7 Basic Plots Of Film Storytelling
We’ve all heard that there aren’t any original stories on cinemas anymore. Every story has been told. Not quite. There may seem to be underlyling patterns, themes, and story structures, because there are. We are all connected via our common humanity and our desire to tell, see, and hear stories. The book Seven Basic Plots: […]
The Impact of Filmmaker Ryan Coogler on Cinema
Writer/director Ryan Coogler is having a moment. One that has lasted most of his career. From film school to multi-million-dollar movies there seems nothing he can’t produce that isn’t celebrated by critics and audiences alike. Ryan Coogler’s films have left a profound mark on contemporary cinema, merging powerful storytelling with cultural appeal. His work is […]
Why TV Series Love Bottle Episodes
No, a bottle episode isn’t what happens when the shooting schedule goes haywire and everyone rushes to the bar. It’s a standalone episode that briefly takes the audience out of the main serialized structure of a television series. This might happen if an actor suddenly becomes unavailable on a shooting day, a script isn’t delivered […]
Why A Multi Genre Mashup Works In “The Gorge”
The Gorge written by Zach Dean (Tomorrow War) and directed by Scott Derrickson (The Exorcism of Emily Rose) is a mixed bag of romance, sci-fi, fantasy, action, thriller, horror that asks, “What would the doorway to hell look like?” There’s a chasm (the gorge) and cement guard towers on either side. The West is manned […]
Breaking Down The Main Elements Of “The Substance”
What makes a successful horror film? Is it just blood and mayhem or is there more to it? The Substance, written and directed by Coralie Fargeat, is a master class in how to do a great horror movie, one with tragic resonance, and power. Background An aging actress, Elisabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore) who […]
