Is 'theme' really everything?
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Re: Is 'theme' really everything?
Originally posted by TwoBrad Bradley View PostNo fair. You saw the movie, didn't you?
But wouldn't these metaphors be a big waste if they didn't express theme? The better the movie, the better the link between theme and arc.
The question is do these metaphors express the theme of this particular screenplay? The protag may arc like this in many stories, each with different themes, no?
This kind of character arc is not a waste. It adds a layer to the story and to the protag, but does it necessairly express theme? I don't know the answer. Just answering your question with a question.
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Re: Is 'theme' really everything?
Theme isn't everything and yet it is. Clearly, there are other elements to worry about. But there's little doubt that theme is embedded in the most important scenes of every good script."I ask every producer I meet if they need TV specs they say yeah. They all want a 40 inch display that's 1080p and 120Hz. So, I quit my job at the West Hollywood Best Buy."
- Screenwriting Friend
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Re: Is 'theme' really everything?
Originally posted by roscoegino View PostTheme isn't everything and yet it is. Clearly, there are other elements to worry about. But there's little doubt that theme is embedded in the most important scenes of every good script.
You kill someone out of vengeance and you are a hero (maybe Death Wish)
or
You kill someone and you lose your soul (Maybe Blade Runner or Unforgiven) - Very different theme--killing is not right or justifiable or...violence doesn't solve anything (specific theme depends on details)
That's why usually you can't write a perfect opening image until you nail your ending and character (and arc and resolution. Or if the opening image is a visual metaphor for the story then the intro to the character is where you would capture the two sides of the character and arc which should necessarily be related to the theme.
Off top of my head....Color of Money...after VO...you have whiskey and money and he is seducing her with whiskey. Whiskey might be a vice but more importantly, now it represents his job, selling whiskey...he has to earn an honest living and maybe even have time to follow through with the seduction of the woman. BUT BUT BUT eventually there will be loud SOUNDS behind him of a good player hitting the pool balls...and finally it will call to him...this new life or the old life. And then isn't the last image or idea of the film: I'm back.
It's all there. And it should be. If you have an intro to a character that is not capturing this, then it's not the right intro. Start later when the character is revealed.
Just taking a quick break. Cool thread.
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