The script potential of Silence of the Lambs estimated from its PLOT structure is 115-128MM (actual revenue 131MM)
The Silence of the Lambs adapts the conflict of Ram with Ravan from Hindu mythology
The Plot Structure appeals to 11.0 – 13.4% of the population
91% of the events are borrowed from 3 Universal Quests of Order, Power & Independence
The PLOT structure of Silence of the Lambs will appeal to 11.0 – 13.4% 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 Blockbuster Plot Structures. Using the Code, we craft the ideal Plot Structure unique to a story. The ideal Plot Structure estimates a script’s potency and unlocks its Blockbuster potential. Here is the evaluation of the Plot structure:
All Blockbusters have at least 3 universal quests. 91% of the events in Silence of the Lambs are borrowed from the 3 universal quests of Power, Order & Independence.
In Blockbusters, each universal quest is mirrored by ONLY ONE character. Buffalo Bill mirrors the quest of Power. Clarice mirrors the quests of Order. Dr. Lecter mirrors the quest of Independence. Crawley has an underdeveloped quest of Family whereas Chifton has no quest.
Every Blockbuster character borrows at least 35% of the universal quest. Buffalo Bill borrows 28% of the quest of Power. Clarice borrows 44% of the quest of Order. Dr. Lecter borrows 19% of the quest of Independence. Besides Clarice’s quest, the depth of other quests is below the 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. Silence of the Lambs’ quest interweaving score of 0.67 is above par. Here is an example of interweaving the quests of Clarice & Buffalo Bill:
The ideal Plot Structure of Silence of the Lambs has a script score of 0.72 whereas the existing script score is 0.39. Based on the script score the movie will appeal to 11.0 – 13.4% of the population. We estimate the movie’s revenues from its audience appeal to be $115 – 128MM in the domestic market.
The ideal plot structure of Silence of the Lambs incorporates the missing events from the Universal quests of Accumulation, Order & Independence. This deepens the quest of Dr. Lecter, Buffalo Bill & Clarice. The estimated revenue of the ideal plot structure is ~$230MM in the domestic market.
The 3 mythological tales used to build the IDEAL Plot structure
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. They represent every possible human quest.
Every tale has 5 major arcs culminating in a major event. Mapping a character's quest to the relevant tale reveals the gaps in their quest. The ideal Plot Structure plugs these gaps by incorporating the missing events.
Quest 1: Buffalo Bill mirrors 28% of Ravan’s quest for Power (below threshold of 35%)
Buffalo Bill’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 2: Clarice mirrors 44% of Ram’s quest for Order (below threshold of 35%)
Clarice’s desire for Order stems from the need for organization to maintain stability. The tale of Ram from Hindu mythology is the universal quest for Order.
Quest 3: Dr. Lecter mirrors 19% of Daedalus’ quest for Independence (below threshold of 35%)
Dr. Lecter’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.
Tags:1991, Box office, Character development, Daedalus, Independence, Jonathan Demme, Movie Review, Mythology, Order, Orion Pictures, Power, Ram, Ravan, Script, Story plot, Ted Tally, Thomas Harris
