This the first post in an ongoing series I’m titling “Last Week In Stories.” It is my belief that be a better storyteller, I must study better storytellers. I intend to study stories across mediums, but I will mostly be focusing on screenplays. See below for this week’s catch and takeaways.
The Place Beyond The Pines
Screenplay by Derek Cianofrance & Ben Coccio and Darius Marde
A great example of drawing dimensions out of characters through the characters around them. Also, it follows a very unusual structure in that each act seems to identify a different character as the protagonist. Available at The Screenplay Database.
3/5
The Hitch
Audio Screenplay by Troy Anthony Miller
Some great visual writing here. It was very easy for me to picture the movie as I was listening to it. Some fun characters, straight out of Hitchcock. The ending however, hinged on a coincidence that allowed the story to happen as it had, on top of the coincidence that was the inciting incident. I’ve come the conclusion that a good story has only one coincidence. The one that allows it to happen. The one that makes it unique. Everything else should follow necessarily, like dominoes. Available through Blacklist Table Reads.
3/5
King Solomon’s Mines
Novel by H. Rider Haggard
Though clearly dated in it’s views, this book proved how effective simple storytelling can be. Clearly established goal, clearly established obstacles, clearly established stakes. One thing in particular that made the protagonist so compelling was his belief that he was likely going to die on this adventure, and went along anyway. Available (for free) on Amazon Kindle.
3/5
Jody
Audio Screenplay by Jason Wilburn & Chris Kyle
I felt that this screenplay lacked a clear inciting incident, and I was unable to determine the protagonist’s goal. I may revisit to ensure I didn’t miss it, but it reveals how important it is to make the goal clear for main characters. Hell, for every character. Many scenes did have strong and natural dialogue, though. And solid voice acting from a good cast. Available from Blacklist Table Reads.
2/5
Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping
True to title, the movie never stops never stopping.
Film by Jorma Taccone, Akiva Schaffer & Andy Samberg (Dir. Jorma Taccone & Akiva Schaffer)
Brilliant! My highlight of the week for sure. A lot of subtle acting from a film that didn’t necessarily need it, and just sharp, sharp comedy writing. Great use of the mockumentary construct, and great storytelling that was paced perfectly. I’ll probably see this again soon. In theaters now.
4/5
Central Intelligence
Film by Ike Bariholtz & David Stassen and Rawson Marshall Thurber (Dir. Dawson Marshall Thurber)
- I enjoyed this screening. Basic setup, yet very effective. Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart work well with each others timing, and the fun they had on set was clearly showing through. There were some scenes, however, that appeared to undermine the film’s main theme, making it just a little muddy and I also could’ve used some higher stakes, but I think that’s just my taste. Fun showing regardless. In theaters now.
3/5
’Til next week!