Hero's Journey Deconstructed and Explained

• Attempts to tap into unconscious expectations the audience has regarding what a story is and how it should be told.

• Gives the writer more structural elements than simply three or four acts, plot points, mid point and so on.

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

The Hero's Journey is also a study of repeating patterns in successful stories and screenplays. It is compelling that screenwriters have a higher probability of producing quality work when they mirror the recurring patterns found in successful screenplays.

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Casablanca (1942) deconstructed

Casablanca has been chosen to demonstrate the Hero's Journey for a number of reasons, including:

a) It is a classic film that always ranks high in the all time great list. It has stood the test of time.

b) The Hero's Journey stage changes are very subtle: there is a valid argument that the best writing is so subtle that plot is unnoticeable.

c) The Hero's Journey is often (incorrectly) perceived as a "Quest" theory. Casablanca is not a "Quest" type tale, hence this deconstruction demonstrates the broader range of the Hero's Journey.

d) The story requires very few sets, which is a creative achievement in itself.

e) There is an (incorrect) perception that the Hero's Journey does not apply to romantic / love stories. Again, the deconstruction below indicates that this is not true.

f) Casablanca is (relatively) unusual in that there is a romantic competitor who gets the girl (a rare archetype) who also Seizes a Sword and undergoes a Rebirth Through Death Experience and more. Some of the best stories toy with the Hero's Journey structure (e,g, see Shawshank Redemption)

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Casablanca (Academy Award Winner Best Film, 1942) [Hero's Journey, basic]:

• FADE IN: visuals and narrative set the context [World War 2, imprisoned Europe , escape to America , Casablanca 's place in the refugee trail].

• Introduce the Antagonism [the officers round up the usual suspects and nonchalantly shoot a suspect].

• Characters in this Ordinary World. Back story of this Ordinary World. It's a place to be wary of ["vultures everywhere;" the pickpocket sequence].

• Visually demonstration of the desire to escape the Ordinary World [the aircraft flying overhead sequence].

• Meeting the Antagonist and Shape Shifter [Renault greets Strasser]. Reference the Hero [Rick] and the Magical Aid [Letters of Transit].

• Introduce the Hero's Ordinary World and the allies and characters that inhabit it [we enter Rick's bar].

• Hero's status [through the impressions and conversations of other people].

• Meeting the Hero, his nature and capabilities [We meet Rick, he is king of this world with the power to let people in or out; he bars the Nazi sympathiser].

• Meeting with the Supernatural Aid / Mentor and receiving a Magical Gift [Rick meets Ugarte, who gives him the Letters of Transit].

• Hero Tested. Rick given the chance to sell the café and leave with the Letters of Transit [Ferrari offers to buy the café]; Loyalty of Allies Tested [Sam won't leave despite the salary rise offered to him].

• Hero's Inner Challenge demonstrated [Rick cannot love women as indicated by the indifference to Yvonne].

• Hero's True Nature demonstrated [Rick ensures Yvonne gets home safely].

• Develop Hero and Shape Shifter relationship [Rick and Renault outside the cafe]. Reference the hero's back story.

• Foreshadow of the Call to Adventure and the Refusal [Renault refers to Victor; Rick explicitly states his Outer Challenge - "I stick my neck out for nobody."

• Call to Adventure [Renault explicitly tells Rick not to sell Victor the Letters of Transit; foreshadow of the arrival of Romantic Competitor and Romantic Challenge; on the way to the safe sequence].

• Develop Hero's backstory and capabilities for the Journey [we learnt that Rick fought for the resistance].

• Refusal of the Call [Rick refuses to aid Ugarte; "I don't stick his neck out for anybody"].

• Interdiction [Strasser threatens Rick with his past if he helps Victor].

• First Threshold. Arrival of the Romantic Competitor and Romantic Challenge [Victor and Ilsa].

• Foreboding [Sam distressed at seeing Ilsa].

• Warnings at entering the First Threshold [Ilsa feels they shouldn't stay].

• Romantic Competitor's status [Berger reveals himself and is "at his service."]

• Meeting Allies. Romantic Competitor and Romantic Challenge meet the Shape Shifter. [Victor and Ilsa meet Renault]. Referencing the Hero, the coming adventure.

• Inner Cave. Confrontation between the Antagonist and Romantic Competitor [Victor and Strasser face off]. A future confrontation between them is established [Strasser demands that Victor comes to his office].

• Fearful of the Journey [Ilsa afraid for Victor].

• Physical Separation [Victor finds out what Berger knows; Ilsa and Sam recognise each other and talk].

• Warnings against the Journey [Renault watches over Victor; Sam asks Ilsa to leave Rick alone].

• Hero pulled into the Journey [Sam "plays it again," Rick sees Ilsa, Rick joins Renault and Victor for a drink].

• Hero and Romantic Challenge backstory referenced [Rick and Ilsa note their past]. Hero affected by the meeting [Rick joins them for a drink and foregoes the bill].

• Foreshadow of the Road of Trials [Renault reminds Victor about the Meeting].

• Hero's Inner Challenge made explicit [Rick can't get over Ilsa; drunk in the bar]. Warnings by Ally to avoid the adventure [Sam tells Rick to forget Ilsa]. References to the back-story between the Hero and Romantic Challenge.

• Hero and Romantic Challenge back-story illustrated (we see them in Paris ).

• Conflict between the Hero and his Romantic Challenge established [Ilsa comes back to talk to Rick].

• Antagonist and Shape Shifter enhance their plans [Renault and Strasser make plans for Victor and Rick].

• Trial 1 (Victor) [Victor confronts Strasser]. Antagonist demonstrates evil [Ugarte is dead].

• Trial 1 (Rick) [Ferrari wants the Letters of Transit from Rick]].

• Trial 2 (Rick) [Rick meets Ilsa in the market; she tells him Victor is her husband].

