Power of Truth characters value loyalty and commitment very highly, but they can be very unsettled and indecisive. They can become self-doubting and suspicious to the point of paralysis. At that point, they no longer trust their own instincts.
Continue readingThe Dark Knight is a classic example of the Emotional Toolbox premise that– “In the battle between reason (plot) and emotion (connection), emotion ALWAYS wins.”
Continue readingIn a Power of Truth film things are never what they seem. None of the major characters in The Dark Knight are what they seem at first glance. The tangled undergrowth of human duplicity catches and pulls at every character in the film.
Continue readingA character driven by the Power of Love is often someone who tirelessly pushes another forward in a story. These characters— often soft-spoken, gentle and compliant on the outside— are made of strong, even steely, stuff on the inside. They believe the best place to be is the “power behind the throne.” All these qualities are very evident with Alfred.
Continue readingHarvey Dent’s moral condemnation of crime fuels him to clean up Gotham and make it safe for ordinary citizens. He is a vigilant prosecutor of evil. After he is burned and Rachel dies, Dent moves toward his Dark Side and becomes Two Face, a twisted vigilante and self-appointed judge, jury and executioner.
Continue reading#ThinkpieceThursday – This might be an ideal time to sell a comedy.
Continue readingAlways ask yourself– What would make the situation more impossible? What would torture your character more intensely. Then make the strongest choice. Ramp up the conflict. Make it more personal. The higher the stakes for the character the more the audience cares about what happens next.
Continue reading#MondayMusings – Internet Television needs to evolve
Continue readingTwo 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.
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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 a beleaguered studio executive. What can you learn from this experience?
Always listen to the idea carefully because it’s a great opportunity to learn two of the most valuable lessons about pitching. Pretend you listen to screenplay ideas for a living.
First, notice the person isn’t nervous. They are simply sharing something that they are interested in and feel passionate about. They are hoping you will like the idea but the fun is in just communicating the it. That is the greatest lesson of pitching. Don’t go into a pitch meeting with the expectation or desire to sell the pitch. Just enjoy sharing your story. That goes a long way in eliminating nervousness. Have fun. Make it fascinating cocktail conversation.
Second, keep it short and punchy. You want a strong opening, a series of interesting complications and a satisfying payoff. That’s it. Any more than ten to fifteen minutes is overkill. Einstein once said” “If you can’t explain it briefly and simply, you don’t understand it well enough.” And he was talking about physics! The best thing you can get anyone to say in a meeting is: “Tell me more.” Then you have permission and the interest and attention to elaborate. You don’t want someone looking at the watch and thinking: “Get to the point already.”
Isn’t that what anyone wants in a cocktail conversation: A fun story that is mercifully short. Get in. Get out. Leave them wanting more.