The Cynic’s Guide to Film and Literary Criticism
Here is a cynic’s guide to film and literary criticism. Â It’s actually quite funny and often true:
Enchanting : there’s a dog in it.
Heartwarming : a dog and a child.
Heartrending : they die.
Coming-of-age story : child lives. Dog dies.
Thoughtful : tedious.
Thought-provoking : tedious and hectoring.
Haunting : set in the past.
Exotic : set abroad.
Prize-winning : set in India.
Perceptive : set in NW3.
Epic : editor cowed by writer’s reputation.
From the pen of a master : same old same old.
His/her masterpiece : Eye-watering advance
In the tradition of : shamelessly derivative.
Provocative : irritating.
Spare and taut : under-researched.
Richly detailed : over-researched.
Gripping: No characters
Fast-paced: No story
Shocking: Awful
Lyrical: Keep a dictionary handy.
Lyrical and poetic: Keep a bucket handy.
Expertly crafted: We have no idea what it’s about.
Create a visual map for a character’s emotional journey. Pull stories from character rather from rote story structure beats. Some of the largest international media companies, use this in story and character development.
A clear concise guide for writers and producers to have by their side as they embark on a project. It gives a really vital reminder of what is key for story success.
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