Hubby and I went on a date Friday night to see The Proposal. It's been out for near a month and still, the theatre was full--a good sign.
We, along with the majority of attendees, laughed hysterically through it, and found reprieve to catch our breath a few times, too. Love it when a movie is so balanced.
So guess what I plan to do when this releases in DVD form?
Yup, I'm going to analyse it. I want to write it down in its GMC scene by scene structure and study it. Not just because I never once glanced at my watch during the viewing, or that I came out of the theatre feeling rejuvenated, or that I'm still thinking of the characters and seeing how this relationship could really work because the guy is definitely no wimp, but because I over-internalize in my writing.
Even though no mental bubbles popped up on the screen to tell us what the characters were thinking or feeling, I really felt as though I knew just from their actions and reactions. I'm hoping to discover how to maximize scenes and lesson the internalization in my wips by studying this movie.
Have you ever done that? Studied a movie to gain writing techniques? If so, which one and for what technique?
P.S. On an aside. If anyone knows how I could have the YouTube video show up inside this post, please do tell. I really want to figure out how to do that.
Surrendering to Him,
Eileen
21 comments:
I've heard several people comment on how they liked this movie. Maybe I can convince my hubby to take me if I tell him I need to do research? :) I haven't analyzed many movies that way, but I love the idea of doing it! Thanks for the suggestion!
Oooh, I'm so glad I'm not the only one who was laughing her head off! LOL This is a great movie to analyze. It was formulaic in so many ways, and yet not. I can't wait to see what you come up with!
Man!!! Yesterday, I really wanted to go to HP 6. The 1:50 showing was sold out. I thought briefly about going to The Proposal. Instead, we opted to go to a later showing of HP 6. I wasn't a big fan of the movie. wish I would have gone to the Proposal now!!
And yes, I study movies or shows sometimes to see what makes them work. I usually just study to look at body language. :)
Jody, it's your anniversary, could you make it a date night tonight!!
Jessica, it was formulaic, but aren't all romantic comedies? Still this one was very original, at least to me it was.
Katie, body language--that's exactly it. That's what I need to get figured out and then find a way to write it into my mss. Thanks!! I hear HP6 is very long, nearly 3 hours. It's been sold out since it started here. But I guess everyone expected that.
I can't wait to see that movie. To me, great shows and books are all about the characters.
Have a great week!
Loved that movie! Seriously, I will love to hear what you come up with when you get it analyzed!
OK, now I've GOT to see it. I was debating whether or not to spend the $$.
To get the YouTube video, click on the "embed" link on the YT page, then use the HTML page (instead of compose) on your blog. Do the ol' cut-n-paste :) Let me know if you have more questions on that.
Angie, I'm with you, Characters make the entertainment.
Sherrinda, I loved it so much I wish I could go see it again. Waiting for it to come out on DVD is difficult. I'll try and remember to post the GMC chart and results that I come up with once I get that project completed.
Georgiana, Thanks for the embed info. Too bad my blog is so narrow. It cuts some of it off, but I'm leaving it in there regardless. You'll have to let me know what you think of the movie once you've seen it. Two of my daughters went on the weekend to see it with friends, everyone but my middle daughter liked it. She thought it was boring. What is wrong with her? I ask.
Here's the strange thing: When I came to your blog from Bloglines, the video didn't show up at all! Now that I've clicked over from email, I see it. LOL, I have no clue how to get the whole thing inside. Hmm....
Georgiana, I think it's timing. I just followed your instructions to embed it. Your first visit was before I managed to load it.
Somebody else that does GMC! I remember attending a workshop Debra Dixon held back in the 90s where she said the workshop would take away our enjoyment of movies because we'd be analyzing everything we saw. She was right!
Stephanie, I'm always thankful for enjoying first, and then getting into the analysing.
I love to analyze movies. I've been dissecting Appaloosa with Viggo Mortenson and Ed Harris. I read the book and learned more about showing vs. telling and dialogue than I have in any workshop or critique. It's no for the faint of heart, but the characters are unforgettable.
Erica, Appaloosa I have not seen. What's it about?
Eileen: i don't analyze movies like I do books, but we saw a great one last weekend: "Mrs. Minerva" with Greer Garson. It's old, but we like those kind.
Excellent characterization, several surprizes, and a terrific ending.
BTW, the words to the song "Mighty Peace" which you asked me to share, are on my blog post today.
Blessings,
Jen
Laughing! Out! Loud! What a fun preview. And what a great idea to dissect a movie!
I just love Sandra Bullock and really need to see this movie.
I love to watch movies for inspiration and technique. If the characters stay with me after the movie is over I know it was well written.
Eileen: if you're still looking to get the video to fit in this column, go back to YouTube. Next to the text box with the embed code, click on the Customize button (with a gear icon). A box will appear below that and you can pick the colors and, below that, the size of the video player. Go with the smallest one. It'll still be too big for the post column, but it'll cut the overhang by half.
Today's my five-year anniversary, but I don't think I can talk my husband into seeing this movie ;) .
Thank you so much Jordan. You bloggers are awesome! It worked, and it fit too.
Happy Fifth Anniversary!! And if it helps, tell your hubby mine really enjoyed it too. If your dh happens to be a mathie, actuary type, who likes a good laugh, maybe he would enjoy this one too.
Oh, I'd love to go see that movie! I love movies that make me laugh like that! Thanks for the heads-up that it's worth the watch!
Appaloosa is a western, two men make a living going into lawless towns and cleaning them up.
Post a Comment