Introduction
In order to accurately label a Story Concept, I will look at several categories:
• Is it Groundbreaking?
• Can it usher in a Golden Era of Cinema?
• Does it have Mythic Qualities and qualifies for a Global Myth?
• Is it Graphic?
I will rank these system using a numerical system from 0 to 10.
NOTE: Ten is considered capturing the essence and nature of each category, but in some instances, a higher score can be given based on how divine and deep the Story Concept goes and whether or not it either innovates or escalates the category to another level.
#1 – THE MATRIX FRANCHISE (60)
TOTAL SCORE: 60 out of 40
Precursor: Not Applicable
Platform: 1999 – Feature Film (Action, Sci-Fi)
Is it Groundbreaking?
Score: 15
As always, certain conditions pave the way for Groundbreaking Ideas. We are currently in the Era of Trump in the White House, Nazism, White Supremacy, and now we’ve had a Solar Eclipse. All of these factors pave the way for those eerie ideas we call prophecies, which always hint at some tragic event or the “end of the world.” It seems the Matrix looks to be more positive and once the Matrix 4 hits theaters, the World will certainly understand what a “Blockbuster” Film looks like for the next era.
The Golden Age
Score: 10
The Matrix as a Concept is beyond description, belief, summary, and most certainly, categories. John Truby often speaks about the Golden Age of Cinema as not happening yet, but it’s certainly acceptable to consider The Matrix as the foundation and ground-breaking work to usher in this “Golden Age” of not only Cinema, but of Storytelling itself.
Global Myth
Score: 15
With decades of War, unfair ethics, and devastating catastrophes, the United States is ripe for being the hub of Government Cover-Ups and Conspiracies. Ranging from the Roswell Incident to the White House Incident to underground Egyptian Cities to Crystal Caverns and other baffling legends, the United States has a proverbial history of incredible and inexplicable events. The 50s and 60s sci-fi writers often depicted the future with dim and negative connotations and the 70s attempted to patch up these depressing outlooks. The 80s sought to rectify this and the smash success of E.T. Hints that the American Public was ready for a more positive outlook for our Future. With the advent of the Matrix, this “Savior” in Film has come into being at the right time and at the right place – Planet Earth. Succinctly, the Matrix captures conspiracies, slavery, suffering, and allows the audience to follow Neo’s journey into Enlightenment – everything that Joseph Campbell and John Truby have preached about has been elevated to a Global Level and expressed in the most beautiful Story Concept of all time.
Is it Graphic?
Score: 20
This section is two-fold, I’m asking if the concept has value as a Metaphor and as a Unifying Principle. As a Metaphor, The Matrix has no peer because it addresses the greatest question every human being has ever asked, “What is the Truth (Matrix)?” How can anyone argue with that?
We normally don’t think of concepts or principles as being Visual, but in this instance, I’m referencing the deeper meanings of the word Graphic. It is defined as many things, but I’ve latched on to its definitions as expressive, realistic, distinct, vivid, precise, and obvious. Of all story concepts, The Matrix is the highest of the high, pushing itself out of the category from being a Concept into “something else entirely.” Before you watch the movie, the concept is foreign and doesn’t make sense and you go into the movie with the same question that burns a hole in Neo’s brain – What is the Matrix? It is this question that drives each person to not only identify and quantify the Matrix as a great film, but for those few who really “got it,” you should instantly recognize this wasn’t SIMPLY a movie, it was “The Truth” revealed through film – a totally different concept. All of us have read the Screenwriting books and magazines urging us to Unify all of our principles and concepts into ONE THING. Somehow, this “golden rule” hasn’t been put into practice very often. We can go through many films and realize how often they fall short in this category.
The title of the film is Star Wars, not The Force. It’s obvious this film could’ve gone in a different direction, but they chose to package this concept in the Western Genre and we all agree – War is NOT a GOOD THING for Humanity and must be “terminated” from Humanity quickly as possible.
Titanic is an event and this film captures a moment in time, it’s not a Story Concept per se, it’s more in the realm of Cinematic Journalism.
