE FATHER: this is the realisation that Obadiah is the Shape Shifter, he who had Stark kidnapped.
APOTHEOSIS: Here, Miss Pepper Potts declines to work for Stark if he is going to return to his Old Self.
ULTIMATE BOON: Stark finally knows what he has to do and he knows in his heart that it is right.
REFUSAL OF THE RETURN: With the realisation that Obadiah is the bad guy, there can be no return to the way it was.
MAGIC FLIGHT: this is Obadiah's journey to attain his own Iron Man suit.
RESCUE FROM WITHOUT: Obadiah's near homicide of Stark.
CROSSING THE RETURN THRESHOLD: When Stark dons the Iron Man suit and readies himself to tackle Obadiah's Iron Man.
MASTER OF THE TWO WORLDS: Obadiah is able to master the journalists; he tells them that he's hero; that he can now freely traverse both worlds.
FREEDOM TO LIVE: Nick Fury's appearance and Starks ability from now on to join the ranks of the superheroes and do good.
MONGOL (2007)
[This is a HIGHLY generalised summary of the story; there are many, many aspects of the Hero's Journey that are missing from the following simplification]:
ORIGINAL WORLD: Temudjin's father is the Khan; a ppowerful figure in the Original World.
PARENT DEATH: Temudjin's father dies; this is the Edge of the Original World battle.
EXTRAORDINARY CAPACITY TO SURVIVE: Temudjin does well to survive with the neck-weight as his punishment; a GUARDIAN ANGEL helps him survive this period.
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CALL TO ADVENTURE: Börte is stolen; so begins the push to conquer the other tribes.
REFUSAL OF THE CALL: Temudjin asks his brother for help; who initially refuses and then asks him to wait a year.
SUPERNATURAL AID: Temudjin's brother helps him defeat his enemies.
CROSSING THE FIRST THRESHOLD: the battles to rescue Börte.
BELLY OF THE WHALE: Temudjin's brother's soldiers depart with Temudjin's; causing the rift between him and his brother.
ROAD OF TRIALS: Temudjin's attempts to escape from his brother's armies.
MEETING WITH THE GODDESS: Temudjin asks the monk to find Börte
WOMAN AS TEMPTRESS: Börte deceives the guards.
ATONEMENT WITH THE FATHER: Temudjin is rescued.
APOTHEOSIS: Temudjin is their father now.
ULTIMATE BOON: Temudjin is a great dad; bliss with them.
REFUSAL OF THE RETURN: Börte knows it will be a long time before she sees Temudjin again.
MAGIC FLIGHT: Temudjin rides away on his horse and when we meet him again, he has armies behind him.
RESCUE FROM WITHOUT: Temudjin's brother is brought back into battle.
CROSSING THE RETURN THRESHOLD: Temudjin and his brother face each other again.
MASTER OF THE TWO WORLDS: Temudjin becomes the leader.
FREEDOM TO LIVE: Temudjin is free to conquer the rest of the world.
SENTINEL (2006)
[This is a HIGHLY generalised summary of the story; there are many, many aspects of the Hero's Journey that are missing from the following simplification]:
ORDINARY WORLDS: the heroes are all found in their ordinary worlds and and as their ordinary selves.
CALL TO ADVENTURE: Charlie Meriweather is murdered.
REFUSAL OF THE CALL: Keifer Sutherland refuses to cooperate with Michael Douglas.
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SUPERNATURAL AID: Michael Douglas meets his snitch, who tells him that there's a mole in the secret service.
CROSSING THE FIRST THRESHOLD: Michael Douglas receives the pictures of him and the First Lady.
BELLY OF THE WHALE: Michael Douglas has to lie during the polygraph; Kiefer catches and confronts him.
ROAD OF TRIALS: Michael Douglas escapes and tries to prove his innocence.
MEETING WITH THE GODDESS: Kiefer finds and fails to shoot Michael Douglas.
WOMAN AS TEMPTRESS: Michael Douglas has to find a way to meet the First Lady.
ATONEMENT WITH THE FATHER: the First Lady tells Kiefer that she and Michael Douglas are having an affair.
