Storytelling And The Importance of Theme
The theme of a story, whether it be a novel, film, television show, or any kind of narrative, can be viewed in at least two ways. Most importantly, a theme is the idea that integrates everything in a story — the nature of its characters, their motivations, and arcs, as well as their conflicts and […]
From Sherlock Holmes to Benoit Blanc: The Appeal of the Outsider Detective
Sherlock Holmes is the world’s most beloved fictional detective, a literary character that has enthralled millions across the globe since Sir Arthur Conan Doyle created him in 1887. Since then, many writers of the page and screen have created their own ridiculously intelligent and eccentric sleuths to solve their fictional mysteries as well. One of […]
5 Ways Political Thrillers Like “The Report” Are So Palpable
As the world seems increasingly fraught with danger, and Washington D.C. traffics in partisan battles day in and day out, it’s not surprising to see that political thrillers have been coming back in vogue. Argo, Bridge of Spies, and even Captain America: The Winter Soldier… they’re all political thrillers in their own way. If you’re a […]
There Is Nothing Wrong With Melodrama
Melodrama – noun /ˈmel·əˌdrɑ·mə, -ˌdræm·ə/ A play or style of acting in which the characters behave and show emotion in a more noticeable way than real people usually do. – Cambridge English Dictionary. Teaching screenwriting, as I do, provides an ongoing wonderful lesson in subjectivity. Ask screenwriters where the inciting incident occurs in a screenplay, and a […]
Biopics May Be Oscar Bait But Getting Them Right Is Tricky
As soon as the trailer dropped for Judy, the new biopic about Judy Garland, Renée Zellweger became the front-runner for this year’s Best Actress Oscar. The physical resemblance was uncanny, as was the actress’s ability to channel the legend’s voice and mannerisms. Playing the famous is catnip for actors, and if done properly, it can […]