• Trial 3 (Victor and Ilsa) [Ferrari offers a single Exit Visa. Ilsa refuses to leave Victor].

• Meeting the Oracle. Ferrari directs Victor and Ilsa toward Rick (toward the Sword) .

• Rest Break before the Seizure of the Sword: we meet the pickpocket again; antagonist appears at Rick's and Renault and Rick relate; Yvonne returns.

• Conflict on the Journey to the Sword [Rick breaks up the fight in his bar].

• Time Pressure [Strasser and Renault debate killing Victor].

• Comedic element ["what watch? Such watch? sequence"].

• Learning about the Ideal and the Sword (Rick) [the Bulgarian girl asks Rick to help].

• Hero Metamorphosing [Rick is now more amenable to the Victor and Ilsa; allows Sam to play "as time goes by…"].

• Hero seizes the Sword [Rick helps the Hungarian couple win at Roulette].

• Reward. [Rick gets a hug from the Bulgarian girl].

• Antagonists react at Seizure of the Sword [Renault deflated that Rick has spoilt his romance].

• Celebrating the Seizure of the Sword [ everyone notices and approves of Rick helping the Hungarian girl; the barman pours him a drink].

• Seizing the Sword (Victor) [Victor asks Rick for the Letters of Transit].

• Near Death Experience (Rick) [Victor leads the opposition anthem; Strasser closes Rick's bar].

• Resistance to the Near Death Experience [Rick protests to Renault].

• Antagonist triggers a Time Pressure [Strasser warns Ilsa that Victor is in danger].

• Warning against the Night Sea Journey and the Near Death Experience [Ilsa warns Victor not to go to the meeting].

• Building up to the Atonement [Victor and Ilsa discuss Rick].

• Hero survives the Near Death Experience. [Rick can keep going for a few weeks]. Hero's True Character illustrated under pressure [everyone still gets paid].

• Atonement with the Father [Ilsa confronts Rick and asks for the Letters of Transit; pulls a gun on him].

• Apotheosis [Ilsa reveals that she thought Victor was dead when she met Rick; Ilsa prepared to sacrifice herself for Victor].

• Ultimate Boon [Victor survives his Near Death Experience [returns from the meeting]. Rick learns that Victor is prepared to sacrifice himself for Ilsa – he realises what love is].

• Refusal of the Return [Victor arrested; Renault resists letting him go].

• Magic Flight [Rick lies to Renault; says he wants to escape with Ilsa].

• Rescue from Without [Ferrari agrees to buy the bar].

• Crossing the Return Threshold and First Catharsis [Rick gives Victor the Letters of Transit; Rick pulls a gun on Renault; forces him to arrange a flight].

• Time Pressure. Strasser alerted.

• Master of the Two Worlds and Overcoming Romantic and Inner Challenges [Rick lets Ilsa go and explains why; says farewell to Victor].

• Time Pressure [Strasser in pursuit].

• Romantic Competitor Overcome [Rick and Victor interaction].

• Hero and Shpae Shifter confrontation [Renault confronts Rick].

• Final Antagonism. Strasser almost prevents Ilsa and Victor escaping.

• Second Catharsis [Rick shoots Strasser].

• Antagonist's lieutenants pursue Hero [Renault's men see Strasser's body]

• Third Catharsis. Shape Shifter turns [Renault diverts his men: "round up the usual suspects…"]. Link to the beginning of the story.

• Freedom to Live. Hero and Shape Shifter Union [ “the start of a beautiful friendship”.

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Out of Africa (Academy Award Winner Best Film, 1985) [Hero's Journey, basic]:

FADE IN: Visuals and narrative; Karen; dreams; Africa; “I had a farm in Africa,” memories of Denys Finch Hatton, “a glimpse of the World through God's eye…”

Call to Adventure. Karen “has got to be away from here;” she has got no life in Denmark etc. Karen's Inner Challenge: she has nothing.

Refusal: Bror resists: “am I supposed to think you're serious..”

Entering the New World and the First Threshold: the train to Africa; radically different from Denmark.

Clumsily entering the First Threshold: “shoo, shoo…”

New rules: “it's rude not to stop the train here…”

Foreshadow of the Journey: Denys drops off some Ivory on the train; references to Barclay.

Meeting the Supernatural Aid: Meeting Faraj.

New and strange creatures in the First Threshold: Karen observes the Africans and is unwelcome in the Mens club by the stuffy colonials.

Pulled into the Adventure: one hour before the wedding.

Celebration on entering the New World: the marriage.

Emotional reaction at entering the First Threshold: “thank you for this..”

Meeting Allies: Meeting Lord Delamere, Felicity, Bror's character (philanderer), Barclay Cole etc

Warning against the Journey: “Sabu, we can go now…”

Physical Separation from the Old State: arriving at the farm

Expectations Changing: they're going to be growing coffee

Resisting the Transformation: “fetch some wine for my lover's brother…; did I tell you Hans came to say Goodbye…”

Pulled into the Transformation: “can be many days before the rain, Sabu”

Duration of the Journey: three or four years.

Trial 1: Meeting the Chief

Tangible Representation of this Stage of the Journey: the injured boy's leg; “the other boys will think you are afraid..”

Trial 2: the damn: “Sabu, this water lives at Mombassa”

Trial 3: Facing the Lion; saved by Denys.

Rest Break and Celebration (at the passing of the Trials) before the Seizing of the Sword: meeting Denys and Barclay and telling stories.

Reminder of the Inner (attachment): “when you were a mental traveler, did you take so much luggage;”

Receiving a Magical Gift (normally useful for the Seizing of the Sword): the pen

Marker of Change: Rain; Karen asks Bror to “come home; the boy comes to work at the farm.

Meeting the Oracle; learning about the Sword: the war means that Bror et al will have to go off to fight.

