John Warren is a screenwriting professor at NYU. This film school has many famous graduates, including Spike Lee, and the course is FREE. Check it out at https://youngscreenwriters.teachable.com
John answered a question of mine at one of his Friday chats. The question was, "You've taught many young screenwriters over the years. What separates those that made it and those that did not?"
His answer: WORK. He spoke a few months earlier with a former student that had loads of talent. "What are you writing?" "Well, nothing right. I'm waiting for inspiration." John said he had a chance to speak with screenwriting legend William Goldman (Butch Cassidy; Misery; and many others) and asked him his 'secret.' Work every day. "I'm in my office at nine a.m. and don't leave it until five p.m."
It's a challenge, yes, but for those waiting for the muse, inspiration, etc., it's a message to just sit ass in chair and write.
Friday, April 24, 2020
Tuesday, April 21, 2020
The Stan Daniels Turn
Stan Daniels passed away in 2007. He was best known for winning 8 Emmys on THE MARY TYLER MOORE SHOW and TAXI (which he co-created). He wrote a musical based on the Carl Reiner novel ENTER LAUGHING and was a great talent.
My book on comedy writing referred to a specific type of joke as an "immediate reverse." Further study reveals it was first dubbed the "Stan Daniels turn" years ago.
From his website (maintained by his family as a tribute:
"Stan was credited with introducing a particular type of joke that’s come to be known as “the Stan Daniels turn.” When a character says something and then unintentionally and unconsciously contradicts himself a moment later, the humor results from the character’s lack of awareness of the contradiction."
That's a bit complex, but let's see a classic example. I'm not sure if Stan wrote this joke personally but it's a great joke:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUtshfek8R4&feature=youtu.be&t=784
This joke - perfectly delivered by Ted Knight - has a strong assertion by the character. Then, new information. Then, immediate reverse. Classic.
As a final tribute in this blog post to Stan, here he is doing the warm-up for the MTMS audience:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUPWMBZIU0w
Stan was a great talent and will be missed.
My book on comedy writing referred to a specific type of joke as an "immediate reverse." Further study reveals it was first dubbed the "Stan Daniels turn" years ago.
From his website (maintained by his family as a tribute:
"Stan was credited with introducing a particular type of joke that’s come to be known as “the Stan Daniels turn.” When a character says something and then unintentionally and unconsciously contradicts himself a moment later, the humor results from the character’s lack of awareness of the contradiction."
That's a bit complex, but let's see a classic example. I'm not sure if Stan wrote this joke personally but it's a great joke:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUtshfek8R4&feature=youtu.be&t=784
This joke - perfectly delivered by Ted Knight - has a strong assertion by the character. Then, new information. Then, immediate reverse. Classic.
As a final tribute in this blog post to Stan, here he is doing the warm-up for the MTMS audience:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUPWMBZIU0w
Stan was a great talent and will be missed.
Friday, April 17, 2020
The PSYCHO Protagonist?
Who becomes the protagonist of PSYCHO after Marion Crane is killed?
Robert McKee in STORY states that there's a joint protagonist of the sister (Lila Crane played by Vera Miles) and Detective Arbogast (played by Martin Balsam).
I, however, believe that the protagonist becomes... Norman Bates.
Marion's death is a shock as we'd never seen the protagonist killed in a film. The shocking murder was all the more shocking as the leading lady was killed before our eyes. Following that, Norman discovers what "Mother" has done and he's forced to clean up the mess. We sympathize with Norman and even root for Marion's car to completely submerge as he covers up the crime.
As the Detective/sister team investigates and closes in on the mystery of Marion's disappearance, our sympathy is with Norman. He's a good son with a crazy Mother doing what can to stop her while protecting her. Look, for example, at the scene where Detective Arbogast finds Marion's signature and points it out with Norman. Are we rooting for the Detective in that scene? I'd say, "No."
This makes the Mother skeleton scene all the more shocking. Lila Crane tries to warn Mrs. Bates and we see that she's been long dead. Then Norman/Mother attacks and we add it all up. The protagonist we'd been rooting for is, in fact, the killer -- the Pyscho. That's TWO amazing reversals in one film.
The regrettable denouement psychiatrist exposition scene wasn't needed. It did, however, give us that final Norman smile/skeleton shot. A great film.
