I think the protagonist's emotional arc is the most important element in a story because it's the very thing that drives the character and the plot to the end.
She immediately lost me when she mentioned "updating" When Harry Met Sally. It was written in a different time. It was as applicable then as it is today. It stands the test of time. That's why it's such a beloved movie. "Updating" it would surely ruin everything it stood for, and everything that mattered about that film. This is one of the major things so very wrong with Hollywood today is that radioactive mentality of "updating for modern sensibilities". Taking something that worked and worked well, and then ruining it by trying to make a square peg fit in a round hole. That may lend itself to explaining why so many movies from days gone by and so revered and beloved and so much of today's cinema is reviled and rejected almost directly out-of-hand. That can't be a coincidence.
I agree. The same reason I don't watch old Clint Eastwood movies expecting him to talk about his feelings. Acceptance is something humans struggle with. Our pompous notion that "now we know" or "can do better" not realising this thinking results in Terminator: Dark Fate or the "special edition" Star Wars alterations. However, this lady was prompted to answer the question and it's clear this is a personal pet peeve of hers. I don't think it's fair to attach her opinion to all of Hollywood. But ironically, women characters are so two dimensional now: GENERIC STRONG FEMALE LEAD
I’m glad she didn’t have any chance to ‘doctor’ When Harry Met Sally.. because I believe that hysterical appearance of Sally is not actually her character but a reflection of her vulnerability.. a kind of defense mechanism.. it’s sth makes her real imo..
I love watching and listening to this woman because she's so enthusiastic and passionate about her craft and I'd definitely feel confident giving my script to her to crytique.
How is this news to anyone studying storywriting. Human nature has generally always been the same, and updating things to the current time has always been worth doing if it gets people to enjoy the story better or in a compellingly different way. Her example is making a version of a 35 year old movie that will better relate to people now, not rebooting a 20 year old action IP. Keep in mind this is advice for people who want to write for a living, not just to build passion projects.
@@carolfrome7801 well, if you like the same sh*t over and over again. There you go, this is the place for you. Sandler's movies can be seen as character defining plot.
Every single romantic comedy since had been trying to remake when Harry met Sally. "Boys and Girls" was a direct remake, but all of the others have tried to copy the tone, and story arc.
They appear to be someone at first then as the story progresses we know more and more, especially the contradictory features to their appearance. One thing which helped me a lot is to see their appearance that they show in the beginning is not something they consciously pretend. It's not acting. It's their unconscious adaptation with their surroundings. When the deeper layers are revealed most of the time not only the audiences are surprised that the characters themselves will be surprised, as in, "shit, such a thing existed in me!". This brings in authenticity (as every one of us is like that), relatability, theme, internal conflict and essentially the STORY.
This is why movies aren’t good anymore… It’s nothing personal with her, but why not go with a new writer/director for a different perspective or viewpoint? Instead it’s the same people in LA with the same worldview
6:37 That’s not what women wanted? It’s literally what women were designed for! It’s hard wired at the microscopic and spiritual level. Is that not part of what made it a classic .🤔💭
She wants to minimize the male role of Harry and make Sally the boss. Also don't forget DEI or you can't win an award. Oh yes, and diversity, you must do the interracial couple thing. Forget creativity.
Never start your script with a character. Start with an idea that has a strong central storyline. In most stories you have two crucibles, an emotional, which is internal and an outward, being the goal the individual is trying to attain. Everything else hangs on the story logic.😅
That's how you write uninteresting and contradictory characters. People drive the plot, just like in real life. The story should revolve around the characters and their choices, not forcing characters into an arbitrary story to fulfill whatever messages you're trying to convey is boring
If there is one element that is most important to a story, what is it?
I think the protagonist's emotional arc is the most important element in a story because it's the very thing that drives the character and the plot to the end.
What's the protagonist's goal? What is stopping them from achieving that goal?
@@takingitonedayatatime7851 Also, what happens if they don't get it?
Starting from the character up - the specificity comes from that - therefore the beats.
@@indraniray4752 are you a writer?
That's what Harry meant Sally was about. It stuck straight to the subject matter. A woman looking for love in the 80s.
Yeah, but this woman misses the point entirely because she's probably a lesbian.
She immediately lost me when she mentioned "updating" When Harry Met Sally.
It was written in a different time. It was as applicable then as it is today. It stands the test of time. That's why it's such a beloved movie. "Updating" it would surely ruin everything it stood for, and everything that mattered about that film. This is one of the major things so very wrong with Hollywood today is that radioactive mentality of "updating for modern sensibilities". Taking something that worked and worked well, and then ruining it by trying to make a square peg fit in a round hole.
