Story: Substance, Structure, Style, and the Principles of Screenwriting : Book Review
"Story: Substance, Structure, Style, and the Principles of Screenwriting" by Robert McKee is a must-read for aspiring screenwriters who want to excel in the art and craft of storytelling. Drawing on his extensive experience as a screenwriting teacher, McKee offers a comprehensive analysis of what makes a compelling story and provides practical advice on how to effectively structure it.
The book covers the fundamental elements of storytelling, including character development, plot, and theme, offering valuable insights and actionable tips. McKee emphasizes the importance of creating well-rounded, believable characters that drive the narrative forward. He explores various narrative techniques and supports his teachings with examples from successful films, illustrating his points effectively.
One of the book's key strengths lies in McKee's ability to break down the screenplay structure and explain its different components. He emphasizes the significance of a strong beginning, middle, and end, while also delving into the importance of pacing, conflict, and resolution. McKee's approach is meticulous and thorough, providing readers with a solid foundation in screenwriting principles.
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Furthermore, McKee emphasizes the importance of substance in storytelling, urging writers to transcend superficial entertainment and aim for narratives that resonate with universal truths and deep emotions. He encourages writers to explore the depths of the human condition and infuse their stories with meaning.
In summary, "Story: Substance, Structure, Style, and the Principles of Screenwriting" is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the art of storytelling. McKee's expertise and passion for the subject shine through, offering aspiring screenwriters valuable insights and guidance. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned writer, this book will enhance your understanding of storytelling principles and elevate your craft.
What are readers saying?
The book "Story: Substance, Structure, Style, and the Principles of Screenwriting" written by Robert McKee has received a varied range of reviews. Overall, it is highly regarded for its comprehensive analysis of storytelling techniques and its usefulness for both screenwriters and novelists. However, there are some readers who found the book overly technical and challenging to comprehend.
Numerous reviewers appreciate McKee's extensive knowledge and experience in the field of screenwriting. They praise the book for its thorough breakdown of storytelling elements such as structure, character development, and dialogue. Readers find McKee's examples to be insightful and valuable in understanding the principles discussed.
Several reviewers also note that the book is not solely applicable to screenwriters but can benefit writers across different mediums, including novelists. They appreciate the universal approach to storytelling and believe that the principles outlined by McKee can be applied to various forms of writing.
However, there is a subset of readers who found the book overwhelming and excessively technical. They express difficulty in following McKee's writing style, describing it as dense and challenging to grasp the concepts being presented.
Another common critique is the lack of practical exercises or step-by-step guidance. Some readers would have preferred more concrete exercises to help them apply the principles discussed in the book.
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