Resistance to Seizing the Sword: Denys resists; the discussion with Barclay; Karen doesn't want Bror to go.

Time Stretch: Karen reminiscing.

Status Change: Felicity comes round; Karen's status has risen.

Time Pressure to Seize the Sword: The Captain comes around; Karen will have to move into town.

Warning against Seizing the Sword: “that's no place for a white woman.”

New World of the Sword: African Muslims praying

Difficulty getting to the Sword: the cows are hard to control.

Disorientation: Karen gets them lost.

Guidance from the Mentor: “God is Great Sabu…”

Hawks and Doves argue the value of continuing on the Journey: Barclay against her continuing; Denys gives Karen a Magical Gift (the compass).

Overcoming threats: Massai pass by.

Resistance and Conflict getting to the Sword / Proactive Growth Experience: Lion attack.

Mentor Guidance: “this Lion does not have this Ox, we do not have this Ox…etc”

Seizing the Sword: Karen arrives to meet Dee and Bror.

Transformation: “you've changed your hair..”

Rebirth through Death: Karen gets Syphilis; Karen has to go home;

Saying goodbye to the Old Self: leaving the farm; Denys; Bror; going home.

Time Stretch: “arsenic was my ally…”

The New Self: Karen returns; she enters the World again as the Wizened One.

Symbols of Change: almost everyone has a car now; the boy's leg has healed etc…

Foreshadow of the Apotheosis: 1: Karen begins the detachment:; she can't have children…

Foreshadow of the Apotheosis: Meeting Denys at Christmas

Resisting the Apotheosis: Karen builds the school.

Guidance and warning from the Mentor: “when these children are this tall, then this chief can be dead…”

Conflict towards the Atonement: Barclay has a fistfight.

Foreshadow of the Atonement and Apotheosis: Karen dances with Denys (“what exactly is it that you own”); Bror isn't around for the New Year kiss.

Atonement: with the Father: Karen asks Bror to leave the house; Karen learns to be alone.

Learning to detach: “do they always have to whip them so..”

Resisting the Apotheosis: Karen won't go with Denys.

Resistance to the Apotheosis: the car stalls.

Building up to the Apotheosis: learning to detach; the trip with Denys; the dinners, setting up camp; talking about the Massai.

Foreshadow of the Final Conflict: the aircraft.

The source of the Inner Challenge: Karen's father killed himself.

Apotheosis: killing the Lion and sleeping with Denys without committing.

Reward: Karen takes the record player.

Resisting the Apotheosis: dinner with Barclay; ‘then I would have no-one.”

Denys comes and goes as he pkeases.

Foreshadow of the Refusal and the death of the Old Self: Barclay's water has gone black.

Ultimate Boon: “Denys asks to move in..”

Death of the Old Self: Barclays funeral.

Ultimate Boon: “we spoke of nothing ordinary, small or real…we lived disconnected and apart from things…”; the magic flight

Refusal of the Return: Denys comes to ask for money….

Foreshadow of the Final Conflict: Karen needs to borrow money.

Break from the Old Self: Bror wants a divorce.

Foreshadow of the Master of Two Worlds: Letting the water go…

Magic Flight: Denys leaves.

Rescue from Without:: the fire.

[slicing]:

Crossing the Return Threshold: Karen asks for land for the Kikuyu.

Master of the Two Worlds: Karen prepares to leave; Says Goodbye to Denys et al; welcome into the Mens Club….”you were right, the farm never did belong to me.

Freedom to Live: Bror tells Karen Denys is dead; the funeral.

Goodbye to the Mentor.

Afterlife Act: Denys is buried on high ground.

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Die Hard (1988) [Hero's Journey, basic]:

Introduce the Hero and the Mentor; Mentor gives the Hero a Magical Gift [we meet John McClane on the aircraft; make fists with your toes].

Hero's Status and Capabilities [he's a cop].

Hero on a Journey [with a teddy bear; to see his kids].

The World of the First Threshold [party at the Nakatomi corporation].

Meet the Romantic Challenge and the Shape Shifter [Holly and Harry]. Shape Shifter challenging the Hero for the affections of the Romantic Challenge [Harry hits on Holly].

Inner Challenge and other Allies [the kids want Daddy home; marital troubles]; Romantic Challenge referenced [good idea to make up the spare bed].

Hero views the World of the First Threshold [“California!”].

Meeting Allies [meeting Argyle].

Develop character of Allies [getting to know Argyle].

Back story of the Romantic Challenge [Argyle elicits John and Holly's back story].

Viewing the Inner Cave [John POV's the Nakatomi tower from outside].

Figure of Authority (Threshold Guardian) explains the rules of this New World [the security guard].

Entering the inner Cave [John enters the party].

Strange and Magical Creatures in the inner Cave [John looks around and meets the corporate suits].

Meeting Allies [John meets Joe Takagi and Harry].

Meeting his Romantic Challenge [Harry meets Holly].

Polarity between Hero and Romantic Challenge established [“show her the watch”].

Develop the relationship between Hero and his Romantic Challenge [“kids would love to have you at the house”].

Intercut: with:

Foreshadow of the Adventure [Karl et al on their way].

Enhance polarization between Hero and Romantic Challenge [“since when did you start using Miss Jeniro; change your idea of what our marriage should be…”].

Meeting the Antagonist [Hans et al arrive and take over the building].

Reminder of the Magical Aid [“fists woith your toes”].

Reminder of the Romantic Challenge [the picture of the kids].

Enhancing the Antagonism [the phone is cut off; John loses touch with Argyle].

Defining the characters of the Antagonist's Team [Karl and his brother].

Call to Adventure [Hans et al shoot up the building and take hostages; John has to think.].

Meeting and developing the Antagonist [we meet charismatic Hans; nice suit; benefits of a classical education…]

Magnitude of the Outer Challenge developed [Hans kills Takagi].

