Doubt – Truth vs Conscience
The movie Doubt, written and directed by John Patrick Shanley, has an emotional disconnect at its core– in the most unsuccessful sense of the word
Continue readingMilk – Lack of Internal Conflict
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.
Continue readingStick To It – Reward Yourself
Nick Schenk scored big with Gran Torino after over ten years of struggle, rejection and near-misses. How does someone– anyone– keep motivated in the face of impossible odds, daunting circumstances and a crushing lack of validation. Here’s how.
Continue readingThe 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.
Continue readingLive, Love, and Write – Happy New Year
As we look forward to the tremendous shifts and changes this coming year will bring in technology, finance, entertainment and politics let us fully and completely embrace the indomitable and unconquerable force of love in our work.
Continue readingWriting Routine
I discovered a great website that discusses how various writers and artists approach their work and organize their day. Below is a discussion of the simple method Anthony Trollope used to write forty-nine novels in thirty-five years!
Continue readingDavid Frost & Richard Nixon – Power of Ambition
Frost/Nixon is an epic battle between two Power of Ambition characters.
Continue readingSubtext – Unspoken Communication
The subtext of a scene is the underlying emotion that changes or alters the meaning of the words spoken or the actions taken. Or it is what is “under the skin of a character.” Or it is what is under the surface of what a character says or does.
Continue readingEinstein and Writing
#ThinkpieceThursday – Einsten’s concise quotes are invaluable and timeless.
Continue readingMad Men – Art vs Commerce
Mad Men has had wide-spread critical acclaim, won numerous awards and has become a cultural reference– but it has a very small audience. This struggle between art vs commerce and high brow vs low prestige mass entertainment is a dilemma writers and producers wrestle with continually.
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