The script potential of Shawshank Redemption estimated from its PLOT structure is 23-26MM (actual 28MM)
Shawshank Redemption resonates only due to Andy’s quest for Independence
Red’s dual quest for Honour & Tranquillity weakens the plot structure
The tales of Daedalus, Hanuman, Odysseus & Kaikeyi were used to extract the Plot structure
The PLOT structure of the script will appeal to 2.09 – 2.55% 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 plot structures led to the discovery of Mythosis Code. The Code reveals the principles for creating Blockbusters. We use the Code to estimate a script’s potency and unlock its Blockbuster potential.
All Blockbusters have at least 3 universal quests. Shawshank Redemption uses 4 universal quests of Independence, Honour, Tranquillity & Status.
In Blockbusters, each universal quest is mirrored by ONLY ONE character. Andy mirrors the quest of Independence whereas Norton mirrors the quest of Status. Red mirrors the quests of Honour & Tranquillity.
Every Blockbuster character borrows at least 35% of the universal quest. Andy’s character borrows 36% of the quest of Independence. Norton borrows 21% of the quest of Status. Red borrows 10% of the quest of Honour & 8% of the quest of Tranquillity.
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. Shawshank Redemption’s quest interweaving score of 0.33 is below par. Here is an example of interweaving the quests of Andy & Norton:
The Plot structure of stories that adhere to the Mythosis Code become Blockbusters. They have a script score of at least 0.64 whereas Shawshank Redemption's script score is 0.07. Based on the script score the movie will appeal to 2.09 – 2.55% of the population. We estimate the movie’s revenues from its audience appeal to be $23-29MM in the domestic market.
The plot structure of Shawshank Redemption uses an interesting technique of showing Andy’s quest twice. One from Red’s perspective and the other from Andy’s. However, this adversely affects the development of other quests.
94% of events in the Plot structure are borrowed from 4 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 superset of thousands of tales across cultures.
Every tale has 5 major arcs and each arc culminates into a major event. Here is the mapping of each character’s quest to their respective mythological tale.
Quest 1: Andy mirrors 36% of Daedalus’ quest for Independence (above threshold of 35%)
Andy’s desire for Independence stems from the need for self-reliance & autonomy. The tale of Daedalus from Greek mythology is the universal quest for Independence.
Quest 2: Red mirrors 10% of Hanuman’s quest for Honour(below threshold of 35%)
Red’s desire for Honour stems from the need to be loyal to clan/order. The tale of Hanuman from Hindu mythology is the universal quest for Honour.
Quest 3: Red mirrors 8% of Odysseus’ quest for Tranquillity (below threshold of 35%)
Red’s desire for Tranquillity stems from the need to be in secure surroundings. Red being granted parole and heading to Mexico mirrors Odysseus being freed from Calypso and then heading to Ithaca.
Quest 4: Norton mirrors 21% of Kaikeyi’s quest for Status (below threshold of 35%)
Norton’s desire for Status stems from the need for social standing & respect. The tale of Kaikeyi from Hindu mythology is the universal quest for Status.
Tags:1994, Box office, Castle Rock Entertainment, Character development, Columbia Pictures, Daedalus, Frank Darabont, Hanuman, Honour, Independence, Kaikeyi, Mythology, Plot Structure, Status, storytelling