Refusal of the Call [“this cannot be happening!”; John reacts to Takagi's death].

Near Death Experience. [John battles and kills Karl's brother].

Foreshadow of the future Near Death Experience [“now I have a machine gun”].

Antatgonist's plan proceeds.

Foreshadow of the Road of Trials [John gets Hans' name].

Antagonist and Lieutenant relationship developed [Hans has to control Karl].

Resistance to the Physical Separation [“this is a restricted channel…”].

Meeting the Mentor [we meet Rod].

Conflict preventing the Physical Separation [John battles Karl on the roof].

John jumps to the other elevator shaft.

Karl almost shoots John in the air conditioning vent.

Meeting the Mentor [Al looks around].

Al shoots some more villains [“next time you want to kill someone..”]

Physical Separation [Al needs backup assistance..]

Meeting the Reporter: Thornburg.

Hero and antagonist confrontation [John and Karl communicate..]

Thorngburg wants the story.

Meeting the Oracle: Hans has lost the detonators.

Meeting the Mentor: John talks to Al.

Mentor's challenge: Al's boss turns up.

Antagonist and Romantic Challenge confrontation: Holly meets Hans.

Road of Trials 1: SWAT try to enter the building; RV blown up; John drops the explosives; the building blows.

Back story of the Antagonist.

Trial 2: Deputy Chief of Police confronts John [“I'm not the one who got butt fucked on national TV”]; “you hang in there..”].

Hero Mentor relationship development; reminder of the Inner Challenge: John and Al talk about their kids.

Trial 3: John tries to save Ellis.

Mentor's challenge developed: Al confronts Dwain.

Journey to the Sword [Hans goes to get the explosives].

Foreshadow / Build up to the Master of two Worlds: the FBI arrive.

Seizing the Sword: John meets and confronts Hans upstairs.

Near Death Experience [John has to run over the glass].

Reward [Thornburg gets Mclane's family details].

Atonement and Apotheosis: Hans toys with the FBI; they'll turn off the power and open the lock.

Refusal of the Return [resistance to shutting down the power grid].

Inner Challenge overcome [John tells Al he loves Holly].

Rescue from Without: John realizes they're going to blow the roof; Karl catches John

Magic Flight [Hans runs; Agents Johnson in the helicopter].

Crossing the Return Threshold [FBI shoot John on the roof].

Master of the Two Worlds [Argyle punches out Han's Lieutenant; John confronts and kills Hans; the fall].

Freedom to Live: John meets Al outside. Romantic Challenge conquered [Holly calls herself Mrs McClane].

Final Catharses [John and Al shoot Karl; Holly punches Thornburg].

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Taxi Driver (1976) [Hero's Journey, basic]:

Fade In: context: a cab in the city.

Introducing the hero: looking around the city.

Crossing into the First Threshold: walking through the door.

Threshold Guardian: the taxi office boss.

Back story and capabilities needed of the Hero: we learn about Travis; he was a marine; he can't sleep nights; low intelligence: "what's moonlighting."

Foreshadow / reference to the Supernatural Aid: Wizard in the background.

Hero in his Ordinary World: Travis is his apartment.

Reference to the Inner Challenge: wash away the trash and the garbage...

Nee Creatures in the First Threshold: Travis driving a cab now; the nightlife.

References to the Inner Challenge: the car wash; washing the cab; cleanliness etc.

Conflict in the Inner Cave: Travis rejected by the girl in the Kiss and Tell.

Inner Cave: watching the porn movie.

Physical Separation: seeing Betsy for the first time.

Developing the Romantic Challenge: Betsy in the office.

Foreshadow of the Transformation: Travis watching Betsy.

Meeting the Supernatural Aid: Wizard et al in the café.

Magical Gift: the offer of guns.

Developing the Romantic Challenge: Betsy and Tom in the office.

Trial 1: Travis asks Betsy to go on a date.

Trial 2: Travis and Betsy meet in the coffee shop.

Resistance to Trail 3: Travis calls Betsy, she resists and then agrees.

Foreshadow of the Final Conflict: Palantine in the car. Referencing the Inner Challenge: Travis says that a President should "clean up this place."

Foreshadow if the Final Conflict: Iris tries to get in the car and escape.

Trial 3: Travis takes Betsy to see a porn movie; she walks away.

Journey to the Sword: Alienation for the antihero; the flowers; stomach cancer; feeling lonely.

Seizing the Sword: being excluded; Travis is thrown out of the office.

Rebirth through a Near Death Experience: Scorsese in the car; he's going to kill his cheating wife.

Reward: Travis has made a lot of money.

Atonement with the Father: meeting with the Wizard; Travis is "really down…" "…just wants to go out and do something…" "…thinking bad things…"

Foreshadow of the Final Conflict / Pulled Forward: Palantine on TV.

Pulled Back / Reminder of the Romantic Challenge / Reminder of the Transformation: driving past Betsy.

Foreshadow of the Final Conflict / Pulled Forward: Travis bumps into Iris.

Apotheosis: loneliness has chased Travis all his life; it cannot be escaped.

Ultimate Boon: there is a change. Travis buys the guns.

Refusal of the Return: Travis gets fit. He won't destroy his body anymore.

Resisting the Pull Back to the Old Self: hesitantly watching porn again.

Building the New Self: Travis gets expert with guns.

Magic Flight: pursued by the Secret Service.

Pushing toward the New Self / Pushing toward the Final Conflict: "you talking to me…" sequence.

Becoming the New Self: killing the supermarket robber.

Reminded of the Old Self: watching TV.

Pulled toward the Final Conflict: Travis drives away from Palantine's speech.

Preparing for the Final Conflict: "don't worry about me…"; the card sequence.

Rescue from Without: throwing over the TV; Travis can't resist the pull of the Old Self.

Crossing the Return Threshold: Travis meets with Iris, Harvey Keitel et al; the bedroom scene.

