The Other McCain

"One should either write ruthlessly what one believes to be the truth, or else shut up." — Arthur Koestler

And Then, Inexplicably, the Villain Decides to Deliver an Arrogant Lecture …

Posted on | July 19, 2013 | 70 Comments

. . . a lecture just long enough to allow the seemingly doomed underdog hero to reach his 9-mm pistol and blast that son of bitch. Hero says sarcastic tough-guy line. Hero is embraced by vulnerable female lead amid wreckage. Roll credits over pop-music theme.

At some point, intelligent people grow up and get tired of seeing that same childishly simplistic action-hero movie over and over. But there is always a fresh crop of 13-old-boys in the multiplex theater too dumb to wonder why the Arrogant Villain always has a British accent, or why the Underdog Hero always has a Loyal Black Sidekick, and so forth.

Cinematic fantasy has a didactic function and the “lessons” that pop culture teaches impressionable young minds are mostly wrong.

Real life isn’t like the movies, and one of the things that Hollywood hero fantasies do best is to teach young people that they are inadequate and their own ordinary lives are so tedious and insignificant as to be essentially without meaning or purpose.

Your life is not exciting. You are not muscular and handsome. You are not combating evil and injustice. You are a loser and nobody likes you.

Watching too much crap like that — whether at the movies, on DVD or on TV — tends to deform the mind and warp the personality of young people too inexperienced and ignorant to understand that they are consuming a product whose producers are deliberately manipulating their perceptions, based on a canny assessment of their prejudices and psychological insecurities. Peter Suderman pulls back the curtain on the process to reveal the hidden mechanism:

If you’ve gone to the movies recently, you may have felt a strangely familiar feeling: You’ve seen this movie before. Not this exact movie, but some of these exact story beats: the hero dressed down by his mentor in the first 15 minutes (Star Trek Into Darkness, Battleship); the villain who gets caught on purpose (The Dark Knight, The Avengers, Skyfall, Star Trek Into Darkness); the moment of hopelessness and disarray a half-hour before the movie ends (Olympus Has Fallen, Oblivion, 21 Jump Street, Fast & Furious 6).
It’s not déjà vu. Summer movies are often described as formulaic. But what few people know is that there is actually a formula — one that lays out, on a page-by-page basis, exactly what should happen when in a screenplay. It’s as if a mad scientist has discovered a secret process for making a perfect, or at least perfectly conventional, summer blockbuster.
The formula didn’t come from a mad scientist. Instead it came from a screenplay guidebook, Save the Cat! The Last Book on Screenwriting You’ll Ever Need. In the book, author Blake Snyder, a successful spec screenwriter who became an influential screenplay guru, preaches a variant on the basic three-act structure that has dominated blockbuster filmmaking since the late 1970s.
When Snyder published his book in 2005, it was as if an explosion ripped through Hollywood. The book offered something previous screenplay guru tomes didn’t. Instead of a broad overview of how a screen story fits together, his book broke down the three-act structure into a detailed “beat sheet”: 15 key story “beats” — pivotal events that have to happen — and then gave each of those beats a name and a screenplay page number. Given that each page of a screenplay is expected to equal a minute of film, this makes Snyder’s guide essentially a minute-to-minute movie formula. . . .

Read the whole thing and understand this: The secret to not being manipulated is knowing that people are trying to manipulate you.

 

 

UPDATE: Y’know, I often include these Amazon book recommendations at the end of blog posts not merely because I get a small commission on each sale, but because a blog post is scarcely sufficient to explain some of the underlying ideas behind what I’m writing about. Notice that one of the recommendations is the 2004 book Andrew Breitbart co-wrote with Mark Ebner, Hollywood Interrupted, a scathing examination of the corrosive impact of celebrity culture. Andrew and I used to argue occasionally about which was the worse cesspool full of dishonest amoral selfish backstabbers, D.C. or Hollywood.

To-may-to,  or to-mah-to? But because Andrew Breitbart actually knew Bill Maher, he always won the argument.

There is no worse human being on the planet than Bill Maher.

Charles Manson is not a worse human being than Bill Maher.

Also recommended is Neil Postman’s brilliant 1985 book, Amusing Ourselves to Death. Postman was a man of the Left who hated Ronald Reagan and capitalism, not necessarily in that order. But his insights about the nature of television as a medium are essential. Postman was a disciple of Marshall McLuhan, who famously said, “The medium is the message,” and if you don’t know what that means — how the inherent nature of television exercises an influence distinct from its content — you really need to read that book. And you might also want to read the 2003 obituary of Neil Postman in the U.K. Guardian. Just sayin’ . . .

