The script potential score of E.T. is 1.41, a blockbuster (predicted 295-326MM; actual 359MM)
The script of E.T. will appeal to 42.31 – 46.76% of the population
96% events in E.T. are borrowed from 5 mythological tales
The script of E.T. will appeal to 42.31 – 46.76% 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. E.T. has 5 universal quests of Tranquillity, Expedition, Honour, Acceptance & Family.
In Blockbusters, each universal quest is mirrored by ONLY ONE character. Elliott mirrors the universal quest of Acceptance. E.T. mirrors the quest of Tranquillity. Keys mirrors the quest of Expedition & Michael mirrors the quest of Honour. Alien-ship mirrors the quest of Family.
Every Blockbuster character borrows at least 35% of the universal quest. Elliott’s character borrows 38% of the universal quest of Acceptance. E.T. borrows 60% of the quest of Tranquillity. Keys borrows 43% of the quest of Expedition. Michael’s character borrows 44% of the quest of Honour. Alien-ship borrows 10% of the quest of Family.
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. E.T.’s quest interweaving score is 0.80 and is above par. An example of interweaving of E.T.’s & Keys’s quests:
Blockbusters have a script score of at least 0.64 whereas E.T.’s script score is 1.41. Based on the script score we estimate that the movie will appeal to 42.31 – 46.76% of the population.
The plot structure of E.T. with a script score of 1.41 is the 2nd strongest script in the last 50 years of Hollywood productions. Jaws holds the top most position.
96% events in E.T. are borrowed from 5 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: Keys mirrors 43% of Gilgamesh’s quest for Expedition (above threshold of 35%)
Keys’ desire for Expedition stems from the need to find an elusive object. The tale of Gilgamesh from Sumerian mythology is the universal quest for Expedition.
Quest 2: E.T. mirrors 60% of Odysseus’ quest for Tranquillity (above threshold of 35%)
E.T.’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 3: Elliott mirrors 38% of Theseus’ quest for Acceptance (marginally below threshold)
Elliott’s desire for Acceptance stems from the need for approval by others. The tale of Theseus from Greek mythology is the universal quest for Acceptance.
Quest 4: Michael mirrors 44% of Hanuman’s quest for Honour (above threshold of 35%)
Michael’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 5: Alien-ship mirrors 10% of Demeter’s quest for Family (below threshold of 35%)
Alien-ship’s desire for Family stems from the need to nurture and protect. The tale of Demeter from Greek mythology is the universal quest for Family.
Tags:1982, Acceptance, Amblin Entertainment, Box office, Character development, Demeter, Expedition, Family, Gilgamesh, Hanuman, Honour, Movie Review, Mythology, Odysseus, Script, Steven Spielberg, Story plot, Theseus, Tranquillity