Resisting the Master of Two Worlds / Final Conflict: Travis and Iris having breakfast; she doesn't want to go back.

Developing the Antagonism: Iris and Sport.

Preparing for the Final Conflict: shoe shining; sharpening the knife.

Saying Goodbye to the Old Self: burning the flowers.

New Self:: a Mohican Travis.

Final Conflict: Failing to kill Palantine's.

Final Conflict: rescuing Iris.

Freedom to Live: Medal: the letter from Iris' parents.

Freedom to Live: Inner Challenge Conquered: Travis stands alongside his buddies; Outer Challenge conquered: heard that Palantine got selected, that's OK; Romantic Challenge conquered: Betsy calls on Travis.

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Ghostbusters (1984) [Hero's Journey, basic]

FADE IN: the antagonism: the ghosts in the library.

Intro Hero; his character and Ordinary World: Peter favoring the blonde during psychic testing; electric shocks.

Introduce Ally: Ray excited about the psychic activity in the library.

Crossing into the First Threshold: going to the library.

Meeting Allies: Spengler in the library.

Threshold Guardian: the Director greets them..

Strange Creatures of the First Threshold: “it had arms…”

Characteristics of this World: downstairs; the weird book stacking; the ectoplasmic residue etc…

Inner Cave: the ghost, “get her…”

Foreshadow of the adventure: “we have a chance actually catching a ghost…”

Forced off the First Threshold: their grant is terminated.

Foreboding: this is bad; no chance of getting into MIT etc.

Physical Separation: they'll start their own business.

Journey to the World of the Transformation: they re-mortgage Ray's house. Cynicism: Ray and Spengler unsure.

Entering the World of the Transformation: taking the office.

Foreshadow of the Antagonism: the gargoyle.

Meeting the Romantic Challenge: Dana.

Meeting the Idiot: Louis.

Idiot's challenge: Louis hitting on Dana.

Developing the Antagonism: the eggs pop out; Dana opens the fridge.

The World of the Transformation: the sign; the new car; the secretary etc.

Developing the characters; Ray and Spengler: “I collect spores, moulds and fungus.”

Hero and his Romantic Challenge: Dana walks in and meets Peter.

Guided toward the Road of Trials /`Transformation: Dana tells the boys of her experience; they make plans.

Hero and Romantic Challenge Polarization: Peter in Dana's apartment; “he's more like a game show host.”

Time Pressure: “this magnificent feast is the last of petty cash.

Journey to the Transformation: journey to the hotel:

Threshold Guardian: the hotel manager.

Creatures in the World of the Transformation: the old man; guest.

Warnings: they haven't tested this equipment.

Fish out of water; entering clumsily; they fire the ray guns accidentally.

Transformation / Trial 1: (in the hotel) Ray attacks the blob; Peter gets slimed; they drop the chandelier.

Magical Gift: don't cross the beams.

Completing Transformation 1: catching the blob.

Transformation / Trial 2: the manager won't pay the bill.

Transformation / Trial 3: the news reports; lots of activity; Larry King sequence; they become Ghostbusters.

Shape Shifter: Winston applies for a job.

Seizing the Sword: Peter gets a date with Dana.

Foreshadow of the Magic Flight: Winston is taught about the containment unit.

Foreshadow of the Near Death Experience: the secretary threatens to quit.

Near Death Experience: Walter Peck of the EPA threatens to shut them down.

Foreshadow of the Atonement: Spengler is worried; the Twinkie sequence; Peter tells the others that the EPA visited.

Atonement with the Father: the statues crack; the creatures kidnap Dana and Louis.

Apotheosis: Peter finds Dana possessed; Spengler et al find the Key Master; Zuul is coming.

Foreshadow of the Ultimate Boon: Ray becomes suspicious about Dana's apartment building; discussing Revelation; Judgement Day.

Refusal: do not turn down the containment unit.

Magic Flight: the contained creatures escape and make havoc in the city.

Ultimate Boon: Dana's building is the focal point of the return.

Developing the Antagonism: the Key Master meets the Gate Keeper.

Rescue from Without: the mayor gets the Ghostbusters out of jail; convincing the mayor.

Crossing the Return Threshold: given a police escort to Dana's building; standing ovation etc.

Master of the Two Worlds / Final Conflict: defeating Zuul and the Marshmallow Man [see FINAL CONFLICT].

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Midnight Cowboy (1969) [Hero's Journey, basic]

FADE IN: Hero's Ordinary World: Middle America; open spaces; desolate; cowboy music; drive in etc.

Introduce Hero: Joe Buck in the shower (cleaning off his Old Self?); preparing for a Journey.

Hero's Ordinary World: the restaurant; "you know what you can do with them dishes?"

Signature tune.

Hero on a Journey: Joe with a suitcase.

Obstacle to the Journey: truck in the way.

Meeting the Mentor: in the restaurant; the boss and the head dish washer: "what you going to do in New York?"

Hero's Motivation: "the women are begging for it and the men are Tutty Frutties."

Hero's Back Story: the shop for rent; grandma etc.

Entering the World of the First Threshold: getting on the bus.

Strange Creatures of the First Threshold: the people in the bus.

Backstory: grandma.

Inner Challenge: ex girlfriend.

Leaving the Ordinary World: leaving behind "Jesus Saves."

Hero's True Nature: turning the light back on.

Inner Challenge: grandma.

Pulled toward the First Threshold: Joe's images of women wanting him; we want someone like you…

Fish out of water in the First Threshold: doesn't know whether to give the porter a tip.

Outer Challenge: money.

Authority Figure relates the rules of this World: talking stocks and shares on the radio.

Exploring the First Threshold: out on the streets.

Conflict in the First Threshold: all the women that turn him down.

Pulled into the Inner Cave: invited upstairs…

The Inner Cave: paying for sex as opposed to getting paid.

