Heroic Journey

In class, Mr. Kunkle introduced Joseph Campbell's Heroic Journey story structure. Basically, this is a format with eight stages--Land of Security; Call to Adventure; "Divine" Helper Encounter; Tests and Trials; Treasure Gained; Ultimate Challenge; Death & Resurrection; Homecoming, Victorious, with Self-Realization. We've all seen this path again and again and again, just with different spices thrown in. It's been the bones of our favorite stories. It's good. It works. But, sometimes I get tired of it.

Part of the wonders of good writing is the unpredictability (while still being plausible). However, even with these twists and turns, how many times have you sat down to read or watch a movie and known within minutes how it'll go? It's still entertaining, since the fun's often in the journey, but... well, I want something a little different.

And I'm not one to look down on this structure. I am writing (or, uh, trying to write) a novel--The Walled-In World--and outlined my plot with the eight stages. All the same, I want to deviate but it's hard. This structure is so ingrained in our storytelling.

So, can you think of a book or movie or show that doesn't rely on the Heroic Journey format? Or any ideas? I'd love to hear.