Make your story stronger by understanding the thematic argument in a classic movie! By Phil Parker Phil is a professional screenwriter who writes for independent producers and directors, and holds an M.A. from the USC School of Cinematic Arts. CASABLANCA: Love, Sacrifice, and All Those Gin Joints! Casablanca  isn't just famous for Humphrey Bogart’s fedora or that "play it again" misquote. It’s legendary because it knows exactly what it’s arguing about. Before you write your n

The thematic argument in ALIENS (1986) screenplay by James Cameron. A look at how a unique view of the thematic argument makes each character stand out from the rest.

Casablanca: What I Learned From It This Time. Last week, at my local cinema, I had the privilege of seeing a digital restoration of the...

Make your hero earn it. Before I left for the cinema I checked Rotten Tomatoes. They had ‘Gold’ rated at 41% critics/ 51% fans. Normally, that’s a pretty good sign to avoid a film, but I’m a fan of some of those reality TV shows about gold mining, and of Matthew McConaughey, so I ignored them all and went anyway. Despite McConaughey’s fantastic performance, the ratings turned out to be mostly right. As a screenwriter, I’m glad I still went, though. I always say we can learn a

In this ongoing series I give a breakdown of a film plot, as seen through the eyes of a screenwriter, and its use (conscious, or not) of...

In this ongoing series, I give a basic breakdown of a film plot, as seen through the eyes of a screenwriter, and its use (conscious, or...

Was the Martian Too Perfect? I’ve seen The Martian twice now. The first time I really liked it. Gave it a 8.5/10. The second time, I...

The Fantastic Snore Tonight, the guy sitting behind us in the cinema caught some Zs while we were watching The Fantastic Four. At the...