Scriptnotes 403 - How to Write a Movie

Summary

In this insightful episode of Scriptnotes, screenwriter Craig Mazin dives into the intricacies of screenplay structure and character development. He challenges the conventional approach to structure, emphasizing that it should not dictate the writing process but rather be an outcome of well-crafted character interactions with a central dramatic argument. Mazin illustrates how a character's journey should evolve from embodying the anti-theme to the theme through conflict, doubt, and a series of dramatic reversals. He also highlights the importance of creating an ironic and poignant narrative that pushes characters to their limits, ultimately leading to a cathartic resolution. The episode is a masterclass in understanding the thematic structure of storytelling, providing valuable insights for aspiring and seasoned screenwriters alike.

Takeaways

• 🎬 **Structure as a Symptom**: Craig Mazin emphasizes that structure in a screenplay isn't a formula to follow but a symptom of a well-written character's relationship with the central dramatic argument.
• 👶 **Creating Characters**: A character-driven approach is crucial; characters should evolve around a meaningful central argument, not just fit into a structural template.
• 🔍 **Understanding Theme**: The theme, or unity, is the central dramatic argument of the story. It's what the story revolves around and what the protagonist will eventually embody through action.
• 🤔 **Ignorance to Embodiment**: The purpose of the story is to take the protagonist from ignorance of the theme to full embodiment of it, signifying a transformative journey.
• 🧩 **Disrupting Stasis**: The inciting incident should disrupt the character's stasis, forcing them to leave their comfort zone and confront the central argument.
• 🔙 **Desire for Return**: Initially, the protagonist's goal is to return to their previous state of stasis, which is often characterized by a belief in the anti-theme.
• 🤓 **Rational Heroes**: Heroes should be rational, capable of recognizing a better way of living, even if fear initially keeps them from it.
• 😨 **Fear and Vulnerability**: Fear is a key element that drives empathy for the character and is central to their transformation.
• 🔄 **Dramatic Reversal**: The story should include dramatic reversals that test the character's beliefs and push them towards the theme.
• 🏆 **Defining Moment**: The climax of the story presents a defining moment where the character must act in accordance with the theme, proving their transformation.
• ✨ **Catharsis and Resolution**: The narrative should lead to a cathartic resolution where the character's actions and the story's outcome are harmonious with the theme.

Q & A

What is the main topic of discussion for Craig Mazin in this episode of Scriptnotes?

Craig Mazin discusses the structure and character development in screenwriting, sharing his theory on how to write a movie.

Why does Craig Mazin believe that traditional screenplay structure is a 'trap'?

Craig Mazin believes that traditional structure is a 'trap' because it is often taught from an analytical perspective, which is not helpful for the creative process of writing from scratch.

What is the purpose of the inciting incident in a screenplay according to Craig Mazin?

The purpose of the inciting incident is to disrupt a character's stasis, making the continuation of balance and stasis impossible and forcing a choice upon the character.

What is the role of theme in Craig Mazin's approach to screenwriting?

Theme, or unity, is central to Craig Mazin's approach. It is the glue that holds the changes in a story together and is the central dramatic argument that a character's journey revolves around.

How does Craig Mazin describe the process of creating a story?

Craig Mazin describes the process of creating a story as taking a character from ignorance of the theme's truth to the embodiment of the theme through action.

What is the significance of the 'ordinary world' in the beginning of a story?

The 'ordinary world' signifies the protagonist's life that exemplifies their ignorance of the theme. It is a state of stasis that the character has settled for, which will later be disrupted.

What is the term used by Aristotle that Craig Mazin refers to as 'theme'?

Aristotle used the term 'unity' which Craig Mazin refers to as 'theme' in the context of a central dramatic argument in a story.

Why does Craig Mazin emphasize the importance of a character's fear in storytelling?

Craig Mazin emphasizes a character's fear because it is the heart of empathy, allowing the audience to connect with the character on a deeper level.

What is the irony involved in the story of Jose Fernandez as told by Craig Mazin?

The irony is that Jose Fernandez, who saved his mother from the water, dies in a boating accident, suggesting a strange kind of order to the universe, even when it results in tragedy.

How does Craig Mazin suggest a writer should treat their characters?

Craig Mazin suggests that a writer should treat their characters as if they were gods, creating tests and challenges for them, pushing them to grow and change in relation to the theme.

What is the fundamental difference between the first and last scene of a hero's journey in a movie, as described by Craig Mazin?

The fundamental difference is that in the beginning, the hero acts in accordance with the anti-theme, while at the end, the hero acts in accordance with the theme, signifying their transformation.