Why Is Quality Writing So Rare? | Robert McKee Answers
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- Опубліковано 14 бер 2022
- Original Post Date: November 13, 2012 - In this Q&A video from the archives, Robert McKee addresses a common complaint about Oscar-nominated screenplays, and discusses the relative scarcity of works of supreme quality.
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Quality anything is rare. It takes too many things to make quality happen
1. Learning/understanding/appreciating screenwriting is general subject. Writing is specific one. Each work is individual take and it aspires to be universal.. which is rare
2. Artistic excellence commercial viability is rare
3. The selection of quality subject which resonates with times is rare
4. Shelf life of a subject is very important as far as human condition is concerned.. some works only become good for particular time.. only rare ones remain at top
5. Disruption is one thing, showing/depicting issues that public likes because it has new take/perspective/people love the characters, theme, story & how a rare work resonates by serving the genre.. again, rare
Nonetheless, I love McKee sir answers.. best wishes to all
It would be great to know what are Robert's top 3 favorite screenplays. 'China Town' for sure is up on his list.
Casablanca also
If you read his book, it is clear that Chinatown, Casablanca, and another whose name escapes me....he dedicates large portions of chapters to excerpts from them so it is clear he considers them "up there."
The system we live in has created obstacles, which don't allow geniuses to become screenplay writers.
So inspiring! Thank you very much for this insightful answer.
Well, anyone capable of human feeling as a drive for change, and a bit of healthy self esteeme could, perhaps, take my comment as a call for actioin; a movement which could manifest the exploratory environment needed to foster creative minds. However, it's easier to criticize, as me, and you, ironically, have both shown here.
Straight to the point.
This is the first time I've ever seen Robert McKee talk, never heard of him until he was strongly recommended by a colleague an hour ago. While you aren't wrong about a lack of talent, it does not account for our observations; politics and money are more influential than talent at using airtime effectively. That's why you don't see talent in the movies or TV; they are not just fiction, they are untrue. Talent is not reliable? No, its just a priority. The movies are for profit and influence; a political deception or advertisement, in an entertaining way. Talent is not a factor in the Oscars anymore than when your plumber unclogs a drain, its their job and they are good, perhaps approaching great. And here, we DO agree, is simply a professional quality one would (or is told) expect for the Oscars.
I think the education system probably needs to focus on developing talent in arts. The world is too focused on developing talent in the sciences in the commerce neglecting the arts
I love Robert McKee. I took his wonderful seminar many years ago. It was an absolute joy! He is very smart and a great showman. But, as per his fabulous and engaging persona, I feel he is a little bit too over the top here.
So, I am left wondering, "What is the answer?" Is it proper storytelling and a discipline to the storytelling rules? Of all the works that are truly great, did they follow the rules (I shouldn't use rules) of storytelling?
From what I understand is, the rules are a doorway to the complex universe of storytelling. Once you are familiarized with the purpose of such formulas, and why they are important you become free to create your own plot solving challenges.
If a subject is good, it automatically covers all basic rules .. example: The Godfather writer never read a screenwriting book and after its success, Puzo read a book on screenwriting which he read and was surprised to read in book that if you want to write a great screenplay, read The Godfather!
Same for music, paintings, performance, etc., but the technology is improving which doesn’t need talent from God. 😂
Na tech does not have much talent
Disagree. Things are markedly worse these days than they used to be. It's noticeable. That was inherent in the question, and that remains unanswered.
Otherwise, good video