5 Cliches We Should Stop

Summary

The speaker distinguishes between 'tropes' and 'clichés' in storytelling, explaining that while tropes are familiar and enjoyable story structures, clichés are overused and lack novelty. They discuss several tropes that are becoming clichés, such as the 'big person-little person' dynamic, characters saying 'nope' to dangerous situations, 'Eat the Rich' themes, the use of a single F-bomb for comedic effect, and the unrealistic survival of main characters despite severe injuries. The speaker urges for fresh takes on these tropes to keep them engaging and avoid cliché pitfalls.

Takeaways

• 📚 The speaker distinguishes between 'Trope' and 'Cliche', explaining that a trope is a familiar element in storytelling that audiences enjoy, while a cliche is an overused trope that lacks novelty.
• 🎬 The speaker uses the example of the slasher movie trope, where audiences are familiar with the formula but still appreciate new elements being added to it.
• 🤔 The speaker suggests that cliches often try to pass themselves off as new or original, which can be tiring and unexciting for the audience.
• 😄 The humor in storytelling, such as the character being a liar, is highlighted as a way to keep tropes fresh, especially in comedies.
• 🔑 The 'moment of truth' in the third act is identified as a critical point where the effectiveness of using a trope or cliche is revealed.
• 👶 The 'big person escorting little person' trope is discussed, noting its potential for heartwarming moments but also its overuse and need for variation.
• 🙅‍♀️ The 'saying no to a scary situation' trope is critiqued for its repetitiveness and the inconsistency of characters still engaging in risky behavior despite their initial refusal.
• 💰 The 'Eat the Rich' theme is mentioned as a potentially hypocritical narrative often presented by creators who are wealthy themselves, and its overuse in recent years.
• 💣 The use of the 'one F bomb' in movies for comedic effect is discussed, noting its diminishing returns and the need for more creativity in its use.
• 💔 The speaker criticizes the trope of main characters surviving unrealistic injuries, arguing that it detracts from the suspense and emotional impact of a story.
• 🚑 The importance of showing the true impact of injuries in storytelling is emphasized to create more realistic and relatable characters.

Q & A

What is the main difference between a trope and a cliche according to the speaker?

A trope is a familiar element in a story that audiences look forward to and enjoy because it sets up a framework for new elements. A cliche, on the other hand, is a trope that has been overused to the point of offering nothing new and pretending to be innovative when it is not.

What does the speaker appreciate about the use of tropes in movies?

The speaker appreciates that tropes provide a recognizable structure in movies, allowing for the addition of new and creative elements on top of the familiar framework. They enjoy the self-awareness and the fun that comes with recognizing these tropes.

Can you give an example of a trope mentioned in the script that the speaker enjoys but feels is being overused?

One example is the 'big person escorting little person' trope, which the speaker finds endearing but acknowledges is being overused and could benefit from new variations.

What is the speaker's opinion on the 'Eat the Rich' trope?

The speaker finds the 'Eat the Rich' trope entertaining, especially when it's executed with a comedic or satirical twist. However, they also note the potential hypocrisy of wealthy creators making such content.

What issue does the speaker have with the 'sing nope to a scary situation' trope?

The issue the speaker has is that characters often still engage in the dangerous actions they initially refuse, which can feel insincere and overused, diminishing the impact of the trope.

Why does the speaker feel that the 'one F bomb' trope is losing its effectiveness?

The speaker believes the 'one F bomb' trope is losing effectiveness because it has become overused and predictable, often failing to elicit the intended laughter or shock.

What is the speaker's stance on main characters not getting killed off by things that should kill them off?

The speaker is critical of this trope, especially in horror and action films, as it can undermine suspense and realism. They prefer when characters' injuries have a meaningful impact on the story.

What advice does the speaker give for using tropes effectively in storytelling?

The speaker advises to either phase out overused tropes or, if they are to be used, to add unique and fresh elements to them to keep the audience engaged and surprised.

How does the speaker view the role of tropes in the structure of a story?

The speaker views tropes as an essential part of a story's structure that can provide a foundation for creativity and innovation, as long as they are not stale or cliched.

What is the speaker's opinion on the use of cliches in storytelling?

The speaker believes that cliches, unlike tropes, are tiring and unexciting because they offer nothing new and often pretend to be original when they are not.

Can you identify any specific movies or shows mentioned in the script that exemplify the discussed tropes?

Yes, the speaker mentions 'City of Lost Children,' 'Last of Us,' 'Mandalorian,' 'Barbarian,' 'X-Men: First Class,' 'Alita: Battle Angel,' 'Get Shorty,' and 'Fast and Furious' as examples of movies or shows that use the discussed tropes.