Finally, there is High Concept, about the sordid life of a Hollywood “success” story, Don Simpson:

[T]he short, insanely foolish life of producer Don Simpson (Flashdance, Top Gun, Bad Boys) stands as a larger indictment of Hollywood, and it’s hard to argue with him. For one thing, Simpson helped create Tom Cruise, Richard Gere, Will Smith, and Eddie Murphy, and his loud, high-concept, low-IQ school of filmmaking helped launch Arnold Schwarzenegger, Mel Gibson, and Bruce Willis to new heights (or depths).

Here’s a little clue: The price of Don Simpson’s drug habit was once estimated in excess of a half-million dollars a year. This was just “business expenses.” And did I mention the hookers?

Most people simply cannot imagine what kind of twisted freaks produce the entertainment they see on TV and in movies.

These depraved weirdos are not your moral superiors — unless you’re Bill Maher, in which case everyone is your moral superior.

 

Category: Culture, Movies

Comments

70 Responses to “And Then, Inexplicably, the Villain Decides to Deliver an Arrogant Lecture …”

  1. MrEvilMatt
    July 19th, 2013 @ 11:28 am

    And Then, Inexplicably, the Villain Decides to Deliver an Arrogant Lecture …: . . . a lecture just long enough… http://t.co/AxIklJSrxx

  2. Lockestep1776
    July 19th, 2013 @ 11:28 am

    And Then, Inexplicably, the Villain Decides to Deliver an Arrogant Lecture …: . . . a lecture just long enough… http://t.co/ci0XxfHkoV

  3. CHideout
    July 19th, 2013 @ 11:28 am

    And Then, Inexplicably, the Villain Decides to Deliver an Arrogant Lecture …: . . . a lecture just long enough… http://t.co/CNlI2uOhyT

  4. Citzcom
    July 19th, 2013 @ 11:28 am

    And Then, Inexplicably, the Villain Decides to Deliver an Arrogant Lecture …: . . . a lecture just long enough… http://t.co/4oSWIZ2dyF

  5. jwbrown1969
    July 19th, 2013 @ 11:28 am

    And Then, Inexplicably, the Villain Decides to Deliver an Arrogant Lecture …: . . . a lecture just long enough… http://t.co/BReWi5unz3

  6. Tex Lovera
    July 19th, 2013 @ 11:32 am

    Stacy, I don’t think this applies to just “action” flicks. Most movies aimed at a “diverse” audience” (meaning romantic comedies trying to pull in women) follow a very basic script with a very basic “rhythm”.

    And I bet the same guy wrote THAT book, too…

  7. robertstacymccain
    July 19th, 2013 @ 11:41 am

    “Shut up, punk,” says McCain, lighting a Marlboro. “Tough-guy heroes don’t consider alternatives.”

  8. RMNixonDeceased
    July 19th, 2013 @ 11:45 am

    And Then, Inexplicably, the Villain Decides to Deliver an Arrogant Lecture … http://t.co/W1PlVjPOYW

  9. rsmccain
    July 19th, 2013 @ 11:57 am

    And Then, Inexplicably, the Villain Decides to Deliver an Arrogant Lecture … http://t.co/RAbqxVK8Kx | Hat-tip @petersuderman #tcot

  10. rsmccain
    July 19th, 2013 @ 11:58 am

    BLAM! BLAM! BLAM! “Damn, I hate a formulaic screenplay.” http://t.co/RAbqxVK8Kx

  11. Raddmom
    July 19th, 2013 @ 12:01 pm

    RT @rsmccain: And Then, Inexplicably, the Villain Decides to Deliver an Arrogant Lecture … http://t.co/RAbqxVK8Kx | Hat-tip @petersuderman …

  12. Stogie Chomper
    July 19th, 2013 @ 12:28 pm

    There has long been a formula for successful fiction, and it is described in Joseph Campbell’s tome, “The Hero With a Thousand Faces.” That book describes the elements of myth, and films and books that make use of these elements have a much greater chance of success. Two movies that are sterling examples of these elements are “Witness,” with Harrison Ford and the Amish, and “Back to the Future.” Anyone who desires to write fiction should learn more about this.