That may lend itself to explaining why so many movies from days gone by and so revered and beloved and so much of today's cinema is reviled and rejected almost directly out-of-hand. That can't be a coincidence.
Very well put. I couldn't agree more.
I agree. The same reason I don't watch old Clint Eastwood movies expecting him to talk about his feelings. Acceptance is something humans struggle with. Our pompous notion that "now we know" or "can do better" not realising this thinking results in Terminator: Dark Fate or the "special edition" Star Wars alterations. However, this lady was prompted to answer the question and it's clear this is a personal pet peeve of hers. I don't think it's fair to attach her opinion to all of Hollywood. But ironically, women characters are so two dimensional now: GENERIC STRONG FEMALE LEAD
Oh dear, this explains a lot.
I’m glad she didn’t have any chance to ‘doctor’ When Harry Met Sally.. because I believe that hysterical appearance of Sally is not actually her character but a reflection of her vulnerability.. a kind of defense mechanism.. it’s sth makes her real imo..
THANK YOU!
I love watching and listening to this woman because she's so enthusiastic and passionate about her craft and I'd definitely feel confident giving my script to her to crytique.
Now I understand why Hollywood is full of crap... her big suggestion: get some old story and update it... Damn, what a waste of time
I dunno. Worked for Shakespeare.
Almost every story is an update on an older story.
You missed the part about character defining structure.
How is this news to anyone studying storywriting. Human nature has generally always been the same, and updating things to the current time has always been worth doing if it gets people to enjoy the story better or in a compellingly different way. Her example is making a version of a 35 year old movie that will better relate to people now, not rebooting a 20 year old action IP. Keep in mind this is advice for people who want to write for a living, not just to build passion projects.
@@carolfrome7801 well, if you like the same sh*t over and over again. There you go, this is the place for you. Sandler's movies can be seen as character defining plot.
If the hero and his actions and messages can penetrate the hearts of viewers and stay in them, story is good.
wow you put the work in with alot of interviews thank you
Every single romantic comedy since had been trying to remake when Harry met Sally.
"Boys and Girls" was a direct remake, but all of the others have tried to copy the tone, and story arc.
I usually agree with her, but I think she’s way off on this one.
I think she's way off PERIOD.
No one asked for the best things in life. Please don’t let others take down your ideas.
Thank you for this video ❤
Great interview ❤
i think sally kind of women and men are still now there all over the world..
and there's me thinking the most important part of screenplay is it's STRUCTURE!
"I think that if I were to tackle When Harry Met Sally, I'd make Sally Albright a little more like... Ray, from the new Star Wars movies."
😂
Can someone please explain what does layered character mean? (Maybe include example too)
They appear to be someone at first then as the story progresses we know more and more, especially the contradictory features to their appearance. One thing which helped me a lot is to see their appearance that they show in the beginning is not something they consciously pretend. It's not acting. It's their unconscious adaptation with their surroundings. When the deeper layers are revealed most of the time not only the audiences are surprised that the characters themselves will be surprised, as in, "shit, such a thing existed in me!". This brings in authenticity (as every one of us is like that), relatability, theme, internal conflict and essentially the STORY.
My Favourite Example is DON DRAPER from MADMEN
THIS is why remakes suck!
I have the feeling that there are going to be a lot of pandaverse comments incoming.
This is why movies aren’t good anymore… It’s nothing personal with her, but why not go with a new writer/director for a different perspective or viewpoint? Instead it’s the same people in LA with the same worldview
Oof. This comment section is making me not wanna watch past the first 2 minutes
‘
6:37 That’s not what women wanted? It’s literally what women were designed for! It’s hard wired at the microscopic and spiritual level.
Is that not part of what made it a classic .🤔💭
She wants to minimize the male role of Harry and make Sally the boss. Also don't forget DEI or you can't win an award. Oh yes, and diversity, you must do the interracial couple thing. Forget creativity.
Never start your script with a character. Start with an idea that has a strong central storyline. In most stories you have two crucibles, an emotional, which is internal and an outward, being the goal the individual is trying to attain. Everything else hangs on the story logic.😅
I did not know that.
That's how you write uninteresting and contradictory characters. People drive the plot, just like in real life. The story should revolve around the characters and their choices, not forcing characters into an arbitrary story to fulfill whatever messages you're trying to convey is boring