The script potential of Fargo estimated from its PLOT structure is 19 – 23MM (actual 25MM)
The script of Fargo borrows from the universal quests of Accumulation, Power & Expedition
The Plot structure will appeal to 1.60 – 1.96% of the population
The Genetic Code shared by all Blockbuster Plot Structures
The Plot Structure plays a crucial role in engaging and captivating the audience. A well-crafted plot structure can make or break a story's impact on its audience. At Mythosis, we have discovered the Code for creating Blockbuster Plot Structures. The Mythosis Code has emerged from the plot structure analysis of Blockbuster, Hit & Flop movies.
• 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
Evaluation of Fargo’s Plot Structure
Since every story is the quest to fulfil a human desire, we have identified 32 universal quests. Every quest is the pursuit of a basic human desire and represents our collective subconscious. 32 universal quests can extract the Plot Structure of any story. Examining the movie’s Plot Structure with the Mythosis Code we uncover its audience appeal and potential revenue.
For Fargo, we used 3 universal quests to extract its Plot Structure. 88%
of events in Fargo’s script are borrowed from these 3 quests.
Adherence to the Mythosis Code
All Blockbusters have at least 3 universal quests. Fargo borrows from 3 quests of Accumulation, Power & Expedition.
In Blockbusters, each universal quest is mirrored by ONLY ONE character. In Fargo, Jerry mirrors the quest of Accumulation. Marge mirrors the quest of Expedition. Gaear mirrors the quest of Power. Carl also mirrors the quest of accumulation but is underdeveloped.
Every Blockbuster character borrows at least 35% of the universal quest. In Fargo, the depth of all quests is below the threshold. Jerry borrows 24% of the quest of Accumulation. Marge borrows 12% of the quest of Expedition. Gaear borrows 20% 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. Fargo’s quest interweaving score of 0.33 is below par. Here is an example of interweaving the quests of Gaear & Marge:
Estimation of Fargo’s audience appeal
The potency of the existing plot structure is 0.06 whereas Blockbusters has a score of at least 0.64. Based on the script’s plot potency score, Fargo will appeal to 1.60 – 1.96% of the population. Our estimate of the movie’s revenues from its audience appeal is 19-23MM against the actual revenue of 25MM.
Extraction of Fargo’s plot structure with 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 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.
Here is the deconstruction of Fargo’s plot structure using mythological tales:
Quest 1: Jerry mirrors the universal quest for Accumulation
Jerry’s desire for Accumulation stems from the need to collect & 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: Gaear mirrors the universal quest for Power
Gaear’s desire for Power stems from the need to dominate others. The tale of Ravan from Hindu mythology is the universal quest for Power.
Quest 3: Marge mirrors the universal quest for Expedition
Marge’s desire for Expedition stems from the need to find a missing person or object. The tale of Jason from Greek mythology is the universal quest for Expedition.
