Danger; kills creativity!
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I do not disagree with the criticism levelled at McKee's book. He is obviously knowledgeable on his subject and may well be an excellent lecturer but his written exposition serves almost to kill creativity and from this viewpoint his book should be avoided. Good story-tellers are not necessarily good technicians and, contrary to what McKee says and while it may (only may) help, it is not necessary to be one. He is too pedantic; creativity needs freedom and what he sets out to do in this book is tantamount to killing it. To any budding author, write your story before reading this script and, better still, search for a summary of classical story structure only. Avoid all that is likely to kill the enthusiasm of your creativity. Anyone desirous of becoming a story-structure analyst (rather than a writer) then read this book.
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Story by Robert McKee
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Just a quick line to answer the P.S. from the reviewer who wanted to know who'd actually seen anything that Robert McKee had written... well, I'd like to refer this person to the Robert McKee Story website where the proof is quite plainly stated... and don't try and tell me that you've never seen or enjoyed Quincy, Kojak or Columbo 'coz I'll know you're fibbing! Plus at quick watch of the film Adaptation will be enhanced by knowing that the screen writing lecturer featured in the film is actually based on Mr McKee. I'd suggest that we do our homework before making accusations!
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A substantial, often brilliant book
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McKee analyses not just movie plots but the principles of dynamic storytelling, dramatising his general points with perceptive commentaries on individual scenes and sequences. The audio cassette is greatly condensed from the book, but adds the impact of the author's forceful, atmospheric delivery. Both versions are well worth having.
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Sorry, but I just don't get it.
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I know this guy is supposedly the screenwriting guru. But sorry, I just don't get it. To be honest I couldn't even finish it. Mr McKee seems to have perfected the art of complicating even the simplest of ideas. I know a few writers who loved this book - so maybe it's just me. But give me anything by Bill Goldman any day of the week. P.S. Anyone seen anything Mr McKee has written?
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