Chemical equations define what reactions occur when various materials are mixed. Now, that actually has a good business purpose- because we want to be able to make our products consistently. (And, don’t think that baking your cake or making your dinner via a recipe is any different.)
But, I, for one, don’t want my movies to all be the same. Because no matter how much I adore drive-ins (as I discussed yesterday), I wouldn’t be tempted to see the same movie over and over again. (How many times can they update Jane Austen? OK. I admit it. I must have seen the King of Hearts (Alan Bates’ “star” vehicle) more than 30 times- since it was the only movie playing at the movie theater by MIT during my tenure there.)
But, it turns out that is exactly the new movie paradigm. Check out this book: Save the Cat! The Last Book on Screenwriting You’ll Ever Need. Blake Snyder decided to share his knowledge about making blockbuster films. Published in 2005, it proposes that a movie should be in three acts- and provide 15 ‘key story beats’. (A ‘beat’ is a pivotal event that must occur within the movie.) Not only does he offer these facts, but details what page they must appear on your newly written screenplay. (Each page is about equivalent to a minute of film.)
Now, Snyder can’t rebut my statements. He died 4 years ago. But, he did claim that his book only defined a framework for the movie- not a set formula. (I still beg to differ from that benign opinion.)
After all, this book provides detailed recipes, with step-by-step instructions- just like we prepare for our clients making medical products, pharmaceuticals, or other production items.
If the movie is weak- then you feel the problem of this treatment intensely. But, if the movie is well-done, even if formulaic, you are willing to “suspend your judgment”. And, that’s the issue- because it takes big bucks to make a movie- and Hollywood is not a risk-taking industry. So, the more precise the formula, the better they like the concept.
Oh! My husband would love this. He can always spot a contrived plot, from three miles away. So what this fellow is saying is that all successful plots are contrived, we prefer it that way, and that you and I, Roy, could write a blockbuster movie if we followed his plot recommendations? Okay, I’m game. Let’s do it, eh?
Amy recently posted..A roosters’ spurs: if, when, how, and why should they be trimmed?
We can try that Amy- it would certainly be a long-distance collaboration…
and, we’d at least need a subject…
..paint (movies) by numbers…
Caro Ness recently posted..Wood
Yup- and they are just as creative, Caro!
Formulaic! http://t.co/z5I7LStPcB via @Adjuvancy
What is worse right now is that they are taking good and bad movies and remaking them. So we not only get contrived we get it left over. It is enough for me that I have stopped watching movies and tele. Wake me up when they get better. I’d write stuff to change it, but no one would make my movies.
Lisa recently posted..Baby Angel With Teddy by Lisa Brandel
I agree that they are remaking way too many movies. (Some of which were bad in the first place). But, I think even the remakes are being done with this formula, Lisa.