Avatar is a powerful spiritual concept that has existed in the Esoteric realm for years, but this film didn’t research the subject; it’s almost as if the filmmakers liked the word and used it as a title. This film is essentially the Hero’s Journey told in an incredible arena and its title doesn’t capture what the word “actually” means in its Spiritual Foundation. The Dr. Strange film comes closer to capturing the essence of an Avatar than this film does.
Lord of the Rings is another series steeped in an old “program,” that sterile and nefarious concept of slave vs master. Without a slave, how could we have a master, much less a Lord? For those who argue that Lord has multiple meanings, then I urge those folks to look at the montages of war, war, and more war. You must understand a concept has different angles and many of these concepts were treated through the lens of conquer and destroy, not explore and understand.
It’s a different thing altogether between having conflict than justifying war.
And to end this discussion, a concept is really powerful when you can use its “theory” to rank the other films, thus highlighting the power of the Matrix and its greatness that goes beyond and above our written language and current thought processes.
And not great in the sense of Vertical thinking, but in the sense of Divine and ONE with the Higher Spheres of Reality.
This is why Neo is not simply something new, he is one in a long line of Savior-Figures, but for us – THE NOW – he is The One.
#2 – THE SAGE/MAGICIAN/SHAMAN (51)
TOTAL SCORE: 51
Precursor: Ancient Wisdom/Cultural Folklore/Oral Traditions
Platform: Word of Mouth/Story Characters spanning all Media (original release unknown)
Is it Groundbreaking?
Score: 15
The Sage, Magician, and Shaman archetype is a very ancient, and I mean ANCIENT, concept. The fact that this is on our list really shows us how low we’ve come socially, but in this context, the promise of this archetype soars through our souls and reveals, possibly, the first Call to Adventure.
Is it Golden?
Score: 9
As a promise to future generations, this archetype not only calls, but seems to beckon that we listen intently if we seek to make a better world in our future.
Is it Global?
Score: 15
The call to adventure is gaining ground throughout the world and in unison with a shift, this archetype engages both the masculine and feminine psyche. It offers an incredible opportunity for us, as humanity, to enter the Magical World of the Hero’s Journey and live out our dreams and experience Eternity.
Is it Graphic?
Score: 7
This archetype has not been completely captured and, like you, I’m waiting for it to become crystallized in this upcoming Golden Era of Film.
#3 – THE TERMINATOR FRANCHISE (45)
TOTAL SCORE: 45 out of 40
Precursor: King Arthur/Knights Templar/Frankenstein/Robotics/Cyborgs
Platform: 1984 – Feature Film (Action, Sci-Fi)
Is it Groundbreaking?
Score: 10
People put a lot of stock in the term – I’ll be back – but I’m certain the concept of the Terminator conjures up emotions, ideas, and philosophies about the world. Regardless of what you think or feel, your response is always strong. It’s hard to determine if this is because of its precursors or its Primary archetypal power as the ultimate synthesis between man and technology, but one thing is for sure.
The Terminator is a powerful concept that allows the human psyche to dance about in the imagination and strip itself from the realm of Time.
Is it Golden?
Score: 10
The concept of Man and Metal extends back to the medieval era and we have to accept the alternate timeline, the one on which Frankenstein exists, certainly captures the modern audience’s creative consciousness completely.
Is it Global?
Score: 10
Why are we here?
Where are we going?
These two primal questions occupy much of our thinking and the Terminator is a powerful answer to those questions. It asks, simply, will Evolution stop with humanity or will something come along that will be an upgrade?
Is it Graphic?
Score: 15
Whoa!
The Terminator scores very high in this category because the idea of the Liquid Terminator captured the imagination of multiple generations when it was released. Come on man, the first time you saw the Liquid Terminator, it was unbelievable!
It is this concept, pushed to its limit and paired with today’s technology, that allows this concept to linger in the human conscience.
#4 – THE LOST ROOM (41)
TOTAL SCORE: 41 out of 40
Precursor: Mystery Religions/Buddhist/Tibetan Monk/Mystical Christianity
Platform: 2006 – TV Mini-Series (Action, Fantasy, Mystery)
Is it Groundbreaking?
