Since the book I’m currently working on is all about character arc, I felt inclined to weigh in on the current discord over Luke Skywalker’s character arc in The Last Jedi. Whether you loved the movie or hated it, in this video I explain how it’s the conclusion of Luke’s arc from the Original Trilogy based on what we learned in the Prequels. Enjoy!
New Six Act video breakdown for the timeless time travel romp, Back to the Future. Bon appetit!
Format: Movie
Released: 1997
Screenplay By: James Cameron
Directed By: James Cameron
Run Time: 187 Minutes
Character: Rose Dawson nee DeWitt Bukater
Format: Movie
Released: 1977
Screenplay By: George Lucas
Directed By: George Lucas
Run Time: 120 Minutes
Character: Luke Skywalker
Format: Movie
Released: 2007
Screenplay By: Paul Thomas Anderson
Directed By: Paul Thomas Anderson
Run Time: 151 Minutes
Character: Daniel “I drink your milkshake!” Plainview
Format: Movie
Released: 1994
Written and Directed By: Frank Darabont
Run Time: 138 Minutes
Character: Andy Dufresne
I know I said in my last post that I’m working on a video breakdown for Back to the Future. That’s still the case, but I recently received some feedback from someone under the erroneous impression that the Six Act paradigm is only applicable to action films. So, I wanted to demonstrate how the Six Actions are more subtly implemented in dramas (which is why they may not be as easy to recognize at first glance) by breaking down everyone’s favorite, least-action-packed prison escape film, The Shawshank Redemption.
Format: Movie
Released: 1985
Screenplay By: Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale
Directed By: Robert Zemeckis
Run Time: 111 Minutes
Character: Marty “Hello” McFly
I took advantage of being snowed in over the weekend and watched the entire Back to the Future trilogy in a single sitting. If there’s any movie franchise worthy of such a treatment this is it. All three movies are insanely interconnected and, as I only just realized as an adult, chronicle about 15 consecutive days in the life of Marty McFly (though only two full days pass over the whole series in 1985). I’ll be posting a video breakdown for YouTube for my next update. Stay tuned, storytellers.
New video breakdown for a surprisingly old movie still waiting on its preplanned sequel to be released. Seriously, since Avatar was released Disney bought Marvel and Lucasfilm, and put out three Star Wars movies. What are you doing with all that fancy 3D gear, James?
Format: Movie
Released: 2014
Screenplay By: Gillian Robespierre
Directed By: Gillian Robespierre
Run Time: 80 Minutes
Character: Donna Stern
New video breakdown for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. I hope to get back on a more regular posting schedule, but the work on the follow-up to Actions and Goals continues. In the interim, enjoy the show! Be sure to hit that like button or drop your thoughts in the comments here or on YouTube.