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#Post#: 21069--------------------------------------------------
Why every movie feels the same
By: Neumatic Date: July 19, 2013, 1:29 pm
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I just read this article, and I think Chip has also read the
book, but this is worth a read:
Slate Magazine: Save the Movie! The 2005 screenwriting book
that’s taken over Hollywood—and made every movie feel the same
HTML http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/culturebox/2013/07/hollywood_and_blake_snyder_s_screenwriting_book_save_the_cat.html
The article posits that everyone uses the same book, "Save The
Cat," (which yes, I read and use as a reference, but sparingly)
and as such movies are starting to feel the same, and whole
scenes and actions start to feel forced because they need that
beat to happen there. The problem with all these things is that
they're meant to be learning tools, not cheat sheets or forms to
be filled out. It really drives me nuts when I'm checking off
boxes in a theater.
There needs to be an opposite book written, "Screw The Cat!" or
something, that gives you a million examples of successfully
breaking the rules.
#Post#: 21070--------------------------------------------------
Re: Why every movie feels the same
By: Mac Date: July 19, 2013, 4:31 pm
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I hear ya
I like your idea
#Post#: 21071--------------------------------------------------
Re: Why every movie feels the same
By: Neumatic Date: July 19, 2013, 4:50 pm
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"Save The Cat" is of course the ultimate example, the idea being
right at the start you have to show your character as likable.
I was thinking about that because I rewatched "The Queen Of
Versailles" last night and that moment doesn't happen until near
the end of the movie, and it's much more powerful for happening
there instead of at the start (I won't say what it is in case
you haven't seen it yet), but it just says that these moments
don't have to happen by a certain page, they have to happen at
the right MOMENT.
#Post#: 21189--------------------------------------------------
Re: Why every movie feels the same
By: Chiprocks1 Date: July 21, 2013, 7:29 am
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My review can be found here
HTML http://pennycan.createaforum.com/books/save-the-cat!-goes-to-the-movies-blake-snyder/msg5821/#msg5821.<br
/>Interesting article. I like the book for one thing and one thi
ng
only, it makes you think somewhat outside of the book in a
'paint by numbers' method. But it's not something I use at all.
I like to do things a bit more organically and let things unfold
on its own rather than putting a story together piecemeal. The
thing with something so successful like Save The Cat is that
everyone gloms onto it and uses it as a crutch, so naturally
you're going to get a lot of movies feeling the same. I think
the best way to use Save The Cat is to first just write your
story with no editing and just 'get it out on the paper' and
then go back and tighten up your script using Blake's method as
your own personal script doctor. One last thing, trying to "make
something happen by a certain page number" is counter intuitive
and cripples good writing and storytelling. It's not natural and
feels forced and you can see it on the page and the screen.
Should this thread be moved over to Creative Screenwriting since
it deals more with the art of writing and not so much movies?
#Post#: 21196--------------------------------------------------
Re: Why every movie feels the same
By: Mac Date: July 21, 2013, 11:29 am
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[quote]
Should this thread be moved over to Creative Screenwriting since
it deals more with the art of writing and not so much
movies?[/quote]
I would... Neumatic?
#Post#: 21197--------------------------------------------------
Re: Why every movie feels the same
By: Neumatic Date: July 21, 2013, 11:29 am
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Go ahead.
#Post#: 21223--------------------------------------------------
Re: Why every movie feels the same
By: Mac Date: July 21, 2013, 1:27 pm
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I believe along those lines being discussed here...
[glow=red,2,300]Joss Whedon criticises lack of originality in
Hollywood: Comic-Con 2013[/glow]
HTML http://cdn.mos.totalfilm.com/images/j/joss-whedon-criticises-lack-of-originality-in-hollywood-comic-con-2013-140566-a-1374305363-470-75.jpg
[quote]Joss Whedon took to the Comic-Con stage at a special
panel on Friday evening, and spoke at length about the need for
more originality in Hollywood.
“I do feel like we are in desperate need of new content,” said
Whedon. “Pop culture is eating itself at a rate that is going to
be dangerous. Too many narratives are built on the resonance of
recognition. That’s going to become really problematic.”
“Even though it’s enormous fun to work on something I read as a
child, I think it’s important for us to step back from that and
create new universes, new messages, and new icons,” says Whedon,
before jokingly adding, “so that 10 years from now we can reboot
those!”
Whedon was also asked whether he would have any interest in
returning to Wonder Woman, a project he was once attached to
with Warner Bros.
“I don’t like to go back to things,” was the reply, “and I also
feel there’s plenty of room for a new iconic female heroine. So
let’s look to the future.”
Even if he were keen, Warner probably wouldn’t take to kindly to
the following jab Whedon managed to sneak in about one of their
less successful superhero outings…
“I think Martin Campbell kicks ass,” said Whedon mischievously.
“I just don’t think Green Lantern was his thing… and it showed.”
Ooh, burn…[/quote]
#Post#: 21234--------------------------------------------------
Re: Why every movie feels the same
By: Neumatic Date: July 21, 2013, 3:13 pm
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I'm actually feeling kind of hopeful at the moment, because
obviously he's not the only one thinking this: you combine this
revulsion of this self-cannibalism combined with how many more
distribution platforms that exist now (and you gotta figure that
number is gonna grow) that all need new and different content,
this is the calm before the storm. We're already seeing drops
of it but it's gonna hit SO hard our heads are gonna be
spinning.
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