Screenwriter Workshop, Course: Midnight Cowboy (1969) Deconstructed

From our deconstruction of hundreds ofetc.Introduce Hero: Joe Buck in the shower
Hollywood blockbusters at Hero's Journey is the(cleaning off his Old Self?); preparing for a
template upon which the vast majority ofJourney.Hero's Ordinary World: the restaurant;
successful stories and Hollywood blockbusters are"you know what you can do with them
based upon. In fact, ALL of the Hollywood moviesdishes?"Signature tune.Hero on a Journey: Joe with
we have deconstructed are based on thisa suitcase.Obstacle to the Journey: truck in the
template.Understanding this template is a priorityway.Meeting the Mentor: in the restaurant; the
for story or screenwriters.The Hero's Journey:a)boss and the head dish washer: "what you going
Attempts to tap into unconscious expectationsto do in New York?"Hero's Motivation: "the
the audience has regarding what a story is andwomen are begging for it and the men are Tutty
how it should be told.b) Gives the writer moreFrutties."Hero's Back Story: the shop for rent;
structural elements than simply three or fourgrandma etc.Entering the World of the First
acts, plot points, mid point and so on.c)Threshold: getting on the bus.Strange Creatures
Interpreted metaphorically, laterally andof the First Threshold: the people in the
symbolically, allows an infinite number of variedbus.Backstory: grandma.Inner Challenge: ex
stories to be created.and more...Sample Moviegirlfriend.Leaving the Ordinary World: leaving behind
Deconstructed: Midnight Cowboy (1969)FADE IN:"Jesus Saves."Hero's True Nature: turning the light
Hero's Ordinary World: Middle America; openback on.Inner Challenge: grandma.
spaces; desolate; cowboy music; drive in