A wonderful video with a wonderful film used as refence. Between The Martian starring Matt Damon, Gravity starring Sandra Bullock and Interstellar featuring Matthew McConaughey it is Interstellar that takes the gold for the themes mentioned in this video. These same themes that are explored in the best picture winners: Braveheart, Titanic, Gladiator and Schindler's list. What's interesting about these stories is that they are ALL set in a time that is focused on human tragedy that focuses on suffering, destruction, and distress. Be it the genocide of the Scottish people, the sinking of the unsinkable ship, the raise of tyrant who murdered his own father to rule Rome and plans to force his sister to produce him a male heir, or a business tycoon who is playing devil's advocate with Nazis. The characters find their greater humanity because of their motivation be it revenge, freedom or survival - the catalyst is their love for those they care about. For William Wallace it's his wife - He has been denied the privilege of raising a family, so he is prepared to die for freedom. Maximus has lost his home, his family and his freedom and focuses his energy to obtain his revenge by liberating Rome from the man who had murdered the emperor. Rose is the most tragic figure in Titanic at the beginning of the film. Her family bankrupt she is forced into an engagement with a tycoon who in Rose own words is "an inconceivable bastard" - It's Jack's love for Rose that makes a previously suicidal fiancé realize that she has her whole life ahead of her and that makes her determined to survive the sinking of Titanic. Then in Schindler's list we have Oskar Schindler who was a German industrialist during World War II who sheltered approximately 1,100 Jews from the Nazis by employing them in his factories. Oskar Schindler is a controversial character. He was a war profiteer however he was also a compassionate humanitarian who had recognized the need for survival and had taken steps to save the lives of over a thousand innocent people who were the victims of crimes against their heritage. In short: It's only when a character's loved ones and right to life is threatened during a time of great human tragedy that they discover their greater humanity. To quote Charles Dickens: We do not know how high we are before we are called to rise
I really loved this video! Its so important to pay attention the the themes that are present in your narrative. Theme is a crucial key in screenwriting as it provides the meaning of the story, shapes the characters and their actions and is the motivation that drives the story to its final destination. Themes are also universal moral truths about the human condition and is what builds a bridge between your audience members and characters which makes the audience want to watch the end to see what is going to happen :))
Spot on, Elizabeth! And thank you for your continued interest in story-telling. As I've said on many occasions, stories are simulations of possible futures (and pasts). They are helpful in showing the potential consequences of our actions, and may help us to avoid personal and global catastrophes.
Thank you, Alejandro. Yes, I believe that apart from entertaining us, great stories are also simulations of possible futures, helping to point out the consequences of our actions.
A good plot gets you on the edge of your seat for the length of the experience. Good themes well presented and interrogated in a film or novel get you thinking for days after the experience and can be life changing. Thanks for another very informative video, Stavros.
Yes, indeed Keith. Well constructed and integrated themes are consequence machines. They help us imagine what futures our actions help to build, or destroy.
A wonderful video with a wonderful film used as refence. Between The Martian starring Matt Damon, Gravity starring Sandra Bullock and Interstellar featuring Matthew McConaughey it is Interstellar that takes the gold for the themes mentioned in this video. These same themes that are explored in the best picture winners: Braveheart, Titanic, Gladiator and Schindler's list. What's interesting about these stories is that they are ALL set in a time that is focused on human tragedy that focuses on suffering, destruction, and distress. Be it the genocide of the Scottish people, the sinking of the unsinkable ship, the raise of tyrant who murdered his own father to rule Rome and plans to force his sister to produce him a male heir, or a business tycoon who is playing devil's advocate with Nazis. The characters find their greater humanity because of their motivation be it revenge, freedom or survival - the catalyst is their love for those they care about. For William Wallace it's his wife - He has been denied the privilege of raising a family, so he is prepared to die for freedom. Maximus has lost his home, his family and his freedom and focuses his energy to obtain his revenge by liberating Rome from the man who had murdered the emperor. Rose is the most tragic figure in Titanic at the beginning of the film. Her family bankrupt she is forced into an engagement with a tycoon who in Rose own words is "an inconceivable bastard" - It's Jack's love for Rose that makes a previously suicidal fiancé realize that she has her whole life ahead of her and that makes her determined to survive the sinking of Titanic. Then in Schindler's list we have Oskar Schindler who was a German industrialist during World War II who sheltered approximately 1,100 Jews from the Nazis by employing them in his factories. Oskar Schindler is a controversial character. He was a war profiteer however he was also a compassionate humanitarian who had recognized the need for survival and had taken steps to save the lives of over a thousand innocent people who were the victims of crimes against their heritage. In short: It's only when a character's loved ones and right to life is threatened during a time of great human tragedy that they discover their greater humanity. To quote Charles Dickens: We do not know how high we are before we are called to rise
Some great illustrative points made! Thank you, Gerhard.
I really loved this video! Its so important to pay attention the the themes that are present in your narrative. Theme is a crucial key
in screenwriting as it provides the meaning of the story, shapes the characters and their
actions and is the motivation that drives the story to its final destination. Themes are also universal moral truths about the human condition and is what builds a bridge between your audience members and characters which makes the audience want to watch the end to see what is going to happen :))
Spot on, Elizabeth! And thank you for your continued interest in story-telling. As I've said on many occasions, stories are simulations of possible futures (and pasts). They are helpful in showing the potential consequences of our actions, and may help us to avoid personal and global catastrophes.
Great explanation and a good point for making stories that help improve our world. Another excellent output!
Thank you, Alejandro. Yes, I believe that apart from entertaining us, great stories are also simulations of possible futures, helping to point out the consequences of our actions.
A good plot gets you on the edge of your seat for the length of the experience. Good themes well presented and interrogated in a film or novel get you thinking for days after the experience and can be life changing. Thanks for another very informative video, Stavros.
Yes, indeed Keith. Well constructed and integrated themes are consequence machines. They help us imagine what futures our actions help to build, or destroy.
This film was a masterpiece! The morals and themes tie together perfectly. Great video, Stavros. Thanks for your breakdown. As always, very helpful.
Thank you! We often don’t pay as much attention to crafting themes as we ought to - but we do do at our peril!
@@stavroshalvatzis2947 Themes, genre, morals. All vital to good story telling.
A fantastic video about an uplifting subject that elevates the spirit! What an uplifting message. Thank you!