Score: 10
To say this series is groundbreaking is insufficient, the fact that it was subtle and hid under the radar is a sad fact of the American Culture.
The power in this series lies in its power to capture the imagination and push that bias out in opposite directions.
Are the objects pieces of God?
Are they quirks of science?
Are they divine tools that allow you to bend reality?
It is these HUGE questions about reality that pushes this series head and shoulders above the others.
Is it Golden?
Score: 8
This series is not directly responsible, at least not perceptibly, but it is obvious this series was part of a SHIFT in the power of Writing that moved from Feature Films (Blockbusters) into the TV Format of Writing. The genius of the series lies in its genre-splicing because it’s hard to pin down. On IMDB, it’s labeled as Action, Fantasy, Mystery, and Sci-Fi, but it’s not labeled as religious and Spiritual, which is a huge and powerful twist in this series. Rather than avoiding this facet, it uses this facet to show that sometimes, with a 30,000 foot view, many of our organizations are on the same side without realizing it. Once you understand the messages that stream from the objects and their use, you’ll begin to truly appreciate the long range of what this means. Even if you forget about the series itself, it’s what the series suggests that illuminates its genius.
Is it Global?
Score: 8
Yes it is ready to be taken to the next level because it first requires a remake with today’s 3D and Hi-Def treatment, then it requires a serious reboot to kick off several seasons. I am bothered that somehow, this series got lost in TV’s obsession with not slowing down and cancelling shows and actually reviewing concepts instead of ratings. It’s a shame such a wonderful idea has disappeared in the Digital Domain of forgotten shows.
Is it Graphic?
Score: 15
In the same vein of The Matrix, this series pushes the ideas of illusion in a different direction. What if ordinary objects, seemingly normal to everyone, are imbued with divine power and properties?
This single question drives home the point that, all around us, there are incredible events happening and for some reason, they remain inexplicable to the general public.
After viewing the key in action, the objects become their own characters in the series and the anticipation of discovering what each object is capable of doing is absolutely riveting and soul-piercing.
#5 – THE WALL – PINK FLOYD (40)
TOTAL SCORE: 40 out of 40
Precursor: Shaman concept of Magical Darts/Hellenistic Traditions/Dante’s Inferno
Platform: 1979 – Studio Music Concept Album (Art Rock, Progressive Rock, Progressive Pop)
Is it Groundbreaking?
Score: 10
Is the Wall groundbreaking? I’m not even going to entertain this question. Many fans of Pink Floyd will argue why the OTHER album is NOT on this list, but again, that album’s concept is NOWHERE near as deep and penetrating as this one. This has nothing to do with being better musically, this is all about concepts.
Is it Golden?
Score: 8
The Wall set a serious standard and even though it came a long time after Concept Albums had died out, it seemingly appeared and should have rejuvenated the Concept Album altogether. However, its sheer power and immense social commentary straddled between prophecy, marketing, and religious zealousness – and it singlehandedly destroyed the Concept Album because people often remarked, “We gotta go through all that BEFORE we even work on the music, no way dude!”
Is it Global?
Score: 9
In light of Trump and the White Supremacist climate in the United States, is there a better social commentary on their agenda than the words from this album:
We don’t need no education, we don’t need no thought control
All in all, it’s just another brick in the wall
Is it Graphic?
Score: 13
Whew, the concept of bricks in the wall is so SOLID and CONCRETE, it’s pretty hard to consider another concept as “physically grounded” in our reality than this one.
Don’t be fooled by its simplicity, this concept has some powerful legs and one day, someone’s going to capture it and its ascent into the heavens will be phenomenal.
Now, back to the conversation.
The concept of stone is identified with the ancient past and is usually seen as more mystical, but to capture the small little things humans do (and think we get away with) identified as “BRICKS” in a wall of our creation.
Utter and just pure genius!
