The script potential of Dune 2 estimated from its PLOT structure is 173 – 230MM
The Plot structure is borrowed from five universal quests
It will appeal to 4.66 – 5.68% of the population
DUNE 2's spectacular cinematography & captivating score fail to hide its flawed Plot structure. Plot Structure is the most important element of a story but the least understood. A well-crafted plot structure can make or break a story's impact on its audience.
Evaluation of Dune 2’s Plot Structure
Dune 2’s Plot Structure has been extracted using 5 universal quests. 91% of events in the script are borrowed from these 5 quests.
Since every story is the quest to fulfil a human desire, we have identified 32 universal quests. Each of these 32 quests is the pursuit of a basic human desire and represents our collective subconscious. We use these universal quests to extract the Plot Structure of any story. We discovered the Code for creating Blockbuster Plot Structures from the plot structure analysis of Blockbuster, Hit & Flop movies across decades. Examining a movie’s Plot Structure with the Mythosis Code uncovers the gaps in the script, if any.
Adherence to the Mythosis Code
All Blockbusters have at least 3 universal quests. Dune 2 borrows from 5 quests of Status, Accumulation, Vengeance, Order & Power.
In Blockbusters, each universal quest is mirrored by ONLY ONE character. In Dune 2, Paul mirrors the quest of Accumulation. Jessica mirrors the quest of Status. Stiglar mirrors the quest of Vengeance. Chani mirrors the quest of Order & Feyd the quest of Power. Baron & Bene Gesserit's Mother have underdeveloped quests of Preservation & Power. Irulan has no quest!
Every Blockbuster character borrows at least 35% of the universal quest. In Dune 2, the depth of all quests except Paul is below the threshold. Jessica borrows 10% of the quest of Status. Stiglar borrows 19% of the quest of Vengeance. Chani borrows 24% of the quest of Order. Feyd borrows 13% of the quest of Power. Paul borrows 53% of the quest of Accumulation.
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. Dune 2’s quest interweaving score of 0.33 is below par. Here is an example of interweaving the quests of Jessica & Chani:
Estimation of Dune 2’s audience appeal
The elements of the Mythosis Code reflect the strength of the plot structure on multiple levels. The number and depth of quests used measures a story’s relevance. Character consistency is measured by the number of quests they mirror. The depth of mirroring reflects character complexity. Lastly, the story cohesiveness by the extent of the quests interweaving with each other. We measure the strength of the plot structure to ascertain the script’s audience appeal and potential revenue.
DUNE 2’s plot structure is disjointed which confuses the audience. Moreover, shallow characters limit its relevance for a wider audience.
The potency of the existing plot structure is 0.16 whereas Blockbusters has a score of at least 0.64. Based on the plot structure score, DUNE 2 will appeal to 4.66 – 5.68% of the population. Our estimate of the movie’s revenues from its audience appeal is $173-230MM in the domestic market.
Extraction of DUNE 2’s plot structure with 5 mythological tales
We have found the most robust expression of universal quests in mythological tales. Each mythological tale uniquely represents a human quest to fulfil a desire. These tales are the superset of thousands of stories across cultures that reflect our collective subconscious.
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 each character’s journey and weaving of quests without altering the story.
Deconstruction of Dune 2’s plot structure using mythological tales:
Quest 1: Paul mirrors the universal quest for Accumulation
Paul’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.
Quest 2: Jessica mirrors the universal quest for Status
Jessica’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.
Quest 3: Stiglar mirrors the universal quest for Vengeance
Stiglar’s desire for Vengeance stems from the need to confront offenders. The tale of Dron from Hindu mythology is the universal quest for Vengeance.
Quest 4: Chani mirrors the universal quest for Order
Chani’s desire for Order stems from the need for organisation to maintain stability. The tale of Bhishm from Hindu mythology is the universal quest for Order.
Quest 5: Feyd mirrors the universal quest for Power
Feyd’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:2024, Accumulation, Bhishm, Character Arcs, Denis Villeneuve, Dron, Jon Spaihts, Kaikeyi, Legendary Pictures, Mythology, Order, Plot Structure, Power, Ravan, Screenwriting, Status, storytelling, Valmiki, Vengeance, Warner Bros. Pictures
