Monthly Archives: April 2025

When it comes to minimalist screenwriting, Two-Lane Blacktop (1971) is a film that often drifts under the radar—fittingly so, perhaps, for a story about rootless men and the endless horizon of the American highway. Directed by Monte Hellman and written by Rudy Wurlitzer (with story input from Will Corry), Two-Lane Blacktop strips storytelling to its skeletal essentials. Characters haveContinue reading “Cult Noir in ‘Two-Lane Blacktop’: Writing for Minimalism”

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby is a literary masterclass in symbolism—lush with metaphor, imagery, and hidden meaning. It’s also one of the most adapted American novels for the screen, with versions ranging from the restrained 1949 noir-style film to Baz Luhrmann’s 2013 visual spectacle. But while filmmakers have taken wildly different stylistic approaches, theyContinue reading “The Power of Symbolism in ‘The Great Gatsby’ Adaptations”

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to evolve, its influence on storytelling has grown exponentially. From assisting screenwriters in drafting scripts to generating entire narratives, AI is reshaping the creative process. However, while AI offers exciting opportunities for efficiency and innovation, it also presents significant challenges that writers must carefully navigate. This article explores the risksContinue reading “The Perils of AI: Navigating the Risks in Storytelling”

When Moonlight (2016) won the Academy Award for Best Picture, it wasn’t just a win for indie cinema or for stories that center marginalized voices. It was a triumph of screenwriting—proof that stories can be small in scope but monumental in emotional weight, and that intersectionality, when handled with subtlety and care, can elevate a narrative beyondContinue reading “How ‘Moonlight’ Explores Intersectionality in Screenwriting”

When Shrek hit theaters in 2001, it didn’t just entertain audiences with a green ogre and a talking donkey—it redefined how we think about fairy tales in film. While other animated features stuck closely to the Disney-fied traditions of storytelling, Shrek tore through the rulebook with a wink and a roar. From its unconventional heroContinue reading “How ‘Shrek’ Subverts Fairy Tale Tropes in Screenwriting”