The Serial Killer Hero

How should a writer handle a story in which the protagonist is a serial killer? It’s an interesting dilemma, isn’t it? Because every book tells you that your protagonist should be “empathetic” and/or “sympathetic,” right? The audience has to “connect” with him/her on some level, “feel” for the character, and hopefully “root” for that person … Read more

You Can’t Write This

You’re a writer, right? At least you’re in some way intrigued by the movie industry or else you wouldn’t be here. So, you’ve got imagination. Now, dig if you will this picture… EXT. TUMBLEDOWN HOUSE – DAY Two police cars scream into view, shattering the rural silence. FRONT STEPS / FRONT DOOR A small, elderly … Read more

Video: Joss Whedon

This weekend Joss Whedon talks at the Sydney Opera House and I thought it would be a good reason to show a short clip giving us an insight in his writing world. He talks about his writing habits and his preference for characters who grow and learn.

“Sitcoms didn’t resonate with me as much because, you know, wacky situation after wacky situation… I start to get a little twitchy. What have we learned?” … “We don’t have to hug, we don’t have to share but we have change. We have to figure out something or forget something, we have to make a mistake. If we’re not doing that, then, honestly, why are we here?”

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Structure: Inception

It’s by far the most talked-about movie of the year, because of its high concept and intelligent execution. The movie has an aura of complexity but when you examine the dramatic structure carefully, it is deceptively simple. See for yourself. My first viewing of Inception was at the world’s largest IMAX screen in Sydney’s Darling … Read more