Meeting the Mentor: meeting Ratso.

Pulled into the World of the Transformation: "you gotta get yourself some management; walking the street that's nowhere."

Meeting Allies: the other people in the bar.

Warnings against the Mentor (and the Transformation) "if he's sitting on the other side of the table, then how's he gonna get his hands in your pocket?"

Developing the Mentor's capabilities in the World of the Transformation: "I'm walking here"; searching for coins in phone boxes etc.

Pulling the Hero into the Physical Separation: Ratso leads Joe to O'Daniel.

Physical Separation: running from O'Daniel and chasing Ratso onto the train.

Warnings against the Transformation: Stay Out signs.

Trial 1: back in the bar; looking for Ratso.

Foreshadow of the Transformation: walking down 42 nd street and seeing the rent boys.

Trial 2: being thrown out of the hotel.

Tempted back to the Old World / Push Back: no money for breakfast: dishwashing.

Strange Creatures in the World of the Transformation: the woman with the kid and the mouse.

Becoming comfortable in the World of the Transformation: Joe gives another directions.

Resisting Trail 3: looking and talking to himself in the mirror.

Trial 3: standing in 42 nd street; getting a BJ in the cinema.

Resisting the Complete Transformation: almost, but not quite, beating up the Jewish boy in the toilet; not taking his watch.

Meeting the Oracle: running into Ratso in the café: he's got 62 cents.

Guided to the Sword: Ratso invites him.

Difficulty entering the World of the Sword: Joe has to carry the fridge upstairs.

Foreshadow of the Final Conflict: "by the time winter comes, I'll be in Florida."

Threshold Guardian to the Swor:d: Joe tries to rest but is wary of Ratso.

Inner Challenge: Joe dreams of the rape.

Seizing the Sword: Joe gets a place to stay; sleep; learning to steal; learning to survive without money.

Foreshadow of the Final Conflict: Ratso coughing.

Pulled towards the Final Conflict; Ratso tries to persuade Joe to go to Florida.

New Self: Getting his clothes washed; the new hat; haircut.

Foreshadow of the Final Conflict: Pimp and hustler in Miami.

Night Sea Journey: getting thrown out of the Beecham Hotel.

Near Death Experience: cold in the flat; having to sell his blood.

Losing all vestiges of the Old Self: selling the radio.

Reward: Joe gets a jacket for Joe.

Near Death Experience: visiting the grave; talking about death in the café.

Atonement with the Father: being asked to go to the party; arranging a hustle with a beautiful woman.

Apotheosis: Can't get it up. This isn't really what he wants.

Ultimate Boon: Joe gets it up and gets paid. And she sets him up with her girlfriends.

Refusal: Ratso is sick. Joe doesn't want to go to Florida now that things are working out for him.

Rescue from Without / Hero Transformed / disgusted with the Changed Self / kills the representation of the Changed Self: Joe buck robs and kills Towny.

Magic Flight: on the bus…"did you kill him, you got blood on your jacket…"

Crossing the Return Threshold.: A New Self: Changing his clothes. Overcoming the Outer Challenge: Clothes are cheaper down here. Overcoming the Inner Challenge: Being hit on by the waitress.

Master of the Two Worlds: he's gonna get a job in Florida; got to be easier than hustling for a living.

Freedom to Live: Ratso dies; no need for a Mentor anymore.

FADE OUT:

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Spartacus (1960) [Hero's Journey, basic]

Roman statues; credits.

FADE IN: narration informs us of the state of the Roman Empire; the curse of slavery; slaves mining rocks.

Hero in his Ordinary World: we see Spartacus carrying rocks; he is a slave.

Hero's Nature: Spartacus helps a fellow slave.

Hero's Character: Spartacus attacks a soldier.

Time Pressure: “Spartacus again, huh…well this time he dies…”

Meeting the Mentor: Peter Ustinov (Lentulus), the gladiator trainer arrives to buy some product.

Mentor's Character: Lentulus looking at the human goods.

Mentor meets the Hero: Lentulus chooses Spartacus.

Crossing into the First Threshold: Spartacus travels to the gladiator training school.

Rules o f the First Threshold by an Authority Figure: Lentulus explains the rules; what they are and what their destiny is.

The Creatures of the First Threshold: Spartacus looks around at the other gladiators.

Mentor notes the potential of the Hero: “he has quality…”

Beginning the Transformation: being branded.

Meeting Enemies: Spartacus meets Marcellus.

Resisting the Transformation: Spartacus resists Marcellus beating him with the stick.

Entering the Inner Cave: Spartacus is forced downstairs.

Meeting Allies: "you did the right thing;" washing with the other men.

Warning against the Transformation: “you don't want to know my name…if we're ever in the ring together, I'll have to kill you.”

Meeting the Romantic Challenge: Spartacus meets Varinia…”I've never had a woman...”

Inner Cave: Spartacus in his cell; not allowed to talk or bed Varinia.

Transformation 1: training…

Developing the Romanic Challenge 1: watching Varinia.

Developing the Romanic Challenge 2: marking the body in red; watching Varinia; antagonized by Marcellus.

Developing the Romanic Challenge 3: watching Varinia.

Developing the Romanic Challenge 4: Varinia not allowed into Spartacus' cell.

Developing the Romanic Challenge 5: Varinia pours the soup.

Transformation 2: further training.

Actively Conquering the Romanic Challenge: Varinia touches Spartacus…

Foreshadow of Trial 3: Crassus is on his way…bring the wine.

Introducing and developing the Antagonist: Crassus arrives and wants a fight to the death.

Foreboding of Trial 3: Spartacus et al concerned about the fight to the death.

Forced into Trial 3: Spartacus chosen for the fight to death.

Foreshadow of the coming conflict: discussing Gracchus' statue.

Romantic Challenge pulled into the Physical Separation: Crassus buys Varinia and sends her to Rome.