#6 – PLANET ROCK – AFRIKA BAMBAATAA AND THE SOUL SONIC FORCE (39)
TOTAL SCORE: 39 out of 40
Precursor: Kraftwerk – Numbers/Kraftwerk – Trans Europe Express
Platform: 1982 – Studio Music Single (Hip Hop)
Is it Groundbreaking?
Score: 20
The easiest way to summarize the power of Planet Rock is this.
Music can be split in our Modern World like this; there was music before Planet Rock and there was music after it.
Is it Golden?
Score: 6
Hip Hop is a Global Phenomenon that has lasted since the early 80s and has no chance on ending anytime soon. We can chalk up its power to being jumpstarted by the release of Planet Rock and in this sense, we can view Planet Rock as the greatest Press Release in the history of our Modern World.
Is it Global?
Score: 8
Hey, if anyone wants to argue, what if you found out that Planet Rock started the genres of Electro, Techno, House, Freestyle, and who knows how many other genres?
Is it Graphic?
Score: 5
This is where Planet Rock gets a lower score because the point of Hip Hop was to inspire and not necessarily linger. Where the Matrix is Myth, Planet Rock is Culture imbued and therefore, it lays the ground work and jumps off the movement.
#7 – THE FORCE – STAR WARS FRANCHISE (38)
TOTAL SCORE: 38 out of 40
Precursor: Buddhism/Esoteric Christianity/Neoplatonic Philosophy
Platform: 1977 – Feature Film (Action, Adventure, Fantasy)
Is it Groundbreaking?
Score: 15
The simple answer – may the Force be with you.
Is it Golden?
Score: 9
The Force concept has driven the intrigue and fascination surrounding the Star Wars Franchise and rightfully so. It is this, and this alone, that manages to capture the fascination of future generations. However, the ideology of “War” somehow taints the pureness of the Force concept and even, at times, dims its light with the Light Sabre and other tools.
The sexiness lies in knowing that the concept of the Force is what locks you into Star Wars, not the other stuff. In this regard, it isn’t a call to adventure, it’s a call to Global Adventure!
Is it Global?
Score: 9
The concept of the force is so primal that it crosses boundaries and taps into the spiritual systems of many religions. Because it’s a movie, it can disperse its appeal without the bias and bigotry from each religion. In this regard, the Force is definitely worth reviewing when one is seeking to write a Global Blockbuster.
Is it Graphic?
Score: 4
Because the Force is a spiritual concept, it’s hard to really “visualize” how it works or what it looks like. However, this doesn’t lessen the impact of its truth in our lives, our hearts, and in our journeys to seeking higher ground.
#8 – LOST (37)
TOTAL SCORE: 37 out of 40
Precursor: Twilight Zone/The Outer Limits/One Step Beyond/What If? Comic Books
Platform: 2004 – TV Series (Adventure, Drama, Fantasy)
Is it Groundbreaking?
Score: 9
Absolutely!
Is it Golden?
Score: 9
It’s hard to say whether Lost ushered in a Golden Era of TV, but we can certainly say that its impact on TV’s limiting of genre was cataclysmic. Whatever TV looked like before Lost, with their focus on genre, was blown out the water (literally) with a crash landing of this series on September 22 2004. We can argue whether it ushered in a Golden Era, but we ALL agree that it – LOST – itself is Golden and shimmers with greatness.
Is it Global?
Score: 9
Lost, as a series, is hard to pin down and this property of it may seem limiting, but I disagree. Just because something is hard to categorize is beyond the point, and quite frankly, that may be why the show even EXISTED – to break away from regular television and show us something different.
In the midst of other shows, LOST stands not in a corner, but in a galaxy of its own.
Its lingering aroma reminds us that TV is a platform and you can go anywhere that you can imagine.
Is it Graphic?
Score: 10
Lost as a concept is strong in its intent and subtle in its unifying properties. The constant changing of ideas and the constant revealing of mysteries pushes LOST into unknown territories and though this may have been its purpose, it certainly captures more than it loses its audience. Over and over, the mystery deepens and thickens and honestly, it’s so much fun getting “LOST” in the mythology of it all. Over and above everything else, its uniqueness and timing will forever stamp its way into our hearts as something that you have to “experience” rather than watch.
