The Hurdles of Writing ‘The King of Kings’ for the Big Screen
It’s Easter week, and appropriately, a movie about the life of Jesus Christ is opening this weekend. This one stars Joaquin Phoenix in the role of ‘The King of Kings,’ even though the main emphasis, and title character, is Mary Magdalene (played by Rooney Mara). Among other strengths of the movie, this one rights the […]
On-the-Nose Dialogue
James Napoli explains that sometimes it’s OK to use On-the-Nose dialogue.
By James Napoli. Near the end of Richard Wenk’s screenplay for 16 Blocks (which became a rather entertaining and underrated film in 2006), the protagonist’s sister, a nurse, unloads a little diatribe about her brother, a washed-up cop who is on the run protecting a witness being hunted by a corrupt police force: DIANE […]
Surprise or Suspense?
James Napoli explores the difference between the use of surprise and suspense in screenwriting.
By James Napoli. I had an interesting experience while binge-watching the first two seasons of the beautifully acted and tonally flawless British television series Broadchurch. In an attempt to keep this article spoiler-free, I will simply say that the program, which concerns itself with the murder of a child in a small town, is exceedingly […]
Honor Your Premise
Through analysis of Nocturnal Animals, Groundhog Day and Black Mirror, James Napoli explores how to fulfill the promise of your script’s premise.
Through analysis of Nocturnal Animals, Groundhog Day and Black Mirror, James Napoli explores how to fulfill the promise of your script’s premise.
Going on a Hero’s Journey to Save Syd Field’s Cat: Exploring Story Structure Paradigms
James Napoli takes a look at screenwriting structure guides, and asks should we be using them, and if so, when?
James Napoli takes a look at screenwriting structure guides, and asks the questions: should we be using them, and if so, when?
