DISCUSSION
These data support the conclusion that The Story Template is an accurate tool to predict classic and non-classic stories.
The Story Template algorithm was able to correctly detect both classic and non-classic stories as determined by objective/historical criteria. In this small sample of ten movies, The Story Template was able to correctly categorize nine stories, giving a final accuracy score of 90%.
The Story Template is an algorithm that was developed to assist a writer in creating a complete, compelling story. In this series of experiments, 16 separate components of The Story Template were identified. Interestingly, 15 of these 16 components was always present in both classic and non-classic stories. The presence or absence of only one component determined the template’s classification of a classic or non-classic story.
It’s interesting to speculate about this 16th component: [proprietary]. [Explanation proprietary].
The Story Template algorithm failed to detect this [proprietary] in the objectively-identified classic, Raiders of the Lost Ark. Raiders was an enormously popular film that spawned three sequels, the latest made in 2008 (Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull). Although there was no change in the [proprietary] the story line of Raiders of the Lost Ark centered upon a well-known religious/Biblical artifact (the Ark of the Covenant) and had a Nazi antagonist, which might trigger [proprietary].
Furthermore, the uniqueness of the protagonist and concept, the special effects, and the unpredictable stunts definitely made the movie a fun experience.
Interestingly, the second Indiana Jones movie, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, was not nearly as popular. While this second film was darker, it also did not add anything new to the Indiana Jones character; either or both factors may have contributed to its flop. The third film, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, added a new character, Jones’ father, and also [proprietary] in his relationship with his father (and a solved [proprietary]) that would suggest this film would be quite popular, as indeed it was.