The Dark Knight, The Joker and Dr. Hunter S. Thompson – Power of Excitement

Two characters and films that explore the Dark Side of this Character Type: Gonzo: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson and The Joker (brilliantly played by Heath Ledger) in Dark Knight . Each is a great look at the underbelly of this fascinating Character Type.

Third Cocktail Question

Finishing up with the third cocktail question: “Would you like to hear a great idea for a movie?”  For some reason, when people know you are a screenwriter they feel compelled to tell you their story or ask your opinion on their idea. As you are listening, realize you are sitting in the place of… Continue reading Third Cocktail Question

Second Cocktail Question

Continuing the cocktail party questions– “When do you find time to write?”  People who meet me know I have limited time and a lot on my plate, travel, teaching, consulting, etc.  The question also assumes, and sometimes people say it outright, that if they just could find the time they would write.   Of if they… Continue reading Second Cocktail Question

Three Cocktail Questions

I have a theory that every professional gets asked three annoying questions at a cocktail party. These differ by profession. If you are a screenwriter the questions are some variation of: “Where do you get your ideas?” “How do you find time to write?’ and “Would you like to hear a great idea for a movie?” If we move past the irritation these questions turn out to be quite profound.

Horton Hears A Who – Power of Imagination

“On the fifteenth of May, in the jungle of Nool, in the heat of the day, in the cool of the pool, he was splashing…enjoying the jungle’s great joys… When Horton the elephant heard a small noise.” This Dr. Seuss rhyme, narrated by Charles Osgood, starts off the wonderful film, Horton Hears A Who. Only… Continue reading Horton Hears A Who – Power of Imagination

#WritingAdviceWednesday – Ugly Betty

A Successful and Proven Format The Ugly Betty (Yo soy, Betty la Fea) telenovela has translated successfully around the world and the recent American version garnered Golden Globe, People’s Choice, and Writers Guild Awards for best new series as well as a best actress Golden Globe for America Ferrera. What makes the Ugly Betty format so… Continue reading #WritingAdviceWednesday – Ugly Betty

Casino Royale – Power of Reason

Screenwriters Neal Purvis & Robert Wade and Paul Haggis move James Bond into the next phase of 007’s life in the excellent film, Casino Royale. It is a great example of how to transition a character.

Steven Spielberg’s The Terminal

Tom Hanks, playing Vicktor Novorski, is the film’s star and occupies most of the screen time. Unfortunately, Vicktor is not the protagonist of the film. Neither the biggest emotional journey nor the emotional climax of the film belongs to Hanks. This a fatal flaw from which the film never recovers.