The script potential of Dunkirk estimated from its PLOT structure is 155 – 181MM (actual 190MM)
The script of Dunkirk borrows from the universal quests of Tranquillity, Independence & Accumulation
The Plot structure will appeal to 5.33 – 6.22% of the population
The genetic code shared by all Blockbuster plots
Any story is the quest to fulfil a human desire. We have identified universal quests for every human desire. These universal quests reveal the unique plot structure of a story. The plot structure analysis of Blockbuster, Hit & Flop led to the discovery of common principles across all stories. Mythosis Code is a set of principles for creating Blockbuster Plot structures.
• All Blockbusters have at least 3 universal quests
• In Blockbusters, each universal quest is mirrored by ONLY ONE character
• Every Blockbuster character borrows at least 35% of events from their quest
• Blockbusters interweave the quests to create a tight plot structure
97% of events in Dunkirk’s plot are borrowed from 3 universal quests
Every story has a unique plot structure that becomes visible through the lens of Universal human quests. We extract a story’s plot structure & use The Mythosis Code to estimate the story’s strength. Here is the evaluation of Dunkirk’s plot structure:
All Blockbusters have at least 3 universal quests. Even Dunkirk borrows from 3 quests of Tranquillity, Independence & Accumulation.
In Blockbusters, each universal quest is mirrored by ONLY ONE character. In Dunkirk, Tommy mirrors the quest of Tranquillity, Mr. Dawson mirrors the quest of Independence whereas Shivering Soldier mirrors the quest of Accumulation. Farrier & Bolton's quest of Honour are under-developed.
Every Blockbuster character borrows at least 35% of the universal quest. Tommy mirrors 24% of the quest of Tranquillity. Mr. Dawson borrows 36% of the quest of Independence. Shivering Soldier borrows 19% of the quest of Accumulation. The depth of 2 quests is below threshold.
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. Dunkirk’s quest interweaving score of 0.33 is below par. Here is an example of interweaving the quests of Mr. Dawson & Shivering Soldier:
The potency of the existing plot structure is 0.19 whereas Blockbusters has a score of at least 0.64. Based on the script’s plot potency score, Dunkirk will appeal to 5.33 – 6.22% of the population. We estimate the movie’s revenues from its audience appeal to be $155 – 181MM in the domestic market.
3 mythological tales were used to extract the plot structure of Dunkirk
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. The 32 tales represent every possible human quest.
Every tale has 5 major arcs culminating in a mega event. Mapping a character’s quest to the relevant tale reveals the gaps in their quest. The ideal Plot Structure can be constructed by plugging these gaps with the missing events. These events strengthen the character journeys and weaving of quests without altering the story. Here is the deconstruction of Dunkirk’s plot structure:
Quest 1: Tommy mirrors the universal quest for Tranquillity
Tommy’s desire for Tranquillity stems from the need to be in secure surroundings. The tale of Odysseus from Greek mythology is the universal quest for Tranquillity.
Quest 2: Mr. Dawson mirrors the universal quest for Independence
Mr. Dawson’s desire for Independence stems from the need for self-reliance & autonomy. The tale of David from Abrahamic mythology is the universal quest for Independence.
Quest 3: Shivering Soldier mirrors the universal quest for Accumulation
Shivering Soldier’s desire for Accumulation stems from the need to collect and own. The tale of Valmiki from Hindu mythology has a robust expression in Dicken’s character of Scrooge which is the universal quest for Accumulation.
Tags:2017, Accumulation, Box office, Character development, Christopher Nolan, David, Independence, Movie Review, Mythology, Odysseus, Plot Structure, RatPac-Dune Entertainment, Syncopy Inc., Tranquillity, Valmiki, Warner Bros. Pictures
