The script potential score of Dances with Wolves is 0.42 (predicted 142-156MM; actual 184MM)
The script of Dances with Wolves will appeal to 13.53 – 14.88 % of the population
97% events in Dances with Wolves are borrowed from 3 mythological tales
The script of Dances with Wolves will appeal to 13.53 – 14.88 % 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. Dances with Wolves has 3 universal quests of Idealism, Power & Honour.
In Blockbusters, each universal quest is mirrored by ONLY ONE character. Dunbar mirrors the universal quest of Idealism. Union Army mirrors the quest of Power. Wind in his Hair mirrors the quest of Honour.
Every Blockbuster character borrows at least 35% of the universal quest. Dunbar’s character borrows 53% of the universal quest of Idealism. Wind in his Hair borrows 28% of the quest of Honour whereas Union Army’s borrows 8% of the quest of Power.
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. Dances with Wolves’ quest interweaving score is 0.67 and is above par. An example of interweaving of Dunbar’s & Union Army’s quests:
Blockbusters have a script score of at least 0.64 whereas Dances with Wolves’ script score is 0.42. Based on the script score we estimate that the movie will appeal to 13.53 – 14.88 % of the population.
The plot structure has a very strong character in Dunbar which enhances the resonance. However, the other 2 characters aren’t well-developed which limits the blockbuster potential.
97% events in Dances with Wolves are borrowed from 3 mythological tales
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: Dunbar mirrors 53% of Prometheus’ quest for Idealism (above threshold of 35%)
Dunbar’s desire for Idealism stems from the need for fairness & justice. The tale of Prometheus from Greek mythology is the universal quest for Idealism.
Quest 2: Wind in his Hair mirrors 28% of Hanuman’s quest for Honour (below threshold of 35%)
Wind in his Hair’s desire for Honour stems from the need to be loyal to a clan/order. The tale of Hanuman from Hindu mythology is the universal quest for Honour.
Quest 3: Union Army mirrors 8% of Ravan’s quest for Power (below threshold of 35%)
Union Army’s desire for Power stems from the need to dominate others. The tale of Ravan from Hindu mythology is the universal quest for Power.
Tags:1990, Box office, Character development, Hanuman, Honour, Idealism, Kevin Costner, Majestic Films International, Movie Review, Mythology, Orion Pictures, Power, Prometheus, Ravan, Script, Story plot, Tig Productions
