FORWARD
Kal Bishop's 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
MOVEMENT BETWEEN WORLDS
Every successful story involves the movement from one World to another World. Surprisingly, many people seem to overlook the scale, scope, significance and applicability of this.
In Stand by Me (1986), the boys journey from their small town into the World beyond the town.
In When Harry met Sally (1989), Harry and Sally travel from Chicago to New York.
In The Shawshank Redemption (1994), Andy Dusfresne is forced from his Ordinary World as banker to the World of Shawshank.
In Gorillas in the Mist (1988), Dian travels from Ordinary World USA to the World of the gorillas in Africa.
Where a story seems to unfold in a single location, the above criteria is met by a traversing through domains.
In Annie Hall (1977), the story unfolds in New York but Annie moves from her apartment into Alvie's apartment (the final act is played out in LA).
(For the Complete 188+ stage Hero's Journey simply go to http://www.heros-journey.info/ )
ABRIDGED TIPS, EXCERPTS AND EXAMPLES:
*****Apotheosis*****
It is the breaking out of previous restraints and restrictions. In the Godfather (1972), Don Corleone gives his word not to break the peace, but Michael doesn't.
It is a seminal insight, an illumination, an epiphany. In Casablanca (1943), Rick's insight is that if you love someone, you sacrifice yourself for their happiness. That sacrifice can include selling your most prized material possessions (he sells his bar), allowing your love to find happiness in another's arms (he ultimately allows Ilsa to be with Victor), physical suffering (it is likely that his ultimate actions will see him to a concentration camp), leaving dear friends (he will have to leave Sam behind) and forced exile from home and heart (he will have to leave Casablanca). He learns this insight from both Ilsa and Victor, who are prepared to do the same for each other.
*****Final Conflict: Developing the Antagonism*****
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. One aspect of this process is the buildup of the antagonism's threat. In Straw Dogs (1971), the Major arrives (a mentor and supernatural aid) and is quickly defeated by the Demon King (Tom) [the Major confronts Tom; Tom shoots the Major].