Look also for the 2015 documentary on the impact of the Hitchcock/Truffaut interview book with the filmmakers it influenced.
Robert McKee in STORY states that there's a joint protagonist of the sister (Lila Crane played by Vera Miles) and Detective Arbogast (played by Martin Balsam).
I, however, believe that the protagonist becomes... Norman Bates.
Marion's death is a shock as we'd never seen the protagonist killed in a film. The shocking murder was all the more shocking as the leading lady was killed before our eyes. Following that, Norman discovers what "Mother" has done and he's forced to clean up the mess. We sympathize with Norman and even root for Marion's car to completely submerge as he covers up the crime.
As the Detective/sister team investigates and closes in on the mystery of Marion's disappearance, our sympathy is with Norman. He's a good son with a crazy Mother doing what can to stop her while protecting her. Look, for example, at the scene where Detective Arbogast finds Marion's signature and points it out with Norman. Are we rooting for the Detective in that scene? I'd say, "No."
This makes the Mother skeleton scene all the more shocking. Lila Crane tries to warn Mrs. Bates and we see that she's been long dead. Then Norman/Mother attacks and we add it all up. The protagonist we'd been rooting for is, in fact, the killer -- the Pyscho. That's TWO amazing reversals in one film.
The regrettable denouement psychiatrist exposition scene wasn't needed. It did, however, give us that final Norman smile/skeleton shot. A great film.
Look also for the 2015 documentary on the impact of the Hitchcock/Truffaut interview book with the filmmakers it influenced.
Tuesday, April 14, 2020
The Casting of Blazing Saddles Waco Kid
Check out the posts above and then come back to read this blog...
These claims Young was only up for the role. However, in a bio of Young, his agent claimed that casting Young was part of the deal with Warners and Brooks was forced to accept him. He was definitely cast in the role, as photos exist of him on the set in costume. They are impossible to find online -- I saw them in an E channel tabloid show about Hollywood scandals. But I can't find the Young episode on the net.
Then, old-time star Dan Dailey was offered the part (some claim Dailey was pre-Young, but I think that's wrong). DD accepted, then dropped out the next day. (Like Young, he was a serious drunk). Then Wilder.
I can't understand why people don't see Wilder was miscast. Why not cast Don Rickles in the Slim Pickens role? (actually, that sounds like a much funnier idea than Wilder as the Waco Kid). There were dozens if not hundreds of better fits for the role. All the old western actors: Neville Brand, Richard Boone, Chuck Connors, Clint Walker (who actually showed some comic ability in a few roles), Ben Johnson (then enjoying a career revival thanks to Last Picture Show), etc... Or maybe even my dream choice:
Roy Rogers.
He was willing to spoof himself (Son on Paleface) but of course, BS was far too raunchy for his public image. (He turned down the offer to close out Woodstock by singing "Happy Trails" after Hendrix. No, I am not kidding. He was worried how being associated with the counterculture would affect public perception, as well as fearing that the hippies might even boo him. He didn't realize how beloved he was with baby boomers). He even refused to do a guest shot on 'Wonder Woman' unless Lynda Carter wore a less revealing costume. So she was forced to wear a solid blouse for that one episode only. (See the above pic.)
All this is in stark contrast to Roy's offstage rep as having banged half the women in the country music biz (there's a 'WW' publicity photo where he does the ol' sneaky wraparound w/Lynda). In fact, bringing us full circle from Gig Young, one of his sidepieces would lead to murder:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spade_Cooley
Wilder was contacted by Brooks who was panicking and agreed to take the part. Brooks may also have felt that playing the role completely straight (like ZAZ would later do) might be too subtle for audiences. Blazing Saddle remains a classic and it's fun to consider the casting alternatives, including Richard Pryor as the Sheriff. Brooks' original intent is understandable and far riskier than the eventual film.
Friday, March 27, 2020
Groucho Marx Intervewed by David Steinberg
Rare American TV show (posted by a German fan). The musical appearances were removed and cut down to all Groucho. Worth a watch. Pre-stroke Groucho was still quickwitted.
From here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gby5cQuC5Wk&feature=youtu.be
From here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gby5cQuC5Wk&feature=youtu.be
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