On Script Writing

Characters ... and why I love them.

I've been realizing that slowly but surely we're starting to see better breeds of writing in television and novels. It's no secret that many of the Holywood films these days end happily, and even the ones with a 'Twist' usually preserve the main character. During 'The Return of the King' I took a nap during the black gate scene not because of the acting or cinematography, but the lack of palapable sense of fear.

The visceral, and almost brutal wrenching in the gut that makes you worry and gasp for the safety of characters is rare in entertainment these days. The last book that left me feeling bereaved like that was the 'Song of Ice and Fire' series by G RR Martin.

The latest series I've seen on television (TV being relative as I'm watching it downloaded) of the ilk is a little known anime series called Claymore. The premise of the story is irrelevant (it involves a breed of demons and silver-eyed women that fight them), but what struck me is how much I am afraid for the characters.

I have realized what it is in these books/movies/series. I point at Joss Whedon as one of the first filmmakers to begin utilizing this strategy again. He writes amazing, detailed characters that we grow to love. Then in Serenity he murders two brutally. RR Martin does the same. Claymore spends 5 episodes convincing us that 'Teresa of the Faint Smile' is the main character, and nigh invulnerable. And then she is murdered.

Brutally.

Thereafter the threat to the characters is real. RR Martin keeps killing off beloved characters. Admittedly I don't see Jaime, John Snow or Tyrion being in any real danger in the near future - but there are many other characters we see go into battle and we worry if they'll return.

And I love the feeling of excitement. These works of art are part of why I read. They eke out a response from me unlike that of any other because I am emotionally involved. I feel fear and worry for those characters I love.

So here's to good authors. May their works never end.

Well it's been a while... but it seems google updated their blogger widget.  Meaning?  I can post random thoughts at work.  Meaning?  You get to listen to meaningless drivel I want to put up.  So there.

First Post!

Aside from the fact that it is tacky, the title is veracious. Not only am I typing to verify that this is properly set up, but to give this place something aside from blankness to grow. Onward! And Upward! And Twirling, always, twirling!