Foreboding of Trial 3: waiting to fight…listening to the swords.

Trial 3 (active): Spartacus fights the Trident in the arena.

Push to the Physical Separation / Antagonism: the Trident spares Spartacus; is killed by the spear in the back.

Push to the Physical Separation / Antagonism: the Trident will hang there until he rots…

Foreboding of the Physical Separation: the gladiators are watched by Marcellus.

Final Antagonism: Varinia has been sold and is being taken away.

Physical Separation: Spartacus triggers the rebellion.

Mentor's Physical Separation: Lentulus rides away from the rebellion.

World of the Transformation: the senate discusses the slave rebellion.

Meeting Allies: Gracchus convinces the senate.

Meeting Enemies and setting up the Near Death Experience: six cohorts will travel to meet the slave army.

Meeting the Shape Shifter: Julius Caesar.

Meeting Allies: Crassus chooses Antoninus.

Developing the Antagonist: Crassus wanted his friend to guard Rome.

Push to the Second Transformation: Spartacus convinces the slaves to become an army.

Transformation 1: building the slave army, “come on and join us…”

Developing the Romantic Challenge: Spartacus meets Varinia; “I love you Spartacus..”

Mentor meeting: Lentulus meets Gracchus; plans against the antagonist.

Developing Allies: “fetch a stool Antoninus…;” Crassus hits on Antoninus.

Transformation 2: training the growing slave army…

Developing the Near Death Experience: the Roman garrison approaches.

Transformation 3: the slave army training.

Rest Break: Antoninus doing magic tricks.

Developing the Romantic Challenge: Spartacus kisses Varinia.

Seizing the Sword: arranging to escape; paying Tigranes with the treasure chest.

Near Death Experience: battling and defeating the six cohorts of the Roman garrison.

Reward: Crassus resigns during the Senate meeting.

Foreshadow of the Final Conflict: Gracchus knows that Crassus is after the dictatorship; "he'll be back."

Reward: the army marches toward freedom; Varinia will have a baby in the spring.

Foreshadow of the Atonement: the senate agrees to send Roman Legions to defeat Spartacus.

Foreshadow of the Final Conflict: Crassus persuades Julius Caesar;; Crasssus, Caesar and Dracchus meeting in the sauna.

Turning of the Shape Shifter: Julius Caesar turns against Gracchus for arranging to allow Spartacus to escape.

Turning of the Shape Shifter: Tigranes tells Spartacus the Romans pay more.

Atonement with the Father: the slave army will have to march on Rome; Spartacus makes a speech; Crassus takes control and promises the destruction of the slave army; Lentulus confronts Crassus.

Foreboding of the Apotheosis: Spartacus in Varinia's arms; afraid.

Apotheosis: the slave army faces the Romans; Pompei arrives too; they are doomed.

Ultimate Boon: nobody will give up Spartacus; “I'm Spartacus…no, I'm Spartacus…”

Refusal: Crassus goes back on his word; will crucify all survivors;

Rescue from Without: Gracchus arranges for Lentulus to rescue Varinia.

Crossing the Return Threshold: Varinia is returned to slavery by Crassus; but her love cannot be bought.

Master of Two Worlds: Spartacus kills Antoninus.

Magic Flight: Varinia escapes with the baby.

Freedom to Live: Spartacus' baby is free.

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ET - The Extra Terrestrial (1982) [Hero's Journey, basic]

Fade In: Inciting Incident; ET left alone. The antagonism: men searching.

Hero's Status and Inner Challenge: Elliott with his friends; low status; the gofer; nobody pays him any attention.

Call to Adventure: Elliott hears something in the shed; the ball bounces back.

Interdiction: "Nobody go out there!"

Refusal of the Call: "Coyotes are back Mom."

Pulled into the Journey [night, stealth]: Elliott hears something outside; goes out with the torch; see ET who runs.

Consciously agreeing to the Journey: Elliott rides into the Forest on his bike and lays the bait.

Meeting the Supernatural Aid: avoiding Keys in the forest.

Foreshadow of the Journey: ET is in the forest.

Hero in his Ordinary World and Character Development: Elliott having dinner with his family. Resistance against the Journey: no one believes him.

Yearning for the adventure: Elliott looks out of the window.

Fear at the border of the First Threshold: Elliott can't speak as ET approaches.

Journey to the First Threshold: leading ET into the bedroom.

Threshold Guardian: closing the door so as none can hear.

Meeting the Creatures of the First Threshold: sign language between Elliott and ET.

Antagonism: the men with lights find the coloured candy.

Conflict preceding the Inner Cave: Elliott convinces his Mom that he has a temperature; ET is not in the sleeping bag.

Developing Allies Capabilities: Michael learning to drive.

Inner Cave: "do you talk…coke, see, we drink it etc …"

Meeting Enemies: the dog barks at ET.

Foreshadow of the Journey: ET sees the umbrellas; Elliott scared.

Meeting Allies: introducing ET to Michael.

Meeting the Shape Shifter: Gertie runs in.

Antagonism: the men with lights close in on the town.

Physical Separation: ET does telekinesis; the balls rotate like planets in the air.

Foreboding of the Antagonism: Elliott senses something scary, hears the men outside.

Foreshadow of the Transformation: ET reading; making the flowers bloom.

Journey to the World of the Transformation: going to school.

Developing relationship / conflict with Allies: "zero charisma;" paper fights in the bus.

Chameleon on Entering the Transformation: avoiding mom by pretending to be a toy.

Transformation 1 (passive): mirroring feelings, and behaviour: Elliott gets drunk; releasing the frogs; kissing the girl.

Transformation 2 (passive): watching TV and learning to phone home.

Shape Shifter turning: Gertie tries to tell Mom.

Transformation 3 (active): learning to talk.

Meeting the Oracle: ET wants to phone home.