APOTHEOSIS: Kiefer begins to believe in Michael again; Kiefer and Michael begin working together again.
ULTIMATE BOON: they realise it is Montreuse and get the name of his Puppet Master.
REFUSAL OF THE RETURN: Montreuse's puppet master forces him to betray the President.
MAGIC FLIGHT: Montreuse runs with the President.
RESCUE FROM WITHOUT: Montreuse allows himself to be killed and Michael Douglas tells the President that he'll have to trust him.
CROSSING THE RETURN THRESHOLD: Michael Douglas returns to the Secret Service to help protect the President at the G7.
MASTER OF THE TWO WORLDS: Michael Douglas gets a round of applause at the Secret Service offices.
FREEDOM TO LIVE: Michael Douglas leaves the Secret Service.
REVOLUTIONARY ROAD (2008)
[This is a HIGHLY generalised summary of the story; there are many, many aspects of the Hero's Journey that are missing from the following simplification]:
ORDINARY WORLD: both Frank and April are dissatisfied with their Ordinary Worlds, their lives.
CALL TO ADVENTURE: lets move to Paris!
REFUSAL OF THE CALL: Franks thinks the plan to move to Paris is a little unrealisitic.
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SUPERNATURAL AID: Helen asks the couple to meet their son; she says their "special."
CROSSING THE FIRST THRESHOLD: the couple are liberated at their decision to go.
BELLY OF THE WHALE: the boss likes the memo to Toledo; Frank doesn't tell the boss of his plans to leave.
PHYSICAL SEPARATION: they are in love and have sex in the kitchen.
ROAD OF TRIALS: telling their friends; resistance from their friends; preparations for Paris; it takes real guts to see the hopelessness.
MEETING WITH THE GODDESS: Frank gets the promotion; tries to persuade April by mentioning the money involved; April is pregnant.
WOMAN AS TEMPTRESS: April seduces the neighbour.
ATONEMENT WITH THE FATHER: Frank tells that he's been having sex with the receptionist.
APOTHEOSIS: April doesn't care.
ULTIMATE BOON: the "insane son" has hit the nail on the head.
REFUSAL OF THE RETURN: "...don't make me go back to that life..."; I suppose that everything that man says is right; "...you're just some man that made me laugh at a party once..."
MAGIC FLIGHT: April runs out.
RESCUE FROM WITHOUT: April returns, as if nothing has happened, and cooks eggs.
CROSSING THE RETURN THRESHOLD: April gives herself an abortion.
MASTER OF THE TWO WORLDS: Frank has found his Rushmore; he's good at the computer thing.
FREEDOM TO LIVE: the neighbours agree not to talk about the Wheelers; they live on happily.
TWILIGHT (2008)
[This is a HIGHLY generalised summary of the story; there are many, many aspects of the Hero's Journey that are missing from the following simplification]:
Magical Gift: Billy gives [her] the car; takes her into the Ordinary World.
Thrust out of the Old World: "that's why they kicked me out [of Arizona]."
Lack of Confidence: Always Pushed Around.
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Fish out of Water in the Ordinary World: "the car is out of place....nice ride..."; "...they're all very welcoming..."
Who are they "...they're together, together..."; who's he: "...Edward Coen..."
Supernatural Aid: the teacher.
Call to Adventure: I planned to confront him and demand to know what his problem was.
Refusal of the Call: "...but he didn't show..and the next day, a no show also..."
Supernatural Aid: Dad gives Arizona some tyres.
Foreshadow of the First Threshold: a security guard got killed by some sort of animal.
New Name: Arizona.
Loss of State of Perfection: my mom remarried and ...you don't like the guy.
Inciting Incident: Edward saves Isabella in the car accident.
Refusal to enter the New World: "...I was standing right next to you..."
Push to enter the New World: "...I need to know the truth..."
Time Pressure: "....lets go, lets go...."
Whenever the weather is nice..."
Meeting with the Goddess: I know what you are; a vampire.
Detachment from the Old World Attachments: "....Mom, can I talk to you later..."
Refusal of the Return: Bella doesn't want to leave.
Apotheosis: playing baseball; we can only play during a thunderstorm.
