Milk features standout performances and worthy subject matter of real historical significance. The film, however, is severely lacking in story on several accounts. Too much backstory compromises the emotional power of the film.
Category: Movies
The Wrestler – Power of Idealism
Randy’s tragedy is he finds magic only in the empty choreographed illusions of the ring. He compulsively plays the spray-tanned bleached blond hero to dwindling numbers of cheering strangers.
Frost/Nixon and the Power of Ambition
Frost/Nixon is an epic battle between two Power of Ambition characters.
Creating a New Character – Fear
It’s important to look at the ways the character is most worried about failing others and becoming unloved or unlovable. This often is traceable back to the character’s own childhood fears. These early fears powerfully stay with us and color our adult lives.
#WritingAdviceWednesday – Coming of Age Films and Power of Idealism
#WritingAdviceWednesday – Coming of Age films, as I define them, are Power of Idealism films.
Second Hand Wedding
As a frequent flyer on Air New Zealand I have the opportunity to see regional films that don’t ever make it to the US in wide distribution. My favorite film this trip was the delightful and heartwarming Second Hand Wedding. It’s everything one would want in comedy.
Values at Stake – Film
The obstacles in a film or television series should create the kind of risk, peril or danger that pushes the character to take actions that define what is most fundamentally important or true in a character’s life.
Values at Stake – Televison
A character should be forced to make a stark, definitive and active choice. As one value is ultimately chosen, the character finally negates or surrenders the other contrasting value. What price is paid for the character’s choice?
Emotional Status Quo
Too often characters seem to have emotional amnesia, especially when off stage for a couple of scenes. What’s a character’s emotional status quo? It’s the emotional temperature of the character when he or she enters a scene.
What Happens in Vegas
This film is a high-spirited Romantic Comedy romp that is a really enjoyable surprise. It has its flaws, particularly in its rather pat ending is well worth seeing.