  13. Josh_Painter
    July 19th, 2013 @ 12:28 pm

    RT @rsmccain: And Then, Inexplicably, the Villain Decides to Deliver an Arrogant Lecture … http://t.co/RAbqxVK8Kx | Hat-tip @petersuderman …

  14. Quartermaster
    July 19th, 2013 @ 12:39 pm

    The Marlboro thing is a nice touch. All heroes smoke Marlboro.
    I think that’s in the book too.

  15. rsmccain
    July 19th, 2013 @ 12:46 pm

    “There is no worse human being on the planet than @billmaher . Charles Manson is not a worse human being …” http://t.co/RAbqxVK8Kx

  16. scarymatt
    July 19th, 2013 @ 12:51 pm

    Yup, I was going to write something along the lines of, “Ever read a book? They’re all the same, too. There are no new ideas.”

    It comes down to presentation, most of the time. Of course, every year the fireworks are pretty much the same, and I enjoy the show every year. But I like having a non-exciting life, and enjoy fiction to escape that for a bit.

  17. robertstacymccain
    July 19th, 2013 @ 12:52 pm

    Books? Tough guys don’t read books! School is for sissies and weaklings.

    Obviously you haven’t watched enough movies.

  18. rsmccain
    July 19th, 2013 @ 12:53 pm

    HOLLYWOOD: “The price of Don Simpson’s drug habit was once estimated in excess of a half-million dollars a year.” http://t.co/RAbqxVK8Kx

  19. princy_lyn
    July 19th, 2013 @ 1:03 pm

    RT @rsmccain: “There is no worse human being on the planet than @billmaher . Charles Manson is not a worse human being …” http://t.co/RAb…

  20. rsmccain
    July 19th, 2013 @ 1:05 pm

    “Most people cannot imagine what kind of twisted freaks produce the entertainment they see on TV and in movies.” http://t.co/RAbqxVK8Kx

  21. Mm
    July 19th, 2013 @ 1:08 pm

    Another interesting book is “You’ll Never Eat Lunch in this Town Again,” by Julia Philips. An Academy Award winning producer at 29, she entered a downward spiral. All her old “friends” turned on her, and she wrote this book, naming names.

  22. tahDeetz
    July 19th, 2013 @ 1:11 pm

    RT @rsmccain: “Most people cannot imagine what kind of twisted freaks produce the entertainment they see on TV and in movies.” http://t.co/…

  23. thejamesongirl
    July 19th, 2013 @ 1:14 pm

    RT @rsmccain: “Most people cannot imagine what kind of twisted freaks produce the entertainment they see on TV and in movies.” http://t.co/…

  24. rsmccain
    July 19th, 2013 @ 1:15 pm

    My apologies to Charles Manson for comparing him to @BillMaher. That was unfair and uncalled for. http://t.co/RAbqxVK8Kx

  25. Kerrvillian
    July 19th, 2013 @ 1:16 pm

    RT @rsmccain: My apologies to Charles Manson for comparing him to @BillMaher. That was unfair and uncalled for. http://t.co/RAbqxVK8Kx

  26. Richard McEnroe
    July 19th, 2013 @ 1:34 pm

    NO HERO SMOKES IN HOLLYWOOD MOVIES ANYMORE. That’s hpw you know he’s a villain or ‘complex and conflicted.’

  27. Josh_Painter
    July 19th, 2013 @ 1:45 pm

    RT @rsmccain: “Most people cannot imagine what kind of twisted freaks produce the entertainment they see on TV and in movies.” http://t.co/…

  28. Richard McEnroe
    July 19th, 2013 @ 2:02 pm

    Stacy is obviously in the pay of Big Tobacco. Warn the Writer’s Guild.

    And he probably makes sure animals are injured in the production of his films, so better call the ASPCA tpp

  29. Josh_Painter
    July 19th, 2013 @ 2:05 pm

    RT @rsmccain: My apologies to Charles Manson for comparing him to @BillMaher. That was unfair and uncalled for. http://t.co/RAbqxVK8Kx

  30. dapo777
    July 19th, 2013 @ 2:06 pm

    RT @rsmccain: My apologies to Charles Manson for comparing him to @BillMaher. That was unfair and uncalled for. http://t.co/RAbqxVK8Kx

  31. BeccaJLower
    July 19th, 2013 @ 2:37 pm

    .@rsmccain: #Breitbart & I would argue– worst cesspool of dishonest amoral backstabbers, D.C. or H’wood? http://t.co/i0biSx19IZ @stranahan

  32. Tex Lovera
    July 19th, 2013 @ 2:52 pm

    Liked the update!!