#9 – SURFACE (36)
TOTAL SCORE: 36 out of 40
Precursor:
Platform: 2005 – TV Series (Adventure, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Thriller)
Is it Groundbreaking?
Score: 10
Surface is an ecological disaster mini-series with a strong scientific slant, hovering in the domain of the popular series The Strain. However, where the Strain seems more acceptable as a scientific approach, it seems this tv series didn’t ride down that wave of folklore. I argue it was before its time and maybe, with a reboot, its genius will be appreciated.
Is it Golden?
Score: 7
Surface’s power lies in the storytelling, most certainly, but it’s the sidebars and subplots that bewilder the audience. From the healing of Miles to his link with the sea monsters, it urges that we have not considered there is also a spiritual ecosystem governing our rules and actions on this planet. Maybe, we haven’t evolved to the next level has nothing to do with technology and everything to do with our “connection” to our planet. How do we as surface dwellers get involved to ensure our planet matures at the right pace?
Is it Global?
Score: 9
As an Origin story and Ecological series, Surface rides on the waves of mystery, intrigue, and pure science. It was subtle and the way it hinted at what was to come was absolutely fascinating and riveting, almost in the frame of Lost, just not as involved. The side mysteries and other story questions linger long after the show finishes and even now, years later, it makes you wonder about Miles and question – what if that really happened?
Is it Graphic?
Score: 10
The vivid and deep blue sea.
The only thing more awe-inspiring is the deep dark blackness of space – which is another kind of sea.
We have always been fascinated by the sea and lies beneath those dark waters and this fascination is not stopping any time soon.
Hopefully, another series like Surface will come along and capture our folklore and our myths and drive home the truth in a way that will suck us under into the deep and won’t let us go for at least 9 seasons.
Until this happens, I’ll spend every few months revisiting this series and learning how to deal with an impending ecological disaster from another invasive species that threatens our existence.
And the threat comes not from their violence, but from our own ignorance, bias, and bigotry.
#10 – RELICS AND OBJECTS OF POWER (35)
Precursor: Ancient Myths/Myth Cults/Esoteric Traditions/Word of Mouth/Cultural Folklore/Oral Traditions
Platform: Word of Mouth/Stories spanning all Media (original release unknown)
TOTAL SCORE: 33 out of 40
Is it Groundbreaking?
Score: 7
Humans have been fascinated with objects for a long time.
From a witch’s broom to Thor’s Hammer to Blade’s Sword to Light Sabres to smartphones to tablets, the current crop of teens have accepted the new technology as part of the human existence. So this topic, interspersed between movies and TV shows, seeks to acknowledge this unheralded facet of storytelling that was very popular in ancient myths.
Is it Golden?
Score: 9
The concept of tech as a tool for humanity, with the advent of the smartphone and tablet, ushers us into new ways of interacting with our environment. I look forward to watching how technology will inspire the next generation of storytellers, gurus, poets, and writers.
Is it Global?
Score: 7
In the next global sensation, the Matrix 4, we are introduced to some powerful new concepts (Virtual Weaponry, Holographic Terminators) that not only inspire, they reward our need for richer and deeper storytelling as we enter a bold new world. As we evolve and change, so much our technology, our understanding, and our myths.
Is it Graphic?
Score: 9
Of the top 10, this is the most evasive of locking down.
The best answer is simple – IT DEPENDS.
It depends on the object, how it’s used, its mythological counterparts, and whether it holds an archetypal intrigue in our psyches.
The range is from unknown to inspiring and like everything in between, the audience experiences these sensations as powerful moments that release endorphins into our systems, healing some, adjusting others, and always – ALWAYS – inspiring us to evolve.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
• Fringe (2008)
• Dune (1984)
• The 4400 (2004)
• The X-Files (1993)
• Sense8 (2015)
• Kyle XY (2006)
• Language of the Primes (2009 – from film Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen)
• Total Eclipse of the Heart (1983)
• Landslide (1975)
