Script potential of Barbie is 394-482MM in the domestic market (actual 636MM)
The script of Barbie will appeal to 10.9-13.3% of the population
Barbie borrows 97% of its events from 4 mythological tales
The script of Barbie will appeal to 10.9-13.3% of the population
Any story is the quest to fulfil a human desire. We have identified universal quests for every human desire. These universal quests reveal the invisible plot structure of stories. An analysis of Blockbuster, Hit & Flop plots led to the discovery of Mythosis Code. The Code reveals the story principles shared by all Blockbusters. We use the Code to estimate and unlock a story’s Blockbuster potential.
All Blockbusters have at least 3 universal quests. Barbie has 4 universal quests of Tranquillity, Power, Honour & Preservation.
In Blockbusters, each universal quest is mirrored by ONLY ONE character. Barbie – Tranquillity, Ben – Power, Gloria – Honour & Ferrell – Preservation.
Every Blockbuster character borrows at least 35% of the universal quest. Barbie borrows 44% of the quest of tranquillity. Ken & Gloria borrow 24% of the quests of Power & Honour. Ferrell borrows 14% of the quest of Preservation.
Blockbusters interweave different quests to create a tight plot structure. Interweaving occurs when events of 2 quests occur simultaneously in the story. Blockbusters have a quest interweaving threshold of 0.5. Barbie’s quest interweaving of 0.67 is above the threshold. Barbie’s quest is interwoven with Ken, Gloria & Ferrell. Gloria’s quest is also interwoven with Ferell. Ken’s quest isn’t interwoven with both Gloria & Ferrell. Here is an example of interweaving the quests of Barbie & Gloria
Blockbusters have a script score of at least 0.64 whereas Barbie script score is 0.38. Based on the script score we estimate that the movie will appeal to 10.9-13.3% of the population.
The plot structure of Barbie uses 4 universal quests which are uniquely mirrored as well as interwoven. Except for Barbie’s character which is well developed other characters are under developed.
At Mythosis, we have identified 32 mythological tales. Each mythological tale uniquely represents a human quest to fulfil a desire. These tales are the super set of thousands of tales across cultures.
We have codified the events of each mythological tale. Every tale has 5 major arcs. Each arc has a sequence of events. These events culminate into a major event. Here is the mapping of each character’s quest to the major events in their respective mythological tale.
Quest 1: Barbie mirrors 44% of Odysseus’ quest for Tranquillity (above threshold)
Barbie’s desire for Tranquillity stems from her need to be free from anxiety & fear. The tale of Odysseus from Greek mythology is the universal quest for Tranquillity.
Quest 2: Ken mirrors 24% of Circe’s quest for Power (below threshold of 35%)
Ken’s desire for Power stems from his need to dominate others. The tale of Circe from Greek mythology is the universal quest for Power
Quest 3: Gloria mirrors 24% of Hanuman’s quest for Honour (below threshold of 35%)
Gloria’s desire for Honour stems from her need to be loyal to a clan or order. The tale of Hanuman from Hindu mythology is the universal quest for Honour.
Quest 4: Ferrell mirrors 14% Kans’ quest for Preservation (below threshold of 35%)
Ferrell’s desire for Preservation stems from his need to survive a threat. The tale of Kans from Hindu mythology is the universal quest for Preservation.
Tags:2023, Box office, Character development, Circe, Greta Gerwig, Hanuman, Honour, Kans, Movie Review, Mythology, Odysseus, Power, Preservation, Script, Story plot, Tranquillity, Warner