  33. Steve Skubinna
    July 19th, 2013 @ 3:00 pm

    Seen “Thank You For Smoking?” There’s a bit where the tobacco lobbyist is seeing a Hollywood producer about placing his product and the guy says “Nowadays if somebody smokes in a movie, he’s either a psychopath or a European.”

  34. Steve Skubinna
    July 19th, 2013 @ 3:02 pm

    But the tough guy hero usually has a wienie friend who does read books, or more likely today, can hack into every computer on the planet. He’s the one who finds the vital piece of information that enables the tough guy to crack the case.

    See you still need knowledge. It’s just that movie tough guys outsource it.

  35. JeffWeimer
    July 19th, 2013 @ 3:10 pm

    I think this stylebook form of moviemaking is why I don’t care at all for most movies made since about 2007 or so – which would be right at the point after the Blake Snyder “Save the Cat” beat-sheet formula screenplays would have hit theaters as finished product.

  36. Richard McEnroe
    July 19th, 2013 @ 3:18 pm

    The other problem with the beat-sheet formula is how damned few writers and directors these days have any non-Industry life experience to replace it with. Seriously, with very few exceptions, if you try to talk to industry people about anything other than their business you will feel the IQ points draining down your neck…

  37. Quartermaster
    July 19th, 2013 @ 5:28 pm

    You don’t understand. Just smoking is heroic in itself, given the behavior of the tobacco Nazis

  38. Finrod Felagund
    July 19th, 2013 @ 6:47 pm

    The headline of this got me thinking of that scene in The Incredibles: “You sly dog! You got me monologuing!”

  39. thatMrGguy
    July 19th, 2013 @ 6:53 pm

    And Then, Inexplicably, the Villain Decides to Deliver an Arrogant Lecture … http://t.co/J48wEdOCJ6

  40. K-Bob
    July 19th, 2013 @ 6:54 pm

    Piffle. Those Greeks and their “tragedies.”. They only copied their plays from those crazy Macedonians, who got them from a stolen pile of clay Babylonian tablets. Hollywood is still copying them today, like they used to back when “cinematography” was new.

    The only thing “new” in any creative work is what you do that’s slightly different from all the versions that went before.

  41. andycanuck
    July 19th, 2013 @ 6:56 pm

    Well, Mr Bond, 35 years ago I could have been Odd Job. Prepare to die! By the way, who’s that hairy, Ewok-looking fellow with you?

  42. JeffWeimer
    July 19th, 2013 @ 7:12 pm

    My favorite Pixar movie by far. Which hit all the beats in the stylebook; but like Jurassic Park (which we saw again the other day) for example, it never felt like the stylebook was being forced on the story.

  43. JeffS
    July 19th, 2013 @ 7:21 pm

    Real Heroes don’t use 9mm, unless it’s in a 30 round magazine (minimum). They use .45 (Colt or ACP, it matters not), or .44 Magnum. .454 Casull is rarely offered, but certainly worth the wait.

  44. BobBelvedere
    July 19th, 2013 @ 7:35 pm

    RT @thatMrGguy: And Then, Inexplicably, the Villain Decides to Deliver an Arrogant Lecture … http://t.co/J48wEdOCJ6

  45. Richard McEnroe
    July 19th, 2013 @ 9:01 pm

    Don’t be too harsh on the monologuers. Auric Goldfinger pretty much ruined laconic with his “No, Mr. Bond, I want you to die!”

  46. rmnixondeceased
    July 19th, 2013 @ 9:52 pm

    I still prefer .22 short. Two behind the left ear in a crowded market, drop revolver and walk away casually …

  47. RMNixonDeceased
    July 19th, 2013 @ 9:52 pm

    “Real Heroes don’t use 9mm, unless it’s in a 30 round magazine (minimum). They use .45 (Colt or ACP, it…” — JeffS http://t.co/OxWfySbAFi

  48. RMNixonDeceased
    July 19th, 2013 @ 9:52 pm

    “I still prefer .22 short. Two behind the left ear in a crowded market, drop revolver and walk…” — rmnixondeceased http://t.co/OxovpCA3tc

  49. RMNixonDeceased
    July 19th, 2013 @ 9:54 pm

    “Books? Tough guys don’t read books! School is for sissies and weaklings…” — robertstacymccain http://t.co/PKsy6JMmk5

  50. RMNixonDeceased
    July 19th, 2013 @ 9:55 pm

    “You don’t understand. Just smoking is heroic in itself, given the behavior of the tobacco Nazis” — Quartermaster http://t.co/ErcHp3zITf