The Hero's Journey is the template upon which the cast majority of successful screenplays are built upon. Films as diverse as Gladiator (2000), Million Dollar Baby (2004), Raging Bull (1980) and Scarface (1983) were all constructed around the Hero's Journey Template.

There is a theory that a story should start strong. Kick 'em in the teeth.

Generally, I agree with this concept.

But what does starting strong mean?

It means giving the audience salient information from the get go.

Decontructing Star Wars (1977), the first sequence is about the establishing the evil Empire, Darth Vader and Leia. That this sequence is action packed is simply a reflection of the film genre.

Deconstructing War of the Worlds (2005), the first sequence has Morgan Freeman narrating over images of bacteria. Unlike Star Wars (1977), this is not action packed, but salient information that progresses the story is being given.

Deconstructing Gladiator (2000), the opening sequences (and FADE IN) communicate the message of Rome versus the Germanic tribes. Then the sequences unfold to reveal the hero's character. Again, starting strong means communicating salient information. If starting strong meant "action

Deconstructing Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon (2000), the first scenes establish the charachters of the Supernatural Aids (Li and Shu Lien). Again, starting strong means communicating salient information from the get go.

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Kal Bishop

Kal Bishop is a management consultant based in London, UK. His specialities include Knowledge Management and Creativity and Innovation Management. He has consulted in the visual media and software industries and for clients such as Toshiba and Transport for London. He has led Improv, creativity and innovation workshops, exhibited artwork in San Francisco, Los Angeles and London and written a number of screenplays. He is a passionate traveller. He can be reached at http://managing-creativity.com/.

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