Ultimate Boon: the enemy vampires smell Bella.
Magic Flight: leaving town.
Rescue from without: the tracker is heading for the ballet studio; Mom as hostage.
Crossing the Return Threshold: Bella goes to the old ballet school.
Master of the Two Worlds: Edward finds the will to stop.
Freedom to Live: Edward is asleep; Mom is alive.
SEVEN POUNDS (2008)
[This is a HIGHLY generalised summary of the story; there are many, many aspects of the Hero's Journey that are missing from the following simplification]:
CALL TO ADVENTURE: Ben sets out to do good.
REFUSAL OF THE CALL: This is encompassed by Ben's refusal to help the doctor who is punishing the old lady.
THRESHOLD GUARDIAN: Ben goes looking for Emily; the Threshold Guardian is Duke, her dog, at home.
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SUPERNATURAL AID: Dan tells Ben not to worry and Ellie gives him the name of someone he can help.
CROSSING THE FIRST THRESHOLD: Emily invites Ben into the house.
BELLY OF THE WHALE: Ben in Emily's kitchen,
ROAD OF TRIALS: Ben wins Emily over, gradually.
MEETING WITH THE GODDESS: this is Emily's machine, that Ben has fixed.
WOMAN AS TEMPTRESS: Emily callsa Ben from the hospital and Ben walks to her.
ATONEMENT WITH THE FATHER: Connie asks Ben for help.
APOTHEOSIS: Ben gives Connie his house; she and the children can learn to live again.
ULTIMATE BOON: Emily is falling in love with Ben and wants to sleep with him.
REFUSAL OF THE RETURN: Ben's brother attempts to persuade him from pretending to be an IRS agent and return to his Old Self.
MAGIC FLIGHT: Ben disappears from Emily's bed.
RESCUE FROM WITHOUT: the hospital nurse tells Ben that the chances of finding a new heart for Emily are very low; Ben tells Dan it is time.
CROSSING THE RETURN THRESHOLD: Ben takes a bath with the jellyfish and commits suicide.
MASTER OF THE TWO WORLDS: Ben achieves payback for the lives that he has taken by committing suicide.
FREEDOM TO LIVE: Emily and Ezra are able to live full lives now that ben has sacrificed his organs for them.
BORDER TOWN (2006)
[This is a HIGHLY generalised summary of the story; there are many, many aspects of the Hero's Journey that are missing from the following simplification]:
CALL TO ADVENTURE: Lauren is sent from her Ordinary World to Mexico
REFUSAL: Lauren resists going back to Mexico, she even lies about not having been there before and not speaking spanish and thus not being qualified.
SUPERNATURAL AID: Lauren's Supernatural Aid is Alfonso, who shows her around Juarez and the murders there.
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CROSSING THE FIRST THRESHOLD: This is when Lauren agrees to help the raped sixteen year old.
BELLY OF THE WHALE: this is the party where Lauren meets "the devil" and the rich folk responsible for the factory conditions.
ROAD OF TRIALS: as Lauren tries to prevent the girl from being caught.
MEETING WITH THE GODDESS: as Lauren attempts to catch the other killer.
WOMAN AS TEMPTRESS: Lauren knows how to get"the devil's" name.
ATONEMENT WITH THE FATHER: Lauren meets with the factory owner.
APOTHEOSIS: Lauren gets the name of "the devil."
ULTIMATE BOON: The sixteen year old rape victim agrees to testify.
REFUSAL OF THE RETURN: the sixteen year old rape victim doesn't want Lauren to return to Chicago, fearing she will never come back.
MAGIC FLIGHT: Lauren has to return to Chicago because the paper won't publish her story.
RESCUE FROM WITHOUT: Lauren doesn't accept the bribe, lets go of her Ordinary World Attachment (the foreign correspondence job)
CROSSING THE RETURN THRESHOLD: Lauren returns to Juarez, to find that Alfonso has been killed.
MASTER OF THE TWO WORLDS: Lauren finds Inner Resolve and battles "the devil."
FREEDOM TO LIVE: Lauren takes over Alfonso's paper and continues the struggle.