1.4 Advanced Story Analysis Techniques

Advanced screenplay analysis techniques unlock the secrets of great storytelling. From three-act structure to character arcs, these methods reveal how films captivate audiences. By examining dialogue, scenes, and themes, writers can craft more compelling narratives.

Archetypes and mythic structures tap into universal storytelling patterns. The Hero's Journey, for example, provides a blueprint for character growth that resonates across cultures. Understanding these elements helps writers create stories with deeper meaning and emotional impact.

Advanced Story Analysis Techniques

Advanced screenplay analysis methods

Top images from around the web for Advanced screenplay analysis methods

• 

  Category:Plot (narrative) - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  5 Ways to Stand Out when Applying for a UX Job - UX Mastery View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Story arcs beyond TV [Thinking] View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Category:Plot (narrative) - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  5 Ways to Stand Out when Applying for a UX Job - UX Mastery View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Advanced screenplay analysis methods

• 

  Category:Plot (narrative) - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  5 Ways to Stand Out when Applying for a UX Job - UX Mastery View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Story arcs beyond TV [Thinking] View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Category:Plot (narrative) - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  5 Ways to Stand Out when Applying for a UX Job - UX Mastery View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Three-act structure breaks down a screenplay into setup (Act I) introduces characters and world, confrontation (Act II) presents main conflict and challenges, and resolution (Act III) provides closure and ties up loose ends
• Character arcs trace the protagonist's journey of growth and change (Luke Skywalker in Star Wars) and supporting characters' development enhances the main storyline (Han Solo's transformation from selfish to selfless)
• Theme and subtext convey the underlying meaning and messages of the story through symbolism (the green light in The Great Gatsby representing Gatsby's unattainable dream) and motifs (the recurring theme of family in The Godfather)
• Dialogue analysis examines subtext to reveal character motivations and personalities (the banter between Harry and Sally in When Harry Met Sally) and evaluates exposition for effective information delivery (the opening crawl in Star Wars)
• Scene-by-scene breakdown identifies key moments that propel the story forward (the inciting incident of the shark attack in Jaws) and turning points that shift the direction of the narrative (the midpoint reveal in The Sixth Sense), analyzing pacing and rhythm to ensure engaging storytelling

Archetypes and mythic structures in storytelling

• Archetypes are universal character types that recur in stories across cultures, such as the hero (Indiana Jones), mentor (Yoda), ally (Ron and Hermione), shadow (Darth Vader), shapeshifter (Severus Snape), and trickster (Jack Sparrow)
• Mythic structures, like the Hero's Journey outlined by Joseph Campbell, provide a template for storytelling that resonates with audiences on a deep, subconscious level:

1. Ordinary World (Harry Potter's life with the Dursleys)
2. Call to Adventure (Harry receives his Hogwarts letter)
3. Refusal of the Call (Harry initially hesitates to leave his ordinary life)
4. Meeting with the Mentor (Harry meets Hagrid and learns about the wizarding world)
5. Crossing the First Threshold (Harry arrives at Hogwarts)
6. Tests, Allies, and Enemies (Harry faces challenges, makes friends, and confronts adversaries)
7. Approach to the Inmost Cave (Harry prepares to face Voldemort)
8. Ordeal (Harry confronts Voldemort and faces death)
9. Reward (Harry obtains the Philosopher's Stone)
10. The Road Back (Harry returns to the ordinary world, changed by his experiences)
11. Resurrection (Harry faces a final test and emerges victorious)
12. Return with the Elixir (Harry shares his newfound wisdom and growth with others)

• Genre conventions establish audience expectations and shape the tone and style of the story:
  • Comedy relies on situational humor (the misunderstandings in Bridesmaids), character-driven humor (the eccentric personalities in The Big Lebowski), and happy endings (the reunion in Love Actually)
  • Drama explores serious themes and realistic conflicts (the family dynamics in American Beauty), focusing on character growth and change (the redemption arc in The Shawshank Redemption)
  • Action/Adventure features high-stakes missions (the heist in Ocean's Eleven), physical challenges (the stunts in Mission: Impossible), and heroic protagonists (James Bond)
  • Horror creates suspense and tension (the buildup in The Silence of the Lambs), introduces supernatural or psychological threats (the ghosts in The Sixth Sense), and features vulnerable characters (the isolated family in The Shining)

Character Development and Narrative Progression

Character motivation and narrative conflict

• Character motivation drives the story forward by establishing desires and goals (Indiana Jones' quest for the Ark of the Covenant), fears and flaws (Rick Blaine's cynicism and isolationism in Casablanca), and backstory (Forrest Gump's experiences shaping his worldview)
• Internal conflict creates depth and complexity through moral dilemmas (Oskar Schindler's transformation in Schindler's List), psychological struggles (Nina's pursuit of perfection in Black Swan), and personal growth (Carl Fredricksen's emotional journey in Up)
• External conflict introduces obstacles and challenges (the shark in Jaws), antagonistic forces (the Joker in The Dark Knight), and interpersonal relationships (the love triangle in Casablanca) that test the characters and propel the narrative
• Cause and effect links character decisions and actions to consequences and repercussions (Walter White's choices in Breaking Bad), creating a logical chain of events that drives the story forward
• Stakes and urgency raise the emotional investment by establishing what the character stands to gain or lose (the survival of the human race in Armageddon) and introducing time constraints and deadlines (the ticking clock in High Noon)

Peer screenplay critique techniques

• Identify strengths and weaknesses in character development (the complexity of the ensemble cast in Magnolia), plot structure (the nonlinear narrative in Pulp Fiction), dialogue (the witty exchanges in The Social Network), and pacing (the slow-burn tension in No Country for Old Men)
• Provide specific examples and evidence by referring to scenes, lines, or moments that illustrate your points (the opening monologue in Goodfellas establishing Henry Hill's character) and explaining why something works or doesn't work (the plot twist in The Usual Suspects and its impact on the story)
• Offer constructive suggestions by proposing alternative approaches or solutions (ways to streamline the exposition in the first act) and encouraging further development of promising elements (the unique premise and world-building in Inception)
• Consider the writer's intentions and vision by respecting their creative choices (the unconventional structure of Memento) and providing feedback that aligns with the script's goals (enhancing the social commentary in Get Out)
• Use a supportive and professional tone, avoiding harsh or personal criticism, focusing on the work rather than the writer, and encouraging and motivating the writer to improve their craft (providing actionable feedback and recognizing the effort put into the screenplay)