The psychology of the 3 act structure being embedded in the subconscious of execs and the audience was insightful. And how to execute this sequence like a three act structure — just great teaching. Appreciate how thoughtful/layered this is — right on!
I'm quite pleased with how this THE DARK KNIGHT one turned out, but that CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER one, linked to in the article, is really solid, I think, because it's far more straight forward.
Enjoyed reading this a lot. Nothing like a good action sequence and I never thought about them as mini stories. The John Wick movies also feature spectacular action sequences that I’m sure also work by these rules and expectations.
Thanks for reading, Ynon. I've been trying to work out something to write about the first WICK, in particular, but haven't quite found my inspiration yet. I'm speaking to its screenwriter, for one of my artist-on-artist conversations, in the new year...so maybe that will help provide some focus.
A great breakdown sir; looking forward to reading it again. If you're taking suggestions I'd love to see your take on the bank robbery scene from Heat and the car chase from Ronin.
Thanks, Richard, I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it. I've considered HEAT for a while now, but I haven't quite identified how I'd want to talk about it yet. I try to let these scene breakdowns happen when they happen, so they're never forced. HEAT has three scenes I'd consider writing about, and one day -- maybe soon -- I'll find that spark that makes me pick one over the others.
A great breakdown, Cole. My students read The Dark Knight script and watched the film last week (I believe there are two films beginning screenwriters should study more than anything -- The Dark Knight and Seven Samurai), so your post, which I'll make them read, will be a great help to them.
I spent a while debating whether to write about the opening bank heist, Alfred explaining about how some people just want to burn the world down, the interrogation, and this action sequence. If for no other reason than I was inspired by the perspective of the action sequence, I went with that, but I suspect I'm going to return to the film early next year. Or rather, the trilogy. Nolan's uneasy, even strained relationship with Batman's fascist aspects and his disdain for capitalism/billionaires is of great interest to me. Thanks for reading!
I’m glad you went with that action sequence because the opening, as brilliant as it is, has been analyzed to death. Having said that, I love all the scenes in that film. Some people tend to dismiss the film’s seriousness and brilliance because the main character is a superhero. But we know they’re wrong, of course.
I tire of superhero movies, but this is one of the notable exception. I’m glad to know there’s a reason why! Then again, I’ve liked or loved every Nolan movie I’ve seen. Guess I’m the typical American who’s internalized the action sequence!
Outstanding breakdown.
Thanks, JB. I had so much fun writing this one.
The psychology of the 3 act structure being embedded in the subconscious of execs and the audience was insightful. And how to execute this sequence like a three act structure — just great teaching. Appreciate how thoughtful/layered this is — right on!
I'm quite pleased with how this THE DARK KNIGHT one turned out, but that CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER one, linked to in the article, is really solid, I think, because it's far more straight forward.
Excellent breakdown. You really did a superb job of showing how this sequence works so well.
Thanks, J.D.!
Enjoyed reading this a lot. Nothing like a good action sequence and I never thought about them as mini stories. The John Wick movies also feature spectacular action sequences that I’m sure also work by these rules and expectations.
Thanks for reading, Ynon. I've been trying to work out something to write about the first WICK, in particular, but haven't quite found my inspiration yet. I'm speaking to its screenwriter, for one of my artist-on-artist conversations, in the new year...so maybe that will help provide some focus.
Damnnn would love to hear from the dude who wrote those films. I was particularly blown away by the fourth one.
A great breakdown sir; looking forward to reading it again. If you're taking suggestions I'd love to see your take on the bank robbery scene from Heat and the car chase from Ronin.
Wishing you a great Sunday.
Thanks, Richard, I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it. I've considered HEAT for a while now, but I haven't quite identified how I'd want to talk about it yet. I try to let these scene breakdowns happen when they happen, so they're never forced. HEAT has three scenes I'd consider writing about, and one day -- maybe soon -- I'll find that spark that makes me pick one over the others.
I am really looking forward to this!
A great breakdown, Cole. My students read The Dark Knight script and watched the film last week (I believe there are two films beginning screenwriters should study more than anything -- The Dark Knight and Seven Samurai), so your post, which I'll make them read, will be a great help to them.
I spent a while debating whether to write about the opening bank heist, Alfred explaining about how some people just want to burn the world down, the interrogation, and this action sequence. If for no other reason than I was inspired by the perspective of the action sequence, I went with that, but I suspect I'm going to return to the film early next year. Or rather, the trilogy. Nolan's uneasy, even strained relationship with Batman's fascist aspects and his disdain for capitalism/billionaires is of great interest to me. Thanks for reading!
I’m glad you went with that action sequence because the opening, as brilliant as it is, has been analyzed to death. Having said that, I love all the scenes in that film. Some people tend to dismiss the film’s seriousness and brilliance because the main character is a superhero. But we know they’re wrong, of course.
I tire of superhero movies, but this is one of the notable exception. I’m glad to know there’s a reason why! Then again, I’ve liked or loved every Nolan movie I’ve seen. Guess I’m the typical American who’s internalized the action sequence!
Well, there aren't many better directors of spectacle than Nolan!