Antagonism: the van passes outside and hears Elliott et al talking.

Overcoming Inner Challenges: Elliott in charge now.

Attachment: ET heals Elliott's finger; Elliott puts his arms around ET.

Preparing to journey to the Sword: ET building a phone.

Foreshadow of the Near Death Experience: the flowers begin to die.

Wolves Clothing: ET dressed as a ghost.

Journey to the Sword: ET makes the bike fly over the moon.

Seizing the Sword: ET dials home.

Foreshadow of the Near Death Experience: Mary waits up for the kids.

Foreshadow of the Atonement: the men arrive at the house when Mary leaves.

Attachment: "we could grow together ET…"

Near Death Experience: ET found near dead in the river; Mary finds ET and Keys et al [space suits] enter the house.

Reward: ET comes back to life; ET is going home.

Refusal: Gertie gives Mary the note; "oh no."

Inner Challenge conquered: where's your mask? Well put it on!

Atonement with the Father: Michael drives off in the car.

Apotheosis: Gertie tells Keys that the space ship is coming.

Ultimate Boon: Synergy: the boys help Elliott and Michael escape.

Magic Flight: pursued by Keys et al; ET and the boys fly through the forest.

Rescue from Without: the ship lands.

Crossing the Return Threshold: saying goodbye to Gertie and Michael.

Master of the Two Worlds: "Come." "Stay." "Ouch." "I'll be right here."

Freedom to Live: ET goes home.

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Shrek (2001) [Hero's Journey, basic]

FADE IN: context / foreshadow of the Journey: open book; once upon a time there was a lovely princess….

Meeting the Hero in his Ordinary World: Shrek in the swamp.

Hero's capabilities, status, reputation: "this is the part where you run away."

Meeting the Loyal Ally and his character: the Donkey.

Loyal Ally's Inner Challenge: "I don't have any friends."

Foreshadow of the Journey / Hero's True Nature: Shrek saves Donkey ; the soldiers run.

Hero and Loyal Ally relationship: Shrek wants Donkey to go away.

Hero's Inner Challenge: "I'm an Ogre, doesn't that bother you?"

Developing Hero's Inner Challenge: having dinner alone.

Call to Adventure: Fairy Tale creatures forced to seek protection from Shrek in the swamp.

Journey to the First Threshold: Shrek and Donkey go to see Lord Farquaad.

Meeting the Antagonist, important characteristics, nature: meeting Lord Farquaad; short; evil; torturing the gingerbread man.

The Antagonist's Challenge: to become a real king.

Meeting the Romantic Challenge: the mirror tells us that Princess Fiona is locked up in a castle.

Antagonist's Ordinary World / viewing the First Threshold form a distance / reminder of Antagonist's characteristics: the castle; "do you think he's compensating for something?"

Threshold Guardian: the guard runs away and the turnstiles.

Observing the World of the First Threshold: "it's quiet.."

Rules given by an Authority Figure: the puppets in the information desk repeat the rules.

Inner Cave: Shrek battles the Knights.

Forced into the Physical Separation: Shrek gets his swamp back if he brings back the princess.

Physical Separation: crossing the sunflower field.

Developing Hero and Loyal Ally relationship / Foreshadow of the Transformation: onions have layers.

Entering the World of the Trials: crossing various landscapes.

Viewing the World of the Trials from afar: Shrek and Donkey look over the top of the mountain.

Foreboding: Donkey is afraid.

Warning: the skeleton.

Dangerous crossing: the rickety old bridge; lava lake.

Resistance to the Crossing: Donkey doesn't want to go further.

Pushed into the Road of Trials: Shrek forces Donkey across.

Geography: Donkey finds the stairs and Shrek finds out where the Princess is.

Trial 1: battling the dragon; Donkey flirts with the dragon.

Trial 2: Meeting the Romantic Challenge: Shrek grabs Fiona; their relationship developed.

Trial 3: Escaping the dragon.

Meeting the Oracle: Fiona wants a kiss to fulfil the fairytale prophecy.

Resisting Seizing the Sword: Shrek won't take off his helmet.

Forced toward the Sword: Fiona tells Shrek to take his helmet off.

Resisting the Journey to the Sword: Shrek carries off an indignant Fiona.

Foreshadow of the Atonement: referencing Farquaad.

Foreshadow of the Romantic Challenge's Inner Challenge: Fiona afraid that the sun will go down.

Seizing the Sword: Shrek reveals why he wants to be alone by the fire: "everybody things I'm just a big ugly ogre."

Reward: Fiona makes breakfast.

Near Death Experience: Robin Hood battle; Shrek has an arrow in his butt.

Foreshadow of the Atonement: "if you wanted to be alone, all you had to do was ask.."

Reward: Attachment: candy floss and balloons.

Resisting the Return: "Donkey must be sick…"

Atonement with the Father: Fiona and Shrek fall for each other; Shrek cooks weed rat by the fire.

Foreshadow of the Apotheosis: "she's a Princess and I'm an ogre."

Apotheosis: Donkey finds Fiona; she's an ogre by night.

Ultimate Boon: Shrek brings Fiona a sunflower.

Refusal: Shrek mishears Fiona; Donkey promises not to tell; "I tell him, I tell him not…"

Time Pressure: Fiona wants to get married today.

Magic Flight: Shrek calls Farquaad and goes home; pursued by rejected Donkey.

Rescue from Without: Donkey comes back and tells Shrek that Fiona wasn't talking about him.

Crossing the Return Threshold: flying back on the dragon.

Time Pressure: "can e quickly get to the 'I do's."

Resistance: Donkey convinces Shrek to wait until sundown.

Pushed Forward: Shrek impatient.

Master of the Two Worlds:

Antagonist reveals himself: Farquaad only want to marry you to be king.

Romantic Challenge reveals herself: Fiona turns into an ogre.