Legends are timeless tales. They have been woven into every culture since the dawn of time, and have this incredible way of captivating our collective imagination. They're like windows into the past, giving us glimpses into what our ancestors believed, feared, hoped for, and dreamed about. Continue reading What is a Legend — Definition, Types and Examples
Few filmmakers are able to imbue simple, grounded genre stories with as much dramatic heft and visual style as Michael Mann. One of the “neon-noir” innovator’s greatest cinematic achievements is his action-thriller Collateral (2004). If Heat was Michael Mann’s masterwork of the ‘90s, then the Collateral movie was his masterwork of the ‘00s and, arguably, his last great film to date. Collateral was Mann’s most successful film in terms of box office earnings. The film was made for a budget of approximately 65 million dollars and brought in a massive return of over 220 million dollars. Let’s take a look…
The Office has found its way into audiences' hearts well after its series finale. The show has stood the test of time thanks to its dry humor, clever writing, and likable characters. Well, some likable characters. In the Season 3 of The Office, one character became more annoying and disagreeable than any other, yet somehow lasted until the series finale. How? This is how the writers of The Office constructed the fall and rise of the Nard Dog, Andy Bernard.Continue reading Andy Bernard: The Office’s Most Unlikely Likable Character
Have you ever seen a movie, walked out, and said, “That was awfully good?” Ever said something was your “only choice,” or that your homework was "completely unfinished”? Believe it or not, you’ve already used oxymorons in your everyday life, and maybe you didn’t even know it! Read on to learn more about examples of oxymorons, from daily life to oxymoron examples in Romeo and Juliet! Continue reading Oxymoron Examples in Literature, Poetry, Lyrics & More
As to the adjective, when in doubt, strike it out.” The great American writer Mark Twain said these wise words, and they’re as true today as when he said them. The best writers know it’s an art to tell a story efficiently, avoiding overly flowery language without sacrificing emotion, meaning, or sophistication. This is especially true in film, where writers must work within a page limit. This is why it’s important to understand what purple writing is, and how to avoid it. Continue reading What is Purple Prose in Writing — Do’s & Don’ts Explained
Photography is the truth. The cinema is truth twenty-four times per second.” Legendary French director Jean-Luc Godard said this famous quote, emphasizing his belief that film is about truth. And truth is what verisimilitude (your new favorite cocktail party word!) is all about. Read on to find out what it is, and how you can use it to create stories that feel true. Continue reading What is Verisimilitude — Definition & Writing Tips
How do you want to be remembered after you die? While this question might seem morbid, it is an inevitable inquiry that invites us to look deeper into both our own identity and our collective mortality. The art of using language in a concise way that speaks to this question is the art of the epitaph. Continue reading What is an Epitaph – Definition and Examples
Do you have dreams of being the greatest writer to ever grace the planet? Good writers know when to exaggerate, and when to lay low with their prose. This is why it’s important to understand what hyperbole is, and how and when to use it, or when to avoid it. (And after you read this article, you’ll be able to identify the example of hyperbole hidden in that first sentence!) Read on to learn about hyperbole’s meaning and see examples. Continue reading Hyperbole Examples in Speech, Literature, and Poetry
By the time I was caught, I was considered the youngest and most daring con man in US history.” This is the incredible opening line to Steven Spielberg’s 2002 film “Catch Me If You Can.” The movie is based on a biographical book written by Frank Abagnale Jr. - played in the movie by Leonardo DiCaprio. His book was an autobiography, telling the story of his own life. Some of the most iconic movies and books ever written are based on biographies and autobiographies. After reading this article, you’ll understand what biographies are, biographies vs. autobiographies, and more. Continue reading…
No story can exist without characters. Think of your favorite book or TV show. You likely already have a favorite character, right? That means - perhaps even without knowing it - you’ve already engaged with the world of fictional characters! But what does fictional character mean, and what are some of the all-time great fictional characters from literature, television, and film? Read on to find out the answer to the question “what is a fictional character?” Continue reading What is a Fictional Character — Definition & Types
