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Arthur (1981) follows the 510+ stage Hero's Journey, Monomyth pattern. Elements include:
There is movement into the Ordinary World from the Another World: Arthur driving into town.
There is the Ordinary World and Ordinary Self Deficiencies - Arthur and the prostitute in the restaurant, Arthur not being liked by his peers in the restaurant, the subtle push to become the New Self (“grow up Arthur”).
There is the Hero Guardian – Hobson.
There is the Minor Threshold Guardian – Arthur waiting to see his father; having to wait until the secretary lets him through. This is the same as Bud Fox having to get past the secretary to see Gordon Gekko in Wall Street (1987).
There is the Supernatural Aid function – Arthur's father encourages him to marry Susan. This is the same as Ben Kenobi encouraging Luke Skywalker to go to Alderran in Star Wars (1977).
There is the resistance to leaving the Old World and Self – Arthur will only marry someone when he falls in love. This is the same as Luke Skywalker deciding not to go to Alderran [my uncle wants me on the farm] in Star Wars (1977).
There is the death of the Old World and Self – Arthur will be cut off from his inheritance. This is the same as Uncle Owen and Aunt Beru being murdered and the farm burned in Star Wars (1977).
The First Threshold begins as Arthur meets Linda.
The Major Threshold Guardian is Martha and the Physical Separation is Arthus phoning Linda to tell him the date is off and that he's getting engaged. Hence begins the Road of Trials etc.
by Kal Bashir