"Aristotle's Poetics for Screenwriters" written by Michael Tierno is an extensive guide that bridges the gap between classical Greek philosophy and modern screenwriting. Tierno masterfully navigates Aristotle's foundational principles of storytelling, as outlined in his renowned work "Poetics," and applies them to the art of screenwriting. Aspiring screenwriters will find valuable insights and practical techniques to enhance their storytelling abilities and create captivating narratives.
Tierno breaks down Aristotle's key concepts, including plot, character, and theme, and demonstrates their effective use in screenwriting. He emphasizes the significance of developing well-rounded characters with clear motivations and explores the role of conflict and resolution in propelling a story forward. Tierno's explanations are concise, supported by numerous examples from popular films, making it easy for readers to grasp and implement the principles presented.
What sets Tierno's book apart is his ability to bridge the theoretical aspects of Aristotle's work with the practical realities of screenwriting. He offers practical advice on structuring a screenplay, such as creating effective acts and managing pacing. Tierno also dives into the art of crafting dialogue, providing guidance on creating authentic and impactful conversations between characters.
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Throughout the book, Tierno's passion for both Aristotle's philosophy and screenwriting shines through. He not only offers insightful analysis but also encourages readers to explore and develop their unique storytelling voices. Tierno convincingly argues for the enduring relevance of Aristotle's principles in the realm of screenwriting, inspiring aspiring screenwriters to strive for excellence in their craft.
Overall, "Aristotle's Poetics for Screenwriters" is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in screenwriting. Michael Tierno's thoughtful exploration of Aristotle's timeless principles, coupled with his practical advice and illustrative examples, makes this book a captivating and informative read for beginners and experienced screenwriters alike.
What are readers saying?
The book "Aristotle's Poetics for Screenwriters" by Michael Tierno has garnered a range of reviews. Tierno's intention is to adapt Aristotle's renowned work on storytelling to the realm of filmmaking in order to offer guidance to screenwriters.
Some reviewers hailed the book as an indispensable resource for screenwriters. They commended Tierno for his ability to simplify Aristotle's intricate theories into easily understandable concepts. Many readers appreciated the book's practical approach, which provided tangible examples and exercises to help them apply storytelling principles to their own scripts. Overall, these reviewers praised the book as a comprehensive and accessible guide that enhanced their understanding of the craft of screenwriting.
However, there were also some critical reviews of the book. Some readers felt that Tierno's explanations were overly simplistic and lacking in depth. They believed that the book did not offer enough original insights or practical advice beyond what can be found in other screenwriting books. Additionally, a few reviewers struggled with the writing style, finding it dense and academic at times, making it difficult to fully engage with the material.
Furthermore, some readers believed that the book might be more suitable for beginners or those with limited prior knowledge of screenwriting theory. Experienced screenwriters felt that it offered nothing new or groundbreaking. They believed that it lacked the necessary depth and complexity to truly enhance their understanding of the art of screenwriting.
Overall, "Aristotle's Poetics for Screenwriters" received a mixed response from reviewers. While some found it to be an invaluable resource that improved their understanding of storytelling in film, others felt that it fell short in terms of originality and depth.
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