The Blank Canvas: Understanding the Challenges and Joys of Writing a Novel The blank page: it’s both a writer’s nemesis and most ardent suitor. Before it becomes a labyrinth of sentences, subplots, and emotional arcs, it exists in a state of infinite potential. It’s easy to underestimate just how daunting this canvas can be, particularlyContinue reading “The Alchemy of Imagination: How to Spark Ideas for Your Next Novel”
Author Archives: robhestand1
The Complexities of Adaptation: A Look at ‘American Psycho’
Setting the Stage: Understanding the Source Material “American Psycho”—the novel that sparked controversies, debates, and an irresistible urge to discuss materialism, moral vacuity, and good old-fashioned insanity. If you’ve ever read Bret Easton Ellis’s magnum opus, you know that it’s a twisted journey into the psyche of Patrick Bateman, a Wall Street investment banker whoContinue reading “The Complexities of Adaptation: A Look at ‘American Psycho’”
Scripting the Silver Screen: The Role of the Screenplay in Classical Hollywood
A Blueprint of Dreams: Understanding the Screenplay’s Role in Classical Hollywood There’s something ineffably magical about classical Hollywood, isn’t there? Think back to films like “Gone with the Wind,” “Casablanca,” or “The Wizard of Oz.” These stories were vividly realized through impeccable performances, groundbreaking cinematography, and captivating plots. But the unsung hero behind these masterpiecesContinue reading “Scripting the Silver Screen: The Role of the Screenplay in Classical Hollywood”
Exploring the Complexity of ‘Lost’ (2004-2010)
The Unorthodox Narrative: A Look at ‘Lost’s’ Multilayered Storytelling If you ever find yourself craving an example of storytelling that laughs in the face of conventional wisdom, look no further than “Lost.” Created by J.J. Abrams, Damon Lindelof, and Carlton Cuse, this genre-defying series was nothing short of a masterclass in narrative complexity. Take, forContinue reading “Exploring the Complexity of ‘Lost’ (2004-2010)”
Understanding Metacinema Through ‘Birdman’
Understanding Metacinema Through ‘Birdman’ “Birdman,” directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu, is a cinematic gem and nothing short of a masterclass in metacinema. Wait, did I lose you at “metacinema”? Let’s take it from the top. What is Metacinema? In the simplest terms, metacinema is a form of self-reflexivity in film where the movie is awareContinue reading “Understanding Metacinema Through ‘Birdman’”
A.I. in Screen Trade 