The script potential score of The Hangover is 0.32 (predicted 210-257MM; actual 277MM)
The script of The Hangover will appeal to 9.36 – 11.44 % of the population
96% events in The Hangover are borrowed from 3 mythological tales
The script of The Hangover will appeal to 9.36 – 11.44 % 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. The Hangover has 3 universal quests of Family, Curiosity & Power.
In Blockbusters, each universal quest is mirrored by ONLY ONE character. Phil mirrors the universal quest of Family. Chow mirrors the quest of Power & Doug mirrors the quest of Curiosity. Stu doesn’t have a unique quest.
Every Blockbuster character borrows at least 35% of the universal quest. Phil’s character borrows 36% of the universal quest of Family. Chow borrows 12% of the quest of Power. Doug’s character borrows 28% of the quest of Curiosity.
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. The Hangover’s quest interweaving score is 0.67 and is above par. An example of interweaving of Phil’s & Doug’s quests:
Blockbusters have a script score of at least 0.64 whereas The Hangover’s script score is 0.32. Based on the script score we estimate that the movie will appeal to 9.36 – 11.44 % of the population.
The plot structure of The Hangover borrows from 3 universal quests which are interwoven. Adding depth to the Doug & Chow is one possible way to unlock blockbuster potential of the plot.
96% events in The Hangover are borrowed from 3 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: Phil mirrors 36% of Oedipus’ quest for Family (above threshold of 35%)
Phil’s desire for Family stems from the need to nurture & protect. The tale of Oedipus from Greek mythology is the universal quest for Family.
Quest 2: Doug mirrors 28% of Innana’s quest for Curiosity (below threshold of 35%)
Doug’s desire for Curiosity stems from the need to explore. The tale of Innana from Greek mythology is the universal quest for Curiosity.
Quest 3: Chow mirrors 12% of Circe’s quest for Power (below threshold of 35%)
Chow’s desire for Power stems from the need to dominate others. The tale of Circe from Greek mythology is the universal quest for Power.
Tags:2009, BenderSpink, Box office, Character development, Circe, Curiosity, Family, Innana, Legendary Pictures, Movie Review, Mythology, Oedipus, Power, Script, Story plot, Todd Phillips, Warner